"began running" vs "begin running"

Question

"began running" vs "begin running"

Both "begin running" and "began running" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Begin running" is used to indicate the start of an action in the present or future, while "began running" is used to indicate the start of an action in the past.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

Use "began running" to indicate the start of running in the past. It implies that the action started at a specific point in the past and may have already been completed.

Examples:

She began running as soon as the race started.
They began running when they heard the gunshot.
He began running after he finished his warm-up.

Alternatives:

started running
initiated running
commenced running
got started with running
kicked off running

Use "begin running" to indicate the start of running in the present or future. It implies that the action is starting at the moment of speaking or will start in the future.

Examples:

I will begin running at 6 a.m. tomorrow.
Let's begin running before it gets too dark.
She should begin running now if she wants to finish on time.

Alternatives:

start running
commence running
get started with running
kick off running
initiate running

Answer 1

began running

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate the start of an action in the past.

Answer 2

begin running

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate the start of an action in the present or future.

"began running" vs "begin running"

began running

begin running

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