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.
"I called the police and I asked for help. I can't understand why they were bullying my family. Nobody knows why."
From BBC ● Feb. 27, 2026
Singh said, “I didn’t really mind explaining it to them. But it wasn’t like they were bullying me or anything. They were pretty much like, ‘Yo, that’s pretty cool, that’s dope.’
From Washington Times ● Aug. 11, 2023
A South Carolina mother was arrested this week after coming into a middle school and approaching two sixth grade girls whom she claims were bullying her 11-year-old daughter online.
From Fox News ● Sep. 30, 2021
A bunch of older kids were bullying your BFF, and you came to her rescue.
From Slate ● Aug. 2, 2021
He liked Macdonald, who had taken his part once or twice when the other boys were bullying him, and he would have done anything to show his gratitude.
From Chatterbox, 1905. by Various
