observe
verb (used with object)
to see, watch, perceive, or notice.
had been observing
-
past perfect progressiveof observe.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.
“Thankfully, I had been observing and watching everything. But I was reading the script off-stage and then someone would push me onstage and say, ‘I’ll meet you stage left, wing one.’
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 22, 2026
A small team, including one source within the Venezuelan government, had been observing where the 63-year-old slept, what he ate, what he wore and even, according to top military officials, "his pets".
From BBC ● Jan. 3, 2026
The Chinese territory had been observing COVID-19 safety measures without any strict lockdowns until it found an imported coronavirus case on Oct.
From Reuters ● Nov. 7, 2022
He moved to Idaho in 2018 after separating from the Marines and discussed the shooting of protesters with a group member who had been observing Black Lives Matter rallies in Boise, Idaho, the indictment said.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 20, 2021
A bartender, who had been observing the two, asked quizzically from the shadows, “Yes?”
From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
