have
verb (used with object)
to possess; own; hold for use; contain.
had been having
-
past perfect progressiveof have.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.
I had been having a strange feeling of pins and needles in my face and was convinced it was a problem with my wisdom teeth.
From BBC ● Aug. 28, 2026
Army had been having recruiting problems, and one way it chose to combat them was to raise the enlistment age last month, from 35 to 42.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 22, 2026
Trump said the White House had been having “very good and productive” discussions with Iran’s government.
From MarketWatch ● Mar. 26, 2026
The stakeouts had been having some success, until recently.
From Slate ● Oct. 27, 2025
John Jaax had been having difficulties with his partner in the plastic business, a man named John Weaver, and Kansas City Homicide looked at the partner as a suspect.
From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston
