pace
noun
a rate of movement, especially in stepping, walking, etc..
had been pacing
-
past perfect progressiveof pace.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.
Domestic commercial sales had been pacing, on average, about 12% higher than last year during the quarter.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 3, 2026
Witnesses told officers that the gunman had been pacing the train in an agitated manner and got into an argument with a woman seated near him, police said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 4, 2021
Witnesses described the shooter as a Hispanic male in a blue jacket who appeared agitated and had been pacing on the train.
From Fox News ● Oct. 10, 2021
Giants manager Bruce Bochy had been pacing in the dugout for a couple of innings as Moore's pitch count climbed — he missed most of the last two seasons after Tommy John surgery.
From US News ● Aug. 26, 2016
Francis had been pacing in the hall outside, prowling restlessly back and forth like a cat.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
