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.
A black coat gaped open at the back - as if whoever had been stitching it ran out of thread or just gave up before finishing it.
From Reuters ● Sep. 12, 2013
Secretary of State Henry Kissinger had been stitching together suddenly threatened to unravel last week.
From Time Magazine Archive
As the Sister broke off the cotton with which she had been stitching the bandage, she stole a curious glance at her patient.
From Helbeck of Bannisdale — Volume II by Mrs. Humphry Ward
Then Philip appeared, hot and tired from digging; and Emily came with some needlework at which she had been stitching in the intervals of watching her brother.
From Littlebourne Lock by F. Bayford Harrison
Martha Rogers sat down again in the chair where she had been stitching the lavender bags, but she did not take up her work.
From Two Maiden Aunts by Mary H. Debenham
