precede
verb (used with object)
to go before, as in place, order, rank, importance, or time.
were preceding
-
past progressiveof precede.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.
Freddie Zeigler, a meteorologist in the Weather Service's New Orleans office, said heavy winds were preceding the squall line, possibly contributing to power outages.
From New York Times ● Jan. 2, 2017
During the Bellinzona war, in 1478, as the confederates, with a force of 10,000 men, were crossing the St. Gothard, the men of Zürich were preceding the army as van-guard.
From Harper's Young People, February 10, 1880 An Illustrated Weekly by Various
They were now in Nassau Street near the improvised theater, and many other link boys, holding aloft their torches, were preceding their masters and mistresses.
From The Shadow of the North A Story of Old New York and a Lost Campaign by Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander) Altsheler
Clearly some person or persons were preceding him along the path, their footsteps being rendered noiseless by the soft carpet of turf.
From A Pair of Blue Eyes by Thomas Hardy
The four horsemen were preceding the appearance of the monster in John's vision.
From The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse by Charlotte Brewster Jordan
