perform
verb (used with object)
had been performing
-
past perfect progressiveof perform.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.
Instead, mentalist Oz Pearlman had been performing and was interacting with Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the time of the incident.
From Salon ● Apr. 25, 2026
Opportunities might also be found in sectors that had been performing well—until the Iran war knocked them down.
From Barron's ● Mar. 13, 2026
Originally from Mexico City, the vivacious Godoy had been performing from an early age, long before “One Piece” was on the horizon.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 10, 2026
Before DHS, those 22 agencies had been performing distinct functions.
From Slate ● Jan. 15, 2026
Most of our recruits were ANC members who were active in the local branches, but we found that once they were working for MK, they stopped doing the local work they had been performing before.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
