finish
verb (used with object)
to bring (something) to an end or to completion; complete.
had been finishing
-
past perfect progressiveof finish.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The veteran journalist for the health website STATnews.com had been finishing a project on an Ebola vaccine.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 12, 2020
According to the host, Farrow had been finishing a story in his green room.
From Slate ● May 9, 2018
He had been finishing a predecessor’s term and will now have his own six-year term after Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo reappointed him to the job.
From New York Times ● Jun. 24, 2015
Thames Valley Police said Mr Sheppard, from Leighton Buzzard, had been finishing work and other staff had left by 17:00 GMT.
From BBC ● Dec. 2, 2014
Guy, who never spared trouble, had been finishing a chalice begun before his recent journey to the south.
From In the Days of the Guild by Louise Lamprey
