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.
But for a while after seeing your video, I was sponging down my milk cartons in bleach.
From Slate ● Nov. 30, 2020
As he was sponging one of them with soapy water, a Vietnamese woman raced into the room.
From Salon ● Mar. 29, 2015
“I was sponging her with cold water, and suddenly she started talking fast and pointing at things I couldn’t see!” said Klenam.
From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo
Then, with a thrill of horror, he realized that someone was sponging his forehead in the dark.
From "Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets" by J. K. Rowling
Ned ran to it, and soon Frank was sponging Bob's face with cool water.
From The Boys of Bellwood School by Frank V. Webster
