began
v. US //biˈɡæn// UK //bɪɡˈæn// be·gan
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1 started (v.) A1 Beginnerthe past tense of 'begin'.
the simple past form of 'begin'.
ExampleThe rain began just as we reached the front door of the house.
ExampleThe construction project began in early spring, following months of intense negotiations between the city council and the developers.
UsageThis is the simple past form and does not take an auxiliary verb like 'have' or 'had'.
PitfallThe movie has began.The movie has begun.Use 'began' for the simple past (it started) and 'begun' for the past participle (it has started).