set
verb (used with object)
to put (something or someone) in a particular place.
had been setting
-
past perfect progressiveof set.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.
In recent months, the union had been setting the stage for a second.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 12, 2024
Russia had been setting conditions to withdraw from the deal for some time, the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank said.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 30, 2022
Nonetheless, the 400 free at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which had been setting up as a two-way battle for gold between Titmus and Ledecky, may have just gained a third contender.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 18, 2022
Baldwin and Hutchins had been setting up for a shot where the actor was supposed to draw the gun and point it at the camera, according to the actor.
From Fox News ● Dec. 5, 2021
If, in fact, we had been setting a trap for her, I bet she'd have sensed it and avoided the berries.
From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
