Began vs. Begun – Which is Correct?
The words began and begun are often confused, but understanding their correct usage can enhance your writing. Began is the simple past tense of the verb, while begun is the past participle, used with auxiliary verbs. This article explores when to use each form, along with examples and practice exercises.
Begun vs. Began – Which is Correct?
Both began and begun are correct, but their usage depends on the grammatical structure of the sentence. Began is the past tense form, while begun serves as the past participle. Use began when referring to a specific time in the past, and begun when forming perfect tenses.
| Word | When to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Began | Use when referring to a completed action in the past. | She began her career as a teacher in 2010. |
| Begun | Use as a past participle with auxiliary verbs. | She has begun to understand the subject better. |
How to Use Began
Use began when talking about an action that was started in the past and is now completed. It indicates a specific point in time.
Example 1: The movie began at 7 PM.
Example 2: They began their project last month.
How to Use Begun
Use begun in conjunction with auxiliary verbs like “has,” “have,” or “had.” This form indicates that an action started in the past and may continue or have relevance in the present.
Example 1: I have begun to read the new book.
Example 2: They had begun their journey before dawn.
Practice Exercises
- Fill in the blank: She __________ her homework before dinner. (began/begun)
- Choose the correct form: I have __________ to enjoy classical music. (began/begun)
- Correct the sentence: They begun their work yesterday.
Answer Key
- began
- begun
- They began their work yesterday.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between began and begun is essential for clear and correct writing. Use began for simple past actions and begun with auxiliary verbs for past participles. With practice, mastering their usage will become second nature.
