set
verb (used with object)
to put (something or someone) in a particular place.
were setting
-
past progressiveof set.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.
OMB officials told lawmakers they were setting aside $19 billion to cover those costs, though they anticipated the total would be “substantially” less.
From Salon ● Jun. 23, 2026
He said they were setting the pace for the rest of the U.S. defense industrial base.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 17, 2026
In October, just ahead of his re-election, President Alassane Ouattara announced himself that authorities were setting the price at a record high of 2,800 CFA francs a kilo.
From Barron's ● Mar. 4, 2026
As we headed to the beach, crossing on a footbridge from the carpark of Campbell Parade, I noticed people were setting up white tents on the grass next to a children's playground.
From BBC ● Dec. 15, 2025
When we were setting up, Joe realized he’d left the cord to his guitar in his locker and had to run back to find it, which cut into the time we’d been given.
From "The First Rule of Punk" by Celia C. Pérez
