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
Faith came in presently from the garden, where, rather late in the day, she had been tying up the sweet peas and sunflowers Debby and Tom had planted.
From Anxious Audrey by Mabel Quiller-Couch
Whilst Mrs. Brown was talking, she had been tying up her parcel.
From Rachel Gray by Julia Kavanagh
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
