learn
verb (used with object)
to acquire knowledge of or skill in by study, instruction, or experience.
had been learning
-
past perfect progressiveof learn.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 83-year-old confessional lyricist said in a statement that she had "been learning how to live with Parkinson's disease" and that she had also been treated for skin cancer.
From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026
She got on with people, had been learning to drive and loved music and books.
From BBC ● Feb. 21, 2025
Bratton had been learning the trumpet when he got that electric Silvertone guitar, which had an amplifier in the case.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 26, 2024
Tess had been learning to swim so that she could join her sister in the tradition of jumping in the nearby river after commencement.
From Seattle Times ● May 23, 2023
Ms. Gruwell thought it would tie in to what we had been learning in class.
From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers
