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.
“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
She had been reading studies and articles that showed psychedelic patients revealing truths they wanted to keep under wraps.
From Slate ● Feb. 10, 2024
I had been reading about Arthur Ashe’s exploit in the old tennis magazines Mrs. Smith regularly gave me.
From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane
