Quick English question..

When she began studies in the 1920s, scientists had only recently began to consider genetics a field of study and accept the research of Gregor Mendel (1822-1884).

A. No change
B. had only recently begun
C. have only recently began
D. have only recently begun

The answer is B, I don’t understand why it is though… When do you know to use had/have? Scientists is plural, so shouldn’t you use have? I thought the answer was D…

Had/have doesn’t have to do with being plural. “Had begun” is past perfect, and “have begun” is present perfect. See if you can tell the difference in when the action happens:

I had eaten breakfast earlier that day.
I have eaten breakfast today.

@bodangles Thanks very much!!!