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
He had been selecting plants for the windows of his apartment, and needed a reliable man to arrange them in suitable boxes.
From A Gentleman Vagabond and Some Others by Francis Hopkinson Smith
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
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
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
