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 Gregory, Jackson

Mr. Gorringe had been tying up his books and papers.

From The Damnation of Theron Ware by Frederic, Harold

"I'd rather be doing this than shovelling coal," said the stoker, pointing to the cords hanging in his hands, with which he had been tying up the vines.

From Atlantis by Seltzer, Adele Szold