tie
verb (used with object)
to bind, fasten, or attach with a cord, string, or the like, drawn together and knotted.
had been tying
-
past perfect progressiveof tie.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.
As a line that had been tying the raft to the boat started to come under tension, he cut it with a knife.
From New York Times ● Mar. 30, 2023
Plans to bring in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new musical, “Love Never Dies,” had been tying up the Neil Simon Theater until that show was postponed indefinitely; “Catch Me if You Can” is now going there.
From New York Times ● Dec. 1, 2010
Thus she was just in time to see him, standing at the mouth of the cave, clutching a heavy bag; he had been tying the mouth of it.
From The Everlasting Whisper by Jackson Gregory
Mr. Gorringe had been tying up his books and papers.
From The Damnation of Theron Ware by Harold Frederic
The men who had been tying sheaves stood about, some women and children were coming over the stubble, and several dogs lay in the shadow.
From Gone to Earth by Mary Gladys Meredith Webb
