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.

For centuries, however, the Chinese had been perfecting the art of papermaking.

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

By the time he unvieled the wave for a national television audience, he had been perfecting it for years in smaller venues.

From New York Times • Oct. 19, 2017

Meanwhile, Mr. Patel’s brother, Preet, had been perfecting the undulating rhythms of ska, dancehall and rock steady with Mr. Terrana.

From New York Times • Jul. 8, 2016

After a warm-up performance by a pair of Michael Jackson impersonators, Mlimani Park Orchestra took to the stage, amid cheers, to present the same act it had been perfecting since 1978.

From New York Times • Feb. 18, 2014

His first Kindergarten was not a success until he was nearly sixty years old, but the idea had been perfecting itself in his mind more or less unconsciously for over thirty years.

From Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great - Volume 10 Little Journeys To The Homes Of Great Teachers by Hubbard, Elbert