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.
The Saudi Arabian-flagged Sidr, which is a large crude carrier operated by the country’s national shipping company, Bahri, was struck as it was sailing east of Khasab, Oman.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 1, 2026
Ever Lovely was sailing the fastest, and therefore leading the group.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026
Six cases have been confirmed among the ship's passengers, including in one of the three who died while the Dutch vessel was sailing from South America.
From BBC ● May 9, 2026
The Hondius, now carrying close to 150 passengers, started out in Argentina on April 1 and was sailing north on a 33-day journey.
From Salon ● May 9, 2026
He checked the compass and saw that he was sailing just south of west—close to 250 degrees—and he mentally noted the direction.
From "The Voyage Of The Frog" by Gary Paulsen
