supervise
verb (used with object)
to oversee (a process, work, workers, etc.) during execution or performance; superintend; have the oversight and direction of.
had been supervising
-
past perfect progressiveof supervise.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.
Comments on the social media pages of several news outlets wanted to know who had been supervising the children overnight, while some called for resignations.
From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026
The previous district attorney, Cyrus R. Vance Jr., who had been supervising the investigation for more than three years, left office at the end of the year.
From New York Times ● Jan. 3, 2022
The consultant Mr Moore had been supervising the surgery but had to leave to attend an emergency.
From BBC ● Mar. 4, 2020
Colonel Beach, 60, had been supervising the agency’s 3,200 uniformed troopers for the past three years.
From New York Times ● Jun. 9, 2016
John Faa had been supervising the unloading of the ship, and was keen to hear about the witch consul’s words, and even keener to learn of the bear.
From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman
