stand
verb (used without object)
(of a person) to be in an upright position on the feet.
were standing
-
past progressiveof stand.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.
They were standing behind him on the tarmac outside of Air Force One when he said it.
From Salon ● Jul. 3, 2026
His sons Eric and Don Jr., who run his family business and manage the trust that collects his money, were standing in the background.
From Slate ● Jul. 1, 2026
"The hairs were standing on the back of my neck," Gareth said.
From BBC ● Jun. 6, 2026
The operation drew the attention of several dozen onlookers, who were standing in line as part of a food giveaway by a local nonprofit called the Dream Center Foundation.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 6, 2026
Mama and Daisy were standing off to one side of the corn crib when I came walking up.
From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls
