sift
verb (used with object)
to separate and retain the coarse parts of (flour, ashes, etc.) with a sieve.
has been sifting
-
present perfect progressiveof sift (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Rosario Medina says that to find food for her grandchildren she has been sifting through dumpsters.
From BBC ● May 11, 2023
Cummins has been sifting through the debris at the home, keeping anything he finds intact — a doorknob, a key.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 17, 2021
Linares has been sifting through social media accounts looking for mentions of her son, who works in information technology at a hospital.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 8, 2021
Greg Laemmle, president of L.A.-based Laemmle Theatres, has been sifting through the paperwork before determining what to do with the capital from the recently approved grant.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 13, 2021
It is simply a homely attempt to let out a little of what has been sifting in these years past of this wondrous miniature Bible from John's pen.
From Quiet Talks on John's Gospel by S. D. (Samuel Dickey) Gordon
