Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Australian film star Rebel Wilson dismissed as "nonsense" claims she had bullied women on the set of her directorial debut film "The Deb", as she gave evidence in a Sydney court on Tuesday.
From Barron's ● Apr. 28, 2026
The episode unleashed broader complaints that Peskin for years had bullied colleagues and lower-level staff, and that people feared retaliation if they reported his behavior.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 17, 2024
Tolly also denied rumours she had bullied Milena, telling listeners: "One thing I'm not is a bully", adding she also isn't "allowed to be a victim".
From BBC ● Jan. 8, 2024
Britain’s deputy prime minister, Dominic Raab, resigned on Friday after an investigation found he had bullied subordinates.
From New York Times ● Apr. 24, 2023
She hadn’t expected her son’s illness to take this turn, and she feels helpless and angry, like the times Jorge had bullied Javier as a child.
From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García
