order
noun
had been ordering
-
past perfect progressiveof order.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.
One Reddit user, who had been ordering groceries while caring for a partner with a concussion, described receiving three bags of parsley after three separate attempts to purchase cilantro.
From Salon ● Oct. 25, 2026
Yura was well aware that Russia's FSB security service had been ordering people to unlock their phones to reveal personal messages and contacts.
From BBC ● May 27, 2022
The new mayor was reeled into making the admission after Politico reported over the weekend that he had been ordering fish at restaurants.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 7, 2022
Thieu had been ordering just about everything to be held "at all costs."
From Time Magazine Archive
That sounded like what he had been ordering on the day Rufus called me.
From "Kindred" by Octavia Butler
