Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Thanks in part to The Flight's music, the game is so cinematic that fans have been petitioning for voice actor Patrick Gibson to play Bond in the forthcoming, Denis Villeneuve-directed film.
From BBC ● Jun. 13, 2026
Given the extent of the pollution, community members have been petitioning the state for years to test neighboring properties, including Hillside Elementary and a former industrial site that is being redeveloped into apartments.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 22, 2024
"I am believing that Mr. Tim O'Hare is an answered prayer of what we have been petitioning heaven for for the last year and a half."
From Salon ● Oct. 31, 2022
Fans have been petitioning for Disney to rehire Gunn, who was fired from the production after right-wing personalities unearthed a series of his old tweets that made light of rape and pedophilia.
From Slate ● Jul. 30, 2018
For thirty-five years they have been petitioning and holding conventions and demanding that certain relief should be granted them, to the extent of allowing them to exercise the right of suffrage.
From The History of Woman Suffrage, Volume IV by Ida Husted Harper
