inspect
verb (used with object)
to look carefully at or over; view closely and critically.
were inspecting
-
past progressiveof inspect.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.
On Friday, the sheriff’s department said investigators were inspecting the information in a new message regarding Nancy Guthrie.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 13, 2026
The statement on Telegram added that investigators were inspecting the scene and carrying out forensic analysis including "medical and explosive examinations".
From Barron's ● Dec. 24, 2025
Officials from the Internal Security Agency were inspecting various sites in Rzeszow, but primarily the water pipelines, where experts suppose the bacteria might be coming from.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 25, 2023
The country's marine authorities were inspecting the waters of Haifa Bay during the annual jellyfish migration, when its boat was surrounded.
From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2022
When I came back up the road, Mr. Dubonnet and Tom were inspecting the rocket with the other boys clustered around him.
From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam
