pass
verb (used with object)
to move past; go by.
had been passing
-
past perfect progressiveof pass.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.
Some of these were impulsive — yet heartfelt — attempts to "catch up" on a life that had been passing me by.
From Salon ● Oct. 4, 2023
He said four local residents were injured as they had been passing the school in Romny, which is part of the Sumy region.
From Reuters ● Aug. 23, 2023
For months, he had been passing coordinates of Russian army movements to friends connected to Ukrainian forces.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 10, 2023
Mikel Arteta's side had been passing tests all season, showing a new steel and resilience to answer lingering questions about their character, but the loss to City at Emirates Stadium on 15 February felt different.
From BBC ● Mar. 1, 2023
The girls had been passing the second canteen around, taking small, careful sips from it.
From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall
