pass
verb (used with object)
to move past; go by.
were passing
-
past progressiveof pass.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.
Tehran could see that ships were passing through the strait—yet it wasn’t escalating.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026
At the Qasmiyeh bridge, gateway to the Tyre area that Israel has pounded in recent weeks, dozens of cars packed with mattresses and suitcases were passing through a Lebanese army checkpoint, passengers flashing victory signs.
From Barron's ● Jun. 15, 2026
A group of schoolchildren were passing through the area at a time and a school teacher was seen standing in front of them to protect them, according to local media.
From BBC ● May 28, 2026
These changes are not random; several pulsars in certain parts of the sky can show matching variations, as if a slow, invisible wave were passing through space.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 15, 2025
Now they were passing close to him, their backs coming into his range of vision.
From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes
