survey
verb (used with object)
to take a general or comprehensive view of or appraise, as a situation, area of study, etc.
was surveying
-
past progressiveof survey.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.
It was Monday and the officer, Shameem Sabbir, was surveying a seascape breaking into open conflict.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 9, 2026
Mohamed Aithadi, a Moroccan-American, was surveying the damage to a mosque in the medina on Saturday near where his mother is living.
From Reuters ● Sep. 10, 2023
O’Donnell’s husband was surveying the damage Monday morning to their orchard in Oak Glen, Willowbrook Farm, as well as another orchard in nearby Cherry Valley, Goodie Farm.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2023
His office was surveying farmers and preparing long-neglected government-owned land to be leased out.
From New York Times ● Nov. 8, 2022
He returned to where Sergio was surveying the gum and candy display under the counter while he waited.
From "Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story" by Nora Raleigh Baskin
