speak
verb (used without object)
to utter words or articulate sounds with the ordinary voice; talk.
had been speaking
-
past perfect progressiveof speak.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.
Rev Melanie Prince, from the diocese of St Davids, said she had been speaking recently to members of the Anglican Church in Nigeria, about how they could help Christians in that part of the world.
From BBC ● Apr. 16, 2026
Gilruth said the justice secretary had been speaking about the overall approach to the issue and had quoted Prof Alexis Jay's views accurately in relation to what she had said in January.
From BBC ● Dec. 14, 2025
Tidmarsh later took down the post and said he had been speaking in a personal capacity.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 3, 2025
Europe's captain Luke Donald recently said he had been speaking to Garcia about the Spanish star returning to the tour and becoming eligible to play on the team.
From BBC ● Nov. 18, 2024
Jonathan pushed himself to his feet, then took a tentative step toward the one who had been speaking to him.
From "The Fighting Ground" by Avi
