had been hesitating
- past perfect progressive of hesitate.
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 admiral had been hesitating as to whether to risk his precious battleships any longer; No. 4 shell made it unnecessary for him to make up his mind.
From Time Magazine Archive
They said cruel things to each other: the result was that Christophe, who, till then, had been hesitating, only thought of hastening his preparations for his departure.
From Jean-Christophe, Volume I by Cannan, Gilbert
"Then I'll go, too," said Harding, who had been hesitating.
From Sir George Tressady — Volume II by Ward, Humphry, Mrs.
Josh had been hesitating, wondering whether he ought to make a suggestion that, springing from his generous heart, was already trembling on his lips.
From The Big Five Motorcycle Boys on the Battle Line Or, With the Allies in France by Marlow, Ralph
Ashbel, who had been hesitating through hope, vented a jeering laugh.
From Susan Lenox: Her Fall and Rise by Phillips, David Graham
