English verbs can be tricky, especially when it comes to different forms like taken and taking. Though both stem from the verb take, they serve distinct roles in sentences.
Understanding when to use taken versus taking is key to mastering English grammar.
This guide breaks down their meanings, grammatical functions, and usage, ensuring you never confuse them again.
“Taken” is the past participle of “take” and requires an auxiliary verb, while “taking” is the present participle used for continuous actions. Learn their key differences with examples!
The Basics of English Verb Forms
Before diving into taken and taking, it’s essential to understand verb forms in English. The verb take follows this standard conjugation pattern:
| Verb Form | Example | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Base Form | take | Used in present tense (I take the bus). |
| Past Simple | took | Describes completed past actions (She took a vacation). |
| Past Participle | taken | Used with auxiliary verbs (He has taken his medicine). |
| Present Participle/Gerund | taking | Used for continuous tenses or as a noun (She is taking a nap). |
Now, let’s explore when to use taken and taking.
When to Use ‘Taken’
Taken is the past participle form of take, which means it must be used with an auxiliary verb like has, have, had, is, or was.
Common Uses of ‘Taken’
- Perfect Tenses (Present, Past, and Future Perfect)
- Present Perfect: “She has taken the test already.”
- Past Perfect: “He had taken the wrong bus.”
- Future Perfect: “By tomorrow, they will have taken the final exam.”
- Passive Voice
- “The photos were taken by a professional photographer.”
- “All precautions have been taken to ensure safety.”
- Idiomatic Expressions
- “I was taken aback by his response.”
- “He has taken an interest in gardening.”
✅ Key Rule: Taken always appears with an auxiliary verb. It cannot stand alone as the main verb in a sentence.
Understanding the Past Participle
A past participle like taken plays a crucial role in perfect tenses and passive voice constructions. It typically answers what has been done rather than what is happening.
For example:
- ❌ I taken the book from the shelf. (Incorrect)
- ✅ I have taken the book from the shelf. (Correct)
Remember: If you see taken, it must be part of a verb phrase with have/has/had or be verbs (was taken, is taken).
Exploring the Uses of ‘Taking’
Unlike taken, the word taking is the present participle of take and is used in continuous tenses or as a gerund (a verb acting as a noun).
Common Uses of ‘Taking’
- Continuous (Progressive) Tenses
- Present Continuous: “She is taking piano lessons.”
- Past Continuous: “They were taking photos at the event.”
- Future Continuous: “He will be taking the train to work.”
- Gerund (Verb as a Noun)
- “Taking notes during a lecture helps with retention.”
- “Taking risks can lead to great rewards.”
- Adjective-like Usage
- “That was a taking performance.” (meaning captivating)
✅ Key Rule: Taking expresses an ongoing action or functions as a noun (gerund).
‘Taken’ vs ‘Taking’: Breaking Down Examples
To better understand the difference, let’s look at side-by-side comparisons:
| Sentence with ‘Taken’ | Sentence with ‘Taking’ |
|---|---|
| “The money was taken from my wallet.” | “He is taking money out of his wallet.” |
| “She has taken French lessons for years.” | “She is taking a French course this semester.” |
| “The thief had taken everything before the police arrived.” | “The thief was taking valuables when the alarm went off.” |
💡 Tip: Taken usually refers to a completed action, while taking describes something happening at the moment or in progress.
Depicting Action With ‘Taking’
One of the key features of taking is that it emphasizes an action happening over time.
- “She is taking a sip of coffee.” (ongoing action)
- “They are taking the train home.” (in progress)
This form is used in real-time scenarios, where the action is actively unfolding.
Completive Scenarios With ‘Taken’
By contrast, taken highlights completion or past results.
- “The package was taken to the wrong address.”
- “The opportunity had been taken before I could act.”
If something has already happened and is no longer in progress, taken is the correct choice.
The Grammatical Construction of ‘Taken’ and ‘Taking’
Taken (Past Participle) Construction:
- [Auxiliary Verb] + Taken
- She has taken the test.
- The documents were taken by security.
Taking (Present Participle) Construