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were began vs were begun

The correct phrase is "were begun." The verb "begin" is irregular, and its past participle form is "begun." Therefore, the phrase "were begun" is the correct construction.

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 4953 views

were began

This phrase is incorrect. The past participle of the verb "begin" is "begun," not "began."

Incorrect usage. The correct form is "were begun."
  • In the fourth year of his age his father, for a game as it were, began to teach him a few minuets and pieces at the clavier.... He could play it faultlessly and with the ...
  • As a graduate of William Penn College, in Oskaloosa, IA Were began a career with a focus on helping others. With a degree in Natural Sciences and ...
  • When were began to celebrate Christmas and as they were called before the birth of Christ. Edited by Ssandra5 / 22 Dec 2015 08:36. Ssandra5 ...
  • The first modern Olympics were began in 1916 and had 41 countries competing in these first modern games. That has incressed to 197 countries now, and is ...

Alternatives:

  • were begun
  • had begun
  • have begun
  • will have begun
  • has begun

were begun

This phrase is correct. The past participle of the verb "begin" is "begun."

Correct usage. Use this phrase when referring to an action that started in the past and is now completed.
  • ... authorities so promptly that that same Saturday afternoon, the cases of measles were isolated, interviews with close contacts were begun and those who were ...
  • you began, you were begun, you were beginning, you were being begun. he/she/ it began, he/she/it was begun, he/she/it was beginning, he/she/it was being ...
  • On the 12th of February 1420 proceedings were begun before him against William Taylor, priest, who had been for fourteen years excommunicated for heresy, ...
  • FR: studies were begun. Discussion in 'French and English Grammar / Grammaire française et anglaise' started by Ed Sheeran, Oct 13, 2012. Previous Thread ...

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