were shunting
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past progressiveof shunt.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
shuntverb (used with object)to shove or turn (someone or something) aside or out of the way.
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.
Erasmus and his circle debated the Poor Laws, which were shunting the destitute into workhouses; they discussed the need for social reform.
From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman
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Last night they were shunting and jigging us about all night between Rouen and Sotteville.
From Diary of a Nursing Sister on the Western Front, 1914-1915 by Anonymous
They were "shunting" wagons across the line when the express came up, or the pointsman did n't turn the switch, or the fog obscured the danger signal.
From The Dodd Family Abroad, Vol. II by Charles James Lever
Tugs were shunting car barges, and an occasional steam craft passed, but nowhere was there a sign of a motor-boat or of the fugitive Germans.
From The Secret Wireless or, The Spy Hunt of the Camp Brady Patrol by Lewis E. Theiss
The car rolled up to the bridge and passed over the dark waters where tugs were shunting car-floats into their docks and churning up white foam with their propellers.
From The Secret Wireless or, The Spy Hunt of the Camp Brady Patrol by Lewis E. Theiss