“Taken” and “taking” are both forms of the verb “take,” but they serve different grammatical purposes. “Taken” is usually a past participle, while “taking” is the present participle or -ing form. Understanding when to use each one helps you describe completed actions, ongoing activities, and experiences accurately in everyday English.
Comparison Overview
Taken and taking come from the same verb, take, but they are not interchangeable. The main difference is their grammatical form and the time or situation they describe.
- Taken is the past participle of “take.” It is commonly used with forms of have or be, especially in perfect and passive constructions.
- Taking is the present participle and gerund form of “take.” It commonly describes an action that is happening, continuing, or functioning as a noun.
For example:
- She has taken the test. → The action has been completed.
- She is taking the test. → The action is happening now.
The easiest way to remember the difference is that taken usually connects to a completed or passive action, while taking commonly describes an ongoing action or activity.
Definition of Taken
Taken is the past participle of the verb take. It is used when talking about an action that has already happened, especially with auxiliary verbs such as has, have, had, is, was, or were.
Common Uses of Taken
Taken can express:
- A completed action: “He has taken the book.”
- An action completed before another past event: “She had taken the train before I arrived.”
- A passive action: “The photograph was taken yesterday.”
- A state resulting from an action: “The seat has been taken.”
- An interpretation or understanding: “His comment was taken seriously.”
Examples of Taken
- I have taken the medicine.
- She had taken the wrong bus.
- The picture was taken in Paris.
- All the seats have been taken.
- His advice was taken seriously.
Definition of Taking
Taking is the present participle and gerund form of take. It is generally used to describe an action that is happening now, happening around a particular time, or functioning as a noun.
Common Uses of Taking
Taking can describe:
- An action happening now: “She is taking a shower.”
- An ongoing activity: “They are taking classes.”
- A planned or developing activity: “We are taking a trip next week.”
- A repeated activity: “He is taking notes.”
- An activity used as a noun: “Taking breaks can improve concentration.”
Examples of Taking
- She is taking a photograph.
- I am taking notes.
- They are taking a course.
- He is taking the train.
- Taking regular breaks can be helpful.
Main Differences Between Taken and Taking
| Feature | Taken | Taking |
| Base verb | Take | Take |
| Verb form | Past participle | Present participle / gerund |
| Common meaning | Completed or passive action | Ongoing action or activity |
| Common auxiliary verbs | Has, have, had, is, was, were | Am, is, are, was, were |
| Example | She has taken the test. | She is taking the test. |
| Can act as a gerund? | No | Yes |
| Typical focus | Result or completed action | Process or activity |
Taken Focuses on Completion or Result
“Taken” often emphasizes that an action has already occurred or that something has undergone an action.
Example:
The students have taken the exam.
The exam has already been completed.
Taking Focuses on the Action or Process
“Taking” often emphasizes an action that is currently happening or an activity in progress.
Example:
The students are taking the exam.
The students are currently completing the exam.
Compare the Two
- I have taken the medicine. → I already took it.
- I am taking the medicine. → I am currently using it as part of an ongoing action or treatment.
- She has taken the bus. → She has already boarded or used the bus.
- She is taking the bus. → She is using the bus as her current means of transportation.
Grammar Guide
Understanding the grammatical roles of taken and taking makes the difference much easier to remember.
Taken as a Past Participle
“Taken” is the irregular past participle of take.
The basic forms are:
Take → Took → Taken
Examples:
- I take the train every morning.
- I took the train yesterday.
- I have taken the train many times.
“Taken” generally does not stand alone as the simple past tense.
Incorrect:
I taken the book yesterday.
Correct:
I took the book yesterday.
Correct:
I have taken the book.
Taking as a Present Participle
“Taking” is formed by adding -ing to “take.”
It commonly appears with forms of be:
- I am taking.
- You are taking.
- He is taking.
- We are taking.
- They are taking.
Example:
She is taking a driving lesson.
The action is presented as ongoing.
Taking as a Gerund
“Taking” can also function as a noun.
For example:
Taking notes helps students remember information.
Here, “taking” is not simply describing an action happening at this exact moment. The activity itself is being discussed.
Another example:
Taking responsibility is important.
In this sentence, “taking responsibility” functions as a noun phrase.
How Each Term Is Used in Sentences
Common Patterns With Taken
Subject + has/have + taken + object
He has taken the documents.
Subject + had + taken + object
She had taken the wrong file.
Subject + was/were + taken
The photograph was taken yesterday.
Subject + has/have been + taken
All the available seats have been taken.
Common Patterns With Taking
Subject + am/is/are + taking + object
I am taking a class.
Subject + was/were + taking + object
They were taking photographs.
Taking + object + verb
Taking notes improves concentration.
Subject + enjoy/avoid/consider + taking
She enjoys taking long walks.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
Using Taken as the Simple Past
A common mistake is:
I taken the train yesterday.
