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.
Earlier that night, Bradshaw had painted a flower for a man whose wife had cancer and another for a friend.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 26, 2025
The San Francisco-based nonprofit, which began operating the shelter in 2021, claimed it had painted the outside of the hotel and removed deadbolt locks, but no work was actually performed, officials said.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 7, 2024
Pour some paint into the pan, and roll it around as if you had painted a room.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 22, 2024
A barrister for Mr Gordon disputed how the prosecution had painted the defendants as "callous and cruel".
From BBC ● Apr. 16, 2024
Someone had painted faces on the round tops, and they were dressed in overalls, or suits, or dresses—even a preacher’s outfit.
From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney
