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 couple had been snorkeling when he saw a shark swim by but could not see his wife.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 9, 2022
Taomoto says the man had been snorkeling alone when beachgoers found him unresponsive and floating face down in the water.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 22, 2018
Police said he had been snorkeling with his family at Hapuna Beach when the 10-to-12-foot shark attacked.
From Washington Times ● Mar. 19, 2015
Franklin, had been snorkeling with their daughter Missy, then just under 3, when the toddler suddenly gave chase to a beautiful fish as it headed out to sea.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 22, 2012
