sweep
verb (used with object)
to move or remove (dust, dirt, etc.) with or as if with a broom, brush, or the like.
had been sweeping
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past perfect progressiveof sweep.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.
The plans for Akon City had been sweeping.
From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2025
An eyewitness told police that Ma had been sweeping when Perez engaged her in an argument.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 19, 2022
When they started constructing the quilt, the omicron variant had been sweeping across the D.C. region.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 8, 2022
Moore denied harassing the neighbor and said he had been sweeping a flight of stairs leading to his apartment unit and throwing out the trash.
From Fox News ● Nov. 2, 2021
Apparently, the attacker was a V-gallery porter who had been sweeping the flats with a push broom.
From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover
