verb Common

Begun

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Begun (verb) means the past participle of "begin," used with "have" or "be" to describe something that has started. Example: “The renovations have already begun.”

verb

The past participle of "begin," used with "have" or "be" to describe something that has started.

"The renovations have already begun."

"Once the ceremony had begun, latecomers were asked to wait outside."

How to use Begun

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe form of "begin" you use after "have," "has," or "had."

Common mistake

Don't use "begun" without a helping verb — say "it began," not "it begun," in standard English.

Easily confused with

began →

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Beguns

Test yourself on “Begun” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The renovations have already _____.

Etymology

Two possible origins: * Borrowed from Russian бегу́н (begún, “runner”), a nickname used in the local Jewish community. Doublet of Biegun and Bihun, from Polish and Ukrainian respectively. * A variant of Begum, an Indian surname found in the Muslim community.

Origin: Russian

Synonyms

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started commenced initiated

Related words

began launched concluded underway

Frequently asked questions

What does “Begun” mean?

The word “Begun” means the past participle of "begin," used with "have" or "be" to describe something that has started. In plain terms, the form of "begin" you use after "have," "has," or "had.".

How do you use “Begun” in a sentence?

Here is “Begun” used in a sentence: “The renovations have already begun.”

What part of speech is “Begun”?

“Begun” is a verb.

Is “Begun” a common word?

“Begun” is a fairly common word in modern English.

What is the difference between began and begun?

"Began" is the simple past tense of "begin" and stands alone, as in "The meeting began at noon." "Begun" is the past participle and must follow a helping verb such as "has," "have," or "had," as in "The meeting has begun."

Is it "has began" or "has begun"?

"Has begun" is correct. "Begun" is the past participle of "begin," so it is the form used after "has," "have," or "had." "Began" is never used after a helping verb.

Can you use begun without have or had?

No. "Begun" cannot stand alone as a main verb; it always needs an auxiliary such as "have," "has," or "had," or a form of "be." If there is no helping verb, the correct past form is "began."

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