follow
verb (used with object)
to come after in sequence, order of time, etc..
had been following
-
past perfect progressiveof follow.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.
Heather Watson had been following Murray's match on the television screens in the locker room while trying to focus on preparations for her own chance at a piece of history.
From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026
Miels, who was previously GSK’s chief commercial officer before succeeding former CEO Emma Walmsley, said the company’s oncology and business-development teams had been following Nuvalent for more than a year.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 10, 2026
Sabalenka said she had never crossed paths with the Canadian, but had been following her progress and liked what she saw.
From Barron's ● Jan. 23, 2026
Freelance photographer Ryan Murphy, who had been following Border Patrol’s convoys around Charlotte, documented the Panda Express arrest.
From Salon ● Jan. 14, 2026
Papa-Nnukwu asked, in his sudden way that made me realize he had been following every word spoken in Igbo.
From "Purple Hibiscus" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
