swear
verb (used without object)
to make a solemn declaration or affirmation by some sacred being or object, as a deity or the Bible.
had been swearing
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past perfect progressiveof swear.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.
Brown had said unmoved once, seeing the Yankee, who had been swearing under his breath, prepare to go down.
From Lord Jim by Conrad, Joseph
Finally the story was told and Johnny, who had been swearing vengeance on all "Greasers," asked one more question, grinning broadly: "An' what did Mary say?"
From Hopalong Cassidy by Mulford, Clarence E.
Some one started the phonograph, and Michaelis, who had been swearing all day that he would never be able to walk again, actually began to dance.
From Quin by Rice, Alice Caldwell Hegan
"Perhaps," suggested Miss Greene, "he had been swearing and had finished."
From Mrs. Korner Sins Her Mercies by Jerome, Jerome K. (Jerome Klapka)
I have heard him myself say to the King—‘Hold thy peace, lad!’ and the King took it as sweetly as if he had been swearing of allegiance.”
From In Convent Walls The Story of the Despensers by Irwin, M. (Madelaine)
