sort
noun
a particular kind, species, variety, class, or group, distinguished by a common character or nature.
had been sorting
-
past perfect progressiveof sort.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 his first interview since it became public, Shapps told the BBC erring on the side of caution was "entirely justified", adding his focus had been "sorting out the mess and saving lives".
From BBC ● Jul. 18, 2025
Lesya Tenderyak, who works in accounts payable, paused to explain why she had been sorting and packing seven days a week.
From New York Times ● Mar. 11, 2022
He had a seat on an N.C.A.A. infractions committee and had been sorting through complicated rules violations.
From New York Times ● Dec. 31, 2021
Still, just in case, I had been sorting through training plan options.
From Slate ● Jun. 24, 2020
Upon the table at which she was writing, books were piled, and a package of old letters that she had been sorting, and choosing some to burn, among which were two from Felix Harrison.
From Tessa Wadsworth's Discipline A Story of the Development of a Young Girl's Life by Jennie M. Drinkwater
