Conventions of English?

Question

What is the difference between "had begun" and "had began" and "has begun" and "has began." English is so complicated. -_-x

Answer 1

Others have noted that two of the forms you listed are not proper English.

But the other two ARE! So, here's something about them:

"has begun" = the "present perfect" form, which most often refers to an action beginning at some time in the past -- but you don't tell exactly WHEN-- that has an effect on the present. (On the other hand, the "simple past tense" --"began" in this case-- is specific. So, I COULD say "I began the book last Tuesday." But you CANNOT say "I have begun the book last Thursday.")

"had begun" = the "past perfect" (or "pluperfect") form. It is related to the present perfect, except it is about an action that was ALREADY COMPLETED by some time in the past. The past perfect looks back from that point to an earlier time in the past when the action began or was going on.

For example --
"I have begun my homework."

This means I started it at some point in the past. It usually means I'm still working on it (I have not yet finished it).

"I had begun my homework.l"

This is what I might say a day,week or month from now (or some other future time) referring to the same events. For instance, I might be defending myself and say, "I had already begun my homework when Mom called. She didn't have to remind me!"


Here are some links that explain the different ways to use these forms, and how they are different from the simple past tense.
http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/verb-tenses_present-perfect_u.htm
http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/verb-tenses_past-perfect.htm

Answer 2

Beardo is right.
You say "began" or "has begun" or "had begun".
Never say "has began" or "had began".
There are many people who do say that, but they are wrong.
.
.

Answer 3

had begun is wrong

Answer 4

Had is past tense -meaning you did it already

Has is present tense-meaning you are doing or have started.

Whew this one is a doosey.

Answer 5

had began

has began

are not proper English