Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

Question

Scarcely had the concert ____ when the lights failed.

Accepted Answer

A. begun. Had takes the past participle begun.

Answer

B. began — Began is the simple past, not the participle.

Answer

C. begin — The base form does not follow had.

Answer

D. beginning — The -ing form does not follow had.

Standard English Conventions practice question