run
verb (used without object)
to go quickly by moving the legs more rapidly than at a walk and in such a manner that for an instant in each step all or both feet are off the ground.
had been running
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past perfect progressiveof run.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.
Graham had been running for re-election in November, and had the Republican Party's nomination.
From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026
That resulted in the departure of Marianne Lake, who had been running the consumer bank and for years was viewed as the most likely candidate to take over for Dimon.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026
The inquiry heard the trust had been running communication campaigns warning staff against inappropriate data access for several years before its investigations.
From BBC ● May 27, 2026
While Buffett was CEO, Combs and Weschler each had been running about 5% of the portfolio with Buffett handling the rest.
From Barron's ● Apr. 21, 2026
Some of the team had been running all summer, but me being in swim shape, with what Coach Rosset called swim lungs, helped out enough to keep me with the pack, anyway.
From "The Miseducation of Cameron Post" by emily m. danforth
