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.
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
Whittamore specialised in getting unlisted ex-directory phone numbers for people journalists were writing about, as well as their "friends and family" phone number lists.
From BBC ● Feb. 12, 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
Twitter investors probably didn’t see that outcome while they were writing down their stakes in 2023 and 2024.
From Barron's ● Feb. 5, 2026
They were writing paragraphs, lists, charts, and graphs.
From "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie" by Jordan Sonnenblick
