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.

And he had been racing and wrecked his car and sent me a picture of it wrapped with the poster of the movie.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

The 17-year-old from Cross Ash, Monmouthshire, had been racing downhill mountain bikes since he was eight, wanting to "go fast all the time", when he crashed before a race and pulverized one of his kidneys.

From BBC • Aug. 24, 2025

The CEO had been racing to finalize the deal to stem the defection of clients.

From Reuters • Jun. 21, 2023

Imports, which had been racing ahead in the first two months of the year, fell slightly last month, partly because of transportation snags.

From New York Times • Apr. 17, 2022

Inside my chest, my heart had been racing for what felt like hours, jumping with every shatter or thud from downstairs.

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken