write
verb (used with object)
to trace or form (characters, letters, words, etc.) on the surface of some material, as with a pen, pencil, or other instrument or means; inscribe.
had been writing
-
past perfect progressiveof write.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.
In her school exercise book Marylyn Minett had been writing about the big events of the 1960s: a rocket launch, a volcano erupting and a shopping trip to Merthyr Tydfil with her auntie Pam.
From BBC ● Apr. 4, 2026
More importantly, it was completely different from the traditional cover letters I had been writing.
From Slate ● Oct. 6, 2025
Taylor Swift had been writing and releasing albums for six years before she landed her first No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2025
I had been writing one for quite some time for my children and my grandchildren.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 22, 2025
I had been writing down everything and had already filled several pages with descriptions and drawings.
From "Between Shades of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys
