Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"I was going to try and make her flinch, so I leaned forward like I was fencing," he said.
From BBC ● Jun. 25, 2026
The local authority, Islington Council, said it was fencing off the site to protect the art and residents from the impact of visitors.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 27, 2024
Some 650 miles of barriers were eventually erected, though only about 350 miles was fencing.
From Washington Times ● Jun. 21, 2023
The sport was fencing, and Ibtihaj—her friends call her Ibti—began competing at thirteen.
From The New Yorker ● Mar. 4, 2016
Asiya had refused and took up basketball instead, but Faizah was fencing and excelling at the sport.
From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad
