Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He added that there were cats in and around the restaurant, chefs were smoking in fire exits, not washing their hands and not wearing gloves to dish out food.
From BBC ● Jun. 14, 2023
The series shifted to San Francisco for Game 3, and as the Warriors were smoking Memphis, Morant fell into a trap between two defenders.
From Washington Post ● May 10, 2022
"You need to be here quick," another caller told emergency responders, noting that cars were "smoking," according to FOX 5.
From Fox News ● Feb. 4, 2022
The challenge of policing the subway was highlighted by an altercation in January when transit officers asked two men to leave an entrance after riders complained they were smoking.
From New York Times ● Feb. 4, 2019
A few customers had left, the rest were smoking their pipes and enjoying their conversation.
From "Fever 1793" by Laurie Halse Anderson
