read
verb (used with object)
to look at carefully so as to understand the meaning of (something written, printed, etc.).
had been reading
-
past perfect progressiveof read.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.
By 2014, Karnofsky, who had been reading Yudkowsky’s writings with both interest and some skepticism for years, was becoming persuaded by arguments about the importance of protecting the world from rogue AI.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 27, 2026
“I realized it had been reading my scripts,” he said.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 28, 2026
Speaking to fellow US outlet NBC, Mr Timmerman said he had crossed the mountains between Lebanon and Syria on a "pilgrimage" and had "been reading the scripture a lot".
From BBC ● Dec. 12, 2024
Through the course of three to four months, Hsieh lobbied her father, sending him articles to counter the things he had been reading online or explaining patiently what the facts were.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 31, 2024
Unfortunately, we cannot identify G. W. with any confidence, but the likelihood is that he had been reading Hobbes.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
