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.
Maybe “Hag” was knocking on my door, trying to manifest the fate I’d been so quick to refuse.
From Salon ● Apr. 5, 2026
In 2024, Fritz was knocking at the door, though.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 9, 2026
"I didn't feel an immediate physical threat. No one was knocking on my door, I wasn't jailed or tortured."
From Barron's ● Mar. 5, 2026
By the time the call was over PC George Van Der Wart was knocking on the door of the Sharif family home in Woking.
From BBC ● Dec. 11, 2024
This time a series of smaller thumps, like someone was knocking in return.
From "Beyond the Bright Sea" by Lauren Wolk
