Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Raichik also learned that a reporter from the Washington Post had been knocking on her family members' doors and asking about her identity.
From Salon ● Apr. 16, 2023
Perfect Sting had been knocking on the door all year, finishing second in major races like the North America Cup and the Little Brown Jug.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 30, 2021
Roxana Mejia, of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 51, said she had been knocking on doors to support Warner for years.
From Washington Post ● May 5, 2021
Nesmith, like Tork, had been knocking around the music business before he was chosen for "The Monkees," and was able to contribute a cut or two to each Monkees album.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 22, 2018
He answered evasively that he had been knocking about, under several commanders, pretty well all over the place, which reply left me more mystified than ever.
From South African Memories Social, Warlike & Sporting from Diaries Written at the Time by Wilson, Sarah Isabella Augusta, Lady
