owe
verb (used with object)
to be under obligation to pay or repay.
have been owing
-
present perfect progressiveof owe.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.
It may have been owing to his seeing the Cubs for the second time — an opportunity his previous playoff opponents had had — or fatigue from pitching on three days’ rest.
From New York Times ● Nov. 2, 2016
The boys opened the yard gate with trepidation, fearful of the onslaught of some vicious watchdog, and more afraid than they would have been owing to the rascal Jack's ominous forecast of the possibilities.
From 'As Gold in the Furnace' A College Story by John E. Copus
But this might have been owing to those places on which the shadows would have fallen being faintly illumined by the reddish light of the horizon before mentioned.
From Harper's New Monthly Magazine, No. V, October, 1850, Volume I. by
Now Nelson has been sufficiently avenged; if insufficiently honoured: whatever account of vengeance may have been owing to him was settled at the time; though our debt of gratitude to him may be eternal.
From Punch - Volume 25 (Jul-Dec 1853) by Various
Whatever advantages," said he, "I have acquired, have been owing to some small degree of literary reputation.
From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 56, Number 350, December 1844 by Various
