The verb begin means to start something. It is an irregular verb with two key past forms:
  • began (simple past)
  • begun (past participle)
Here’s the full conjugation:
FormEnglish ExampleEnglish Example (Irregular)
Basebeginbegin
Simple Pastbeganbegan
Past Participlebegunbegun

Using began

Began is used for completed actions in the past. It does not need an auxiliary verb (like have or had).

Example sentences

English ExampleEnglish Example (Irregular)
I began my homework at 6 pm.She began singing beautifully.
They began the meeting without us.We began our journey early.

Using begun

Begun is the past participle and is used with have, has, or had (perfect tenses) or in the passive voice. Do not use begun without these helping verbs.

Example sentences

English ExampleEnglish Example (Irregular)
I have begun reading the book.She has begun working here.
By noon, they had begun eating.We have begun planning the event.

Translate: I have begun reading the book.


  • I started reading the book.
  • I have started reading the book.
'Have begun' is the present perfect form, indicating the action started in the past and continues or is relevant now.

Common Mistakes

  1. Using “begun” without have/has/had
    1. Incorrect: She begun her project.
    2. Correct: She has begun her project.
  1. Using “began” in perfect tenses
    1. Incorrect: I have began the task.
    2. Correct: I have begun the task.

Correct this sentence: I have began the task.


I have begun the task.

The correct past participle form is 'begun' when using 'have' in perfect tenses.

Advanced Usage

Begin + to-infinitive vs. Begin + -ing

  • Both forms are correct and have the same meaning.
English ExampleExplanation
She began to speak.Using “to speak”
She began speaking.Using “speaking”

Formality

  • “Begin” is more formal than “start.” In casual speech, people often say start instead of begin.
English ExampleExplanation
The show begins at 8 pm.Formal/literal
The show starts at 8 pm.More casual

Summary

  • Began = simple past. Use for completed past actions without auxiliaries.
  • Begun = past participle. Use with have/has/had in perfect tenses.
  • Do not use begun by itself.
  • You can use begin + to-infinitive or begin + -ing interchangeably.

Flashcards (1 of 11)

  • Form: Base
  • English Example: begin
  • English Example (Irregular): begin

Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025

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