read
verb (used with object)
to look at carefully so as to understand the meaning of (something written, printed, etc.).
were reading
-
past progressiveof read.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.
When participants used their phones, they most often said they were reading news or browsing social media.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 7, 2026
“It was a private conversation, let’s be honest, who would be happy if the whole nation were reading their messages? At the very least, I exercised poor judgment,” he told Radio Slovakia on Monday.
From Salon ● Feb. 4, 2026
Brilliant as his oral presentations were, reading his arguments on the page allows one more easily to grasp their internal logic and unity.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 30, 2026
“The first time I met her was for the producer sessions and there were three actresses who were reading for Kim with me,” Odenkirk says by phone.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 29, 2025
“An hour later we were reading his private schedule,” he answered.
From "City Spies" by James Ponti
