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.

Lois had been straightening Polly's dresser and discovered a note beside the pin cushion.

From Polly's Senior Year at Boarding School by Whitehill, Dorothy

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 Quiller-Couch, Arthur Thomas, Sir

Boyd had been straightening out the rent and basting it on a piece of stiff paper.

From The Girls at Mount Morris by Douglas, Amanda Minnie

Barrett, who had been straightening, crouched farther back on his haunches and lost his important air.

From King Spruce, A Novel by Day, Holman

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 Smith, Francis Hopkinson