do
verb (used with object)
to perform (an act, duty, role, etc.).
was doing
-
past progressiveof do.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Wadadli’s jerk chicken, usually a summer craze, was doing numbers in March and April.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026
Abbas Khalil, 60, said he was doing his early morning Islamic prayers when the strike hit.
From Barron's ● Aug. 15, 2026
Flores’ attorneys have argued that his actions were allowed under the California Invasion of Privacy Act because he was doing so in the course of his duties as a police officer.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2026
Mathipa's daughter Basetsana puts it starkly: "We need justice. I'm never going to see my dad anymore... Why my dad? Because he was doing his job."
From BBC ● Aug. 9, 2026
Togbe was gone and Ma was doing all she could, but as we had seen, it was too much for her.
From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo
