This short guide shows you how to use begin, began, and begun with clear examples so you can tell when to use each form.
Begin
Use begin in the base form for general statements, with time expressions, after helpers, and in the present or future.
Examples
Every day, I(begin) my work at 9 a.m.
Every day, I start my work at 9 a.m.
Began
Use began as the simple past for actions that started at a specific time and when you tell a story or report events.
Examples
Begun
Use begun as the past participle with have, has, or had for completed actions or when time isn't exact.
Examples
Summary
Remember: use begin for general or future time, began for specific past moments, and begun with helpers for completed or relevant actions.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025