why this sentence is correct as it is written?

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1

<p>As economic conditions grew worse, citizens from every region of the country [were beginning] to question the power of a boss.</p>

<p>Why is this wrong? If we embed this [have begun questioning]?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p><em>began</em>, i think</p>

3

<p>begin-began-begun</p>

<p>That is not an error.</p>

4

<p>have begun cannot be because the tense was established in past because of the word grew.
But why doesnt began work?
citizens from every region began to question the boss!</p>

5

<p>there is no such a choice</p>

6

<p>anyone?
bump</p>

7

<p>It can’t be “have begun questioning,” because in the first clause, “grew” is in the past tense, and “have begun” is a present, ongoing activity. Either “were beginning” (if you are describing a period and will continue to discuss the process) or “began” (if you are just writing a stand-alone sentence) are correct, because they are in the past tense.</p>

<p>Had the sentence been written, “As economic conditions grow worse, citizens from every region of the country [were beginning] to question the power of a boss,” the phrase “were beginning” would be incorrect, and “have begun” or “are beginning” would work.</p>