shift
verb (used with object)
to put (something) aside and replace it by another or others; change or exchange.
had been shifting
-
past perfect progressiveof shift.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.
White attitudes inside the country also had been shifting.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 12, 2026
Rosen’s views on the death penalty had been shifting since the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 4, 2024
During that period, she had been shifting her experimental music towards a more feminist-oriented rock 'n' roll, as revealed in her 1973 albums "Approximately Infinite Universe" and "Feeling the Space."
From Salon ● Feb. 18, 2023
Companies such as sportswear brands Nike, Adidas and Puma had been shifting production from China to Southeast Asia to help cut down on manufacturing costs.
From BBC ● Mar. 21, 2022
Geels had been shifting slightly from foot to foot; now he went very still.
From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo
