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.
Khan's lawyers had petitioned the Supreme Court, saying Khan was in poor health and needed a medical examination, and the court on Tuesday ordered Khan hospitalised within two days.
From Barron's ● Aug. 20, 2026
Charles had petitioned Andrew to move into humbler accommodation and had even stopped paying for his private security to force his brother’s hand.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2025
As a parish councillor for Riccall, Mr Duggan had petitioned for changes to the layout of the A19 through the village as far back as 2007 and had called for a roundabout to be built.
From BBC ● Aug. 3, 2025
News outlets, including the Washington Post, CNN and the Associated Press, had petitioned to open the hearing to the public and unseal documents, arguing that it was in the public interest.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2024
The subject of slavery was introduced because some of the counties, alarmed by the Nat Turner insurrection, had petitioned for the gradual emancipation of the slaves or for abolition of slavery.
From "Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad" by Ann Petry
