research
noun
diligent and systematic inquiry or investigation into a subject in order to discover or revise facts, theories, applications, etc..
had been researching
-
past perfect progressiveof research.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.
Teran, a 25-year Ford veteran, said staff at Hermosillo had been researching other tactics for scaring off pigeons, especially a cohort of birds that had built nests in the plant.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 27, 2026
“He was so excited,” Sharkody said, and had been researching how to set up a college fund for his niece before his death.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 24, 2024
Meanwhile, in Rome, Italian neurologist Ugo Cerletti had been researching epilepsy by electrically inducing seizures in dogs.
From Salon ● Sep. 4, 2023
Walker was an avid hiker and had been researching lost water features and trails, according to Domenica Megerdichian, the South Pasadena deputy city manager.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2023
I didn't mention the BBC News report, or that I had been researching Zimbabwe, or any of that.
From "I Will Always Write Back" by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda
