Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The passenger ferry had been sailing from Bali to the next-door island of Lombok when it caught fire in the early morning hours.
From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026
The ship, which researchers had linked to Iranian oil transfers, had been sailing under a Gabonese flag.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 28, 2026
Flying Fish Arctos had been sailing approximately 30 nautical miles east/south-east of the NSW town of Ulladulla, the organisers said.
From BBC ● Dec. 26, 2024
Greece’s coast guard said 40 people were rescued by ships that had been sailing in the area, while another two people were later rescued by a Greek navy helicopter.
From Seattle Times ● May 16, 2024
They had been sailing in the Immortal’s boat for half a day when Irian left Nighthand, edged round the sail, and came to them.
From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell
