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.

He had been protecting the family from her mother’s decline.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 13, 2025

The Ukrainian soldiers who had been protecting the hospital had vanished.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 21, 2022

He told her that he had been protecting a man he referred to as “the boss,” and that he had limited cell connection, but wanted to check in.

From New York Times • Jul. 11, 2021

Kristi Toliver, playing without the brace on her right knee that had been protecting a healing bone bruise and strained medial collateral ligament, had 18 points and five assists.

From Washington Post • Sep. 29, 2019

The Athena Parthenos had been protecting the demigods, holding back the wrath of the earth, but even Athena’s might could only last so long against a primordial goddess.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan