tremble
verb (used without object)
to shake involuntarily with quick, short movements, as from fear, excitement, weakness, or cold; quake; quiver.
had been trembling
-
past perfect progressiveof tremble.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 I left, I realized I had been trembling.
From New York Times ● Aug. 25, 2013
Sierra realized her hands had been trembling, clenched in tight fists.
From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older
He had been trembling so much when he handed her the small box he’d wrapped it in.
From "The Parker Inheritance" by Varian Johnson
Those who had been trembling at the thought of threatening dangers, now that the election had passed with unusual harmony, drew a deep breath.
From With Fire and Sword An Historical Novel of Poland and Russia. by Henryk Sienkiewicz
Jerome had been trembling with indignation at his mother's side.
From Jerome, A Poor Man A Novel by Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman
