write
verb (used with object)
to trace or form (characters, letters, words, etc.) on the surface of some material, as with a pen, pencil, or other instrument or means; inscribe.
was writing
-
past progressiveof write.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.
He decided while he was writing the agency’s crypto rules that he would not benefit from them, and he has kept to that position since he left the CFTC.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 27, 2026
While making small talk with series star and creator Rob Mac in the event’s green room, Sepinwall casually mentioned he was writing about Rod Serling, creator of “The Twilight Zone.”
From Salon ● Oct. 10, 2026
By her teens, she was writing her own music.
From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026
It started when I was writing an angry email to my insurance company.
From Slate ● Sep. 27, 2026
Then she quickly returned to a math problem she was writing on the board.
From "The World According to Humphrey" by Betty G. Birney
