determine
verb (used with object)
to conclude or ascertain, as after reasoning, observation, etc.
were determining
-
past progressiveof determine.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.
Spain's health ministry said officials were determining which passengers required urgent evacuation from Cape Verde, where the ship was docked.
From BBC ● May 5, 2026
The fire was discovered at around 6 a.m., but the back of the smoking trailer wasn’t opened until around 9 a.m. because authorities were determining the best way to extinguish the blaze.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 18, 2024
He cited as a guide the fight for marriage equality, which advanced significantly during a 20-year period when states were determining for themselves whether to permit or prohibit same-sex unions.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 14, 2022
State officials were determining what effect the court’s ruling could have on Hawaii, Gov. David Ige said.
From Washington Times ● Jun. 25, 2022
Supersonic aircraft and missiles were determining the course of the Cold War, but so too would “science textbooks and racial relations.”
From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly
