select
verb (used with object)
to choose in preference to another or others; pick out.
were selecting
-
past progressiveof select.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.
We were selecting dogs for docility and tameness, but these traits were genetically linked to the tail-wagging behavior.
From Science Magazine ● Jan. 16, 2024
One in 50 people were selecting "Rent and Earn" on Gatwick's website by early 2020, says Mr Hibbert, and the business was growing.
From BBC ● Nov. 28, 2023
Primaries held across the state Tuesday were selecting party nominees for a variety of local offices, including some county legislators, town supervisors, district attorneys, mayors and members of the New York City Council.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 26, 2023
Since humans were selecting plants for their edible properties, their intervention led to gradual but important transformations in the plants themselves.
From Textbooks ● Apr. 19, 2023
Just as we were selecting the softest plank we could find for a bed, we had an alarm which might have been attended with fatal consequences.
From Borneo and the Indian Archipelago with drawings of costume and scenery by Frank Marryat
