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.

It was one of nine ships in the country's small naval fleet, and had been surveying an area of sea floor that had not been mapped in decades when it ran aground.

From BBC • Oct. 6, 2025

The UH60 helicopter, known as a Black Hawk, had been surveying the local area at the time it disappeared.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2024

The state-run China News Service said Chinese authorities had been surveying sites for lighthouses on five islands, known in English as North Reef, Antelope Reef, Drummond Island, South Sand and Pyramid Rock.

From Reuters • Aug. 7, 2014

The Washington Business Journal reported last month that The Post had been surveying users about potential options.

From Washington Post • Mar. 18, 2013

Four hours earlier, Schmidt of Athens had been surveying the same part of the heavens, and was able to testify that it was not visible there.

From A Popular History of Astronomy During the Nineteenth Century Fourth Edition by Clerke, Agnes M. (Agnes Mary)