The simple past form is took.
Correct:
I took the train yesterday.
Using Taking Without the Correct Structure
Incorrect:
She taking the exam now.
Correct:
She is taking the exam now.
The progressive form normally requires a form of be.
Confusing Completed and Ongoing Actions
Compare:
He has taken the test.
The test has been completed.
He is taking the test.
The test is currently in progress.
Using Took Where Taken Is Required
Incorrect:
She has took my phone.
Correct:
She has taken my phone.
After has, have, or had, use the past participle taken, not took.
Using Taken Where Took Is Required
Incorrect:
He taken the bus yesterday.
Correct:
He took the bus yesterday.
The simple past requires took.
Simple Rules to Remember
Remember these four rules:
Rule 1: Use took for the simple past.
I took the book yesterday.
Rule 2: Use taken after has, have, or had.
I have taken the book.
Rule 3: Use taking with forms of be for an ongoing action.
I am taking the book.
Rule 4: Use taking as a gerund when the activity itself acts like a noun.
Taking notes is useful.
A useful formula is:
Take → Took → Taken → Taking
Quick Tips for Writing and Speaking
- If the action is happening now, consider taking.
- If you are using has, have, or had, consider taken.
- If you are describing a simple past action, use took, not taken.
- If “taking” acts as the name of an activity, it can function as a gerund.
- Read the complete sentence before choosing the form.
- Look for auxiliary verbs such as is, are, has, have, and had.
- Do not choose between “taken” and “taking” based only on how the words sound.
When to Use Each One
Use Taken When
Use taken when:
- An action has been completed with has, have, or had.
- You are using a passive construction.
- You want to emphasize the result of an action.
- You are describing something that has already happened as part of a perfect tense.
Examples:
She has taken the course.
They had taken the necessary steps.
The photograph was taken last summer.
Use Taking When
Use taking when:
- An action is currently in progress.
- An activity was in progress at a particular time.
- You are describing an ongoing activity.
- “Taking” functions as a gerund.
Examples:
He is taking a shower.
We were taking pictures.
Taking notes is useful.
When NOT to Use Each One
When Not to Use Taken
Do not use taken as the simple past form of “take.”
Incorrect:
She taken the train yesterday.
Correct:
She took the train yesterday.
Also, do not automatically use “taken” just because the action happened in the past. The surrounding grammar determines the correct form.
When Not to Use Taking
Do not use taking by itself as the normal present progressive form.
Incorrect:
He taking a class.
Correct:
He is taking a class.
Also, “taking” is not normally the correct form when you simply need the simple past.
Incorrect:
She taking the bus yesterday.
Correct:
She took the bus yesterday.
Which One to Use (Decision Guide)
Use this quick guide:
Are you describing an action happening now?
→ Use taking.
She is taking a test.
Are you using has, have, or had?
→ Usually use taken.
She has taken the test.
Are you describing a simple past action?
→ Use took, not either “taken” or “taking.”
She took the test yesterday.
Is the action passive?
→ Taken may be appropriate.
The photograph was taken yesterday.
Is the activity functioning as a noun?
→ Use taking.
Taking notes is important.
Real-World Practical Examples
Taken Examples
Education
The students have taken their final exam.
This means the students have already completed the exam.
Daily Life
I have taken my keys from the table.
The action of getting the keys has already occurred.
Business
The manager has taken several important steps to improve the process.
The steps have already been carried out.
Science
Researchers have taken samples from the affected area.
The researchers have already collected the samples.
Photography and Writing
The photograph was taken during the summer.
The sentence describes when the photograph was captured.
Technology
The system has taken a backup of the files.
The backup action has already occurred.
Travel
We had taken the wrong train before we realized our mistake.
The action happened before another past event.
Taking Examples
Education
The students are taking an English course this semester.
The course is currently part of their studies.
Daily Life
She is taking a walk in the park.
The activity is happening now.
Business
The company is taking steps to improve customer service.
The company is currently carrying out those steps.
Science
Scientists are taking measurements throughout the experiment.
The measurement process is ongoing.
Writing
Taking notes can help you organize your ideas.
“Taking” functions as a gerund in this sentence.
Technology
The application is taking too long to load.
The process is currently happening.
Conversation
I am taking your advice seriously.
The speaker is describing their current approach to the advice.
Self-Assessment (Fill in the Blanks)
Complete each sentence with taken or taking. In some sentences, think carefully about the grammatical structure and context.
- She has ______ the final exam already.
- They are ______ photographs at the event.
- I have ______ several notes during the lecture.
- He is ______ a computer science course this semester.
- The picture was ______ yesterday.
- We are ______ the train to the city.
- The company has ______ several measures to improve safety.
- ______ regular breaks can help reduce fatigue.
- She had ______ the wrong document before noticing the error.
