sue
verb (used with object)
to institute a process in law against; bring a civil action against.
had been suing
-
past perfect progressiveof sue.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.
When Salmond died, aged 69, he had been suing the Scottish government over a botched investigation into harassment complaints made about him.
From BBC ● Feb. 24, 2026
Salmond had been suing over a botched investigation into harassment complaints made about him before he died of a heart attack in 2024.
From BBC ● Feb. 13, 2026
Lawyers for Mr Baum, who had been suing the TV personality for £150,000, confirmed a settlement had been agreed.
From BBC ● Jan. 30, 2023
Since 1982, patients had been suing implant manufacturers in court, with millions of dollars awarded in damages.
From Slate ● Jun. 9, 2022
I spoke with as much earnestness as if I had been suing in my own cause; but I was listened to with willing ears, and my suit was successful.
From The Wild Huntress Love in the Wilderness by Mayne Reid
