use
verb (used with object)
to employ for some purpose; put into service; make use of.
had been using
-
past perfect progressiveof use.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.
The military had been using Claude across a range of classified and sensitive systems.
From Barron's ● Aug. 28, 2026
A plastic bag she had been using to dye her hair when they had left for the beach was still on her head.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
Although his classmates had been using their phones to get information for their studies, they were also wasting time on social media.
From Barron's ● Aug. 13, 2026
Sam Knight had been using it on Cefn Sidan Beach, Carmarthenshire, with his family and stepped on sand that was still hot.
From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026
The phrase “seeing the elephant” meant going into battle. ik In 1862, Union troops were given small single-man tents to replace the large, heavy tents they had been using.
From "Lincoln's Last Days: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever" by Bill O'Reilly
