select
verb (used with object)
to choose in preference to another or others; pick out.
had been selecting
-
past perfect progressiveof select.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.
It happened that Nordness had been selecting and photographing 102 works to reproduce in color in a forthcoming book aimed at showing all phases of contemporary U.S. painting.
From Time Magazine Archive
While this was going on the warriors had been selecting some light and sharp arrows and stringing their bows.
From Alfgar the Dane or the Second Chronicle of Aescendune by A. D. (Augustine David) Crake
During three or four months previous to the expedition, Cavaignac had been selecting and retaining as guides whatever Saharians he could find acquainted with that part of the desert he intended to traverse.
From Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, No. 452 Volume 18, New Series, August 28, 1852 by Robert Chambers
In each hand she held an egg—she had been selecting two big ones for an omelet.
From The Tangled Threads by Eleanor H. (Eleanor Hodgman) Porter
If an artist had been selecting a dress for me he would probably have chosen that one.
From Her Father's Daughter by Gene Stratton-Porter
