"were begun" vs "were began"

Question

"were begun" vs "were began"

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

Correct usage. Use this phrase when referring to an action that started in the past and is now completed.

Incorrect usage. The correct form is "were begun."

Alternatives:

were begun
had begun
have begun
will have begun
has begun

Answer 1

were begun

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

Answer 2

were began

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

"were begun" vs "were began"

were begun

were began

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