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
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
Harrell, 24, said he had been observing the house’s outdoor baby-themed decorations.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 23, 2021
For months police had been observing him, waiting for him to commit an offence.
From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2020
Until that time, I had been observing fewer and fewer Arkansas National Guard troops inside school each day.
From "Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High" by Melba Pattillo Beals
