turn
verb (used with object)
to cause to move around on an axis or about a center; rotate.
had been turning
-
past perfect progressiveof turn.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.
Montreal’s Claude Lemieux and Shayne Corson had been firing pucks into the empty net at the end of warmups, toying with the Flyers goalies, who had been turning the net around to prevent it.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 4, 2024
The aircraft, which had been turning toward the gate, went 30 feet off the pavement into snow, according to CNN.
From Washington Times ● Jan. 4, 2023
Some 53% said that in the face of the cost-of-living crisis, they had been turning to second-hand shopping as a way of saving money.
From BBC ● Dec. 21, 2022
Shares of the E.T.F. had been turning over at a daily volume of 300,000 to 500,000 for months.
From New York Times ● Apr. 8, 2022
She tried to enjoy the way the days had been turning warmer, the grass wilder and greener.
From "A Place to Belong" by Cynthia Kadohata
