Began-Begun | Commonly Confused Words
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Began vs. Begun

Began

Started to do something or came into existence.

Examples:

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Begun

/bɪˈɡʌn/
Having started doing something

Examples:

The conference has begun today.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Remember that began is used for actions that started and often completed in the past.
  • Begun is used with a helping verb like have or had to indicate something that started in the past and continues or just emphasizes the action's completion.
  • Think of began as standalone — it stands alone without any helper verbs.
  • In contrast, begun needs a helper horse like have to ride with it; it can't stand alone.
  • Began always walks solo, while begun needs have, has, or had for company.
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