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.
That would further reduce oil flows since Iranian vessels have been sailing since the conflict started.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 13, 2026
Behind them is the Bel Espoir, a schooner vessel on which the youths -- whether from Libya and Egypt or France and Bosnia -- have been sailing the Mediterranean to promote peace.
From Barron's ● Oct. 18, 2025
Thousands of African migrants have been sailing across the Red Sea toward the oil-rich Gulf each year, seeking to escape conflict, natural disasters and poor economic prospects.
From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2024
Some have been sailing for decades, others just a year or two.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 21, 2023
This last is an important item in the consideration of the circumstances under which the "gem of art, old master, Cremona, real Strad," or whatever title the wooden structure may have been sailing under.
From The Repairing & Restoration of Violins 'The Strad' Library, No. XII. by Horace Petherick
