reply
verb (used without object)
to make answer in words or writing; answer; respond.
had been replying
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past perfect progressiveof reply.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 thought we should thus escape observation, and I would not have to answer the same questions over and over again which I had been replying to for the last month.
From In Touch with Nature Tales and Sketches from the Life by Gordon Stables
Selpdorf who was seated opposite to him, had been replying to his grumbling questions as to the condition of the royal exchequer with a depressing account of the hopelessness of the situation.
From A Modern Mercenary by K. (Kate) Prichard
As they drove by the Corners the minister, who had been replying absently to Annabel's questions, suddenly stopped short in the middle of a sentence.
From Keziah Coffin by Joseph Crosby Lincoln
