write
verb (used with object)
to trace or form (characters, letters, words, etc.) on the surface of some material, as with a pen, pencil, or other instrument or means; inscribe.
were writing
-
past progressiveof write.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.
Once again, the gorillas were writing the script just as they had in 1978.
From BBC ● Apr. 27, 2026
As you were writing, did you ever feel like you could hear your Fox colleagues in your mind, commenting?
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 27, 2026
If his sister were writing it, she might wonder why she wouldn’t be entitled to, say, 50% of her brother’s trust given that they have known each other all their lives.
From MarketWatch ● Mar. 31, 2026
As they looked around the sage and monkeyflower-lined path, their chatter quieted, and soon, they were writing poetry.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 9, 2026
“Connor,” I said, “do you remember how you told me you were writing a story about Quinby?”
From "Willodeen" by Katherine Applegate
