straighten
verb (used with or without object)
to make or become straight in direction, form, position, character, conduct, condition, etc. (often followed by up orout ).
had been straightening
-
past perfect progressiveof straighten.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.
Down the railroad tracks swept a repair squad who had been straightening a switch, their foreman in the lead.
From Peter: a novel of which he is not the hero by Francis Hopkinson Smith
Kendrick, who had been straightening his tie before the glass, now swung around.
From The Profiteers by E. Phillips (Edward Phillips) Oppenheim
I looked up from the table where I had been straightening some magazines.
From People Like That by Kate Langley Bosher
He stopped, pushed a hand through his coarse black hair, and, as if suddenly tired, resumed the old, sidelong gypsy look that he had been straightening with an effort.
From Noughts and Crosses Stories, Studies and Sketches by Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch
Barrett, who had been straightening, crouched farther back on his haunches and lost his important air.
From King Spruce, A Novel by Holman Day