- The students are ______ notes during the presentation.
- The samples have been ______ to the laboratory.
- He is ______ responsibility for the project.
- I have ______ your suggestion into consideration.
- They were ______ pictures when the rain started.
- ______ time to review your work can prevent mistakes.
- The manager has ______ control of the situation.
- She is ______ part in a training program.
- The photograph was ______ by a professional photographer.
- Researchers are ______ measurements during the experiment.
- He has ______ the necessary precautions before beginning the work.
Answers
- taken — “Has” requires the past participle taken.
- taking — “Are” + “taking” describes an ongoing action.
- taken — “Have” is followed by the past participle taken.
- taking — “Is” + “taking” describes an activity in progress.
- taken — The passive construction uses was taken.
- taking — “Are” + “taking” describes the current travel activity.
- taken — “Has” requires taken.
- Taking — Here, “taking” functions as a gerund or noun-like activity.
- taken — “Had” requires the past participle taken.
- taking — “Are taking” describes an ongoing classroom activity.
- taken — “Have been taken” is a passive perfect construction.
- taking — “Is taking” describes an ongoing action.
- taken — The expression “have taken … into consideration” uses taken.
- taking — “Were taking” describes an action that was in progress.
- Taking — “Taking time” functions as a noun-like activity.
- taken — “Has taken control” uses the past participle.
- taking — “Is taking part” is the standard expression.
- taken — “Was taken” is a passive construction.
- taking — “Are taking measurements” describes an ongoing scientific activity.
- taken — “Has taken” requires the past participle taken.
Conclusion :
Understanding the difference between taken and taking becomes much easier when you focus on grammar and context. Both words come from the verb take, but they perform different roles in a sentence. Taken is the past participle and is commonly used with words such as has, have, and had, as well as in passive constructions. Taking, on the other hand, is the present participle or gerund form and usually describes an action that is happening, continuing, or being treated as an activity. For example, “She has taken the test” describes a completed action, while “She is taking the test” describes an action in progress. Remember that the simple past form of “take” is took, not taken or taking. By paying attention to the surrounding words and the intended meaning, you can confidently choose the correct form in both writing and everyday conversation.
FAQs
What is the difference between taken and taking?
Taken is the past participle of “take,” while taking is the present participle and gerund form. “Taken” commonly appears with has, have, or had, such as “She has taken the test.” “Taking” often describes an ongoing action, such as “She is taking the test.” Their correct use depends on sentence structure and context.
Is taken the past tense of take?
No, taken is the past participle, not the simple past tense. The simple past form of “take” is took. For example, “He took the bus yesterday” is correct. However, “He has taken the bus” is also correct because taken follows the auxiliary verb “has” in the present perfect tense.
Is taking the present tense of take?
Taking is not the simple present tense of “take.” It is the present participle or gerund form. It is commonly used with forms of “be” to create progressive tenses, as in “She is taking a class.” The simple present form is “take” or “takes,” depending on the subject.
When should I use taken in a sentence?
Use taken when you need the past participle of “take.” It commonly follows has, have, or had, as in “They have taken the train.” It is also used in passive sentences, such as “The photograph was taken yesterday.” The surrounding auxiliary verb usually helps identify when “taken” is appropriate.
When should I use taking in a sentence?
Use taking when you want to describe an action in progress or use the activity as a noun. For example, “He is taking a shower” describes an ongoing action. In “Taking notes is helpful,” the word “taking” functions as a gerund and refers to the activity itself rather than a specific completed action.
Is “I have taking” correct?
No, “I have taking” is grammatically incorrect. After “have,” you normally need the past participle taken, as in “I have taken the course.” “Taking” is used with forms of “be,” such as “I am taking the course.” Choosing between these forms depends on the auxiliary verb and the tense being used.
Is “I am taken” the same as “I am taking”?
No, these expressions have different meanings. “I am taking” normally describes an action you are currently performing, such as “I am taking a class.” “I am taken” is usually a passive construction and can have a different meaning depending on context, such as describing something being occupied or an action performed on you.
Can taking be used as a noun?
Yes. Taking can function as a gerund, which means it acts like a noun while retaining a verb-like meaning. For example, “Taking notes helps students learn.” Here, “taking notes” is the activity being discussed. This use is different from “is taking,” where “taking” forms part of a progressive verb phrase.
What is the correct form: “has taken” or “has taking”?
The correct form is “has taken.” The word “has” is an auxiliary verb that requires the past participle in this structure. For example, “She has taken the exam” is correct. “Has taking” is not standard English. For an ongoing action, use a form such as “She is taking the exam.”
How can I easily remember taken and taking?
A simple way to remember the difference is to connect taken with completed or passive constructions and taking with ongoing actions or activities. Think of “has taken” for a completed action and “is taking” for an action in progress. Also remember the sequence: take, took, taken, taking.
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