Can we use the word begun without using has/have/had before it.
For example is the sentence given below a correct one:
The event,begun in 1960, has been going on for so many years.
The answer says this is correct.But as one of the answer choices I had chosen,
The event,which has begun in 1960, has been going on for so many years.
Whats wrong with the above choice.
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- dbernst
- ManhattanGMAT Staff
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Mon May 09, 2005 9:03 am
Generally, past participals such as begun are used in conjunction with have/has or had. However, in the example you have offered, it is grammatically correct to use begun. The modifier, in essence, is saying that The event was begun in 1960.
As for the specific answer choices, I need two things:
1. A complete copy of the problem and its answer choices.
2. An accurate citation for the origin of the problem (we cannot comment on problems unless we know from whence they cometh)
Thanks!
As for the specific answer choices, I need two things:
1. A complete copy of the problem and its answer choices.
2. An accurate citation for the origin of the problem (we cannot comment on problems unless we know from whence they cometh)
Thanks!
Last edited by dbernst on Sun Jun 10, 2007 9:37 am, edited 1 time in total.
- dbernst
- ManhattanGMAT Staff
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Mon May 09, 2005 9:03 am
Use of "begun"
Shib, In my previous post I neglected to respond to your choice, which stated The event, which has begun in 1960, has been going on for so many years. The present perfect (has + past participle) cannot refer to the start of a past event. Instead, the present perfect indicates the ongoing nature of an event. Thus, it is fine to say that The event has begun, indicating that the event began at some point in the past and continues to the present moment. However, it is a verb tense error to say that The event has begun in 1960.
Concerning the use of begun without have, has, or had, the only examples that come to mind are in modifying phrases such as the one in this problem.
The event, begun in 1960,...
Another example:
The company, begun in the early 20th century, continues to innovate and expand.
This could also be written with the modifier as an introductory phrase.
Begun in the early 20th century, the company continues to innovate and expand.
Hope that makes sense!
Concerning the use of begun without have, has, or had, the only examples that come to mind are in modifying phrases such as the one in this problem.
The event, begun in 1960,...
Another example:
The company, begun in the early 20th century, continues to innovate and expand.
This could also be written with the modifier as an introductory phrase.
Begun in the early 20th century, the company continues to innovate and expand.
Hope that makes sense!
6 posts Page 1 of 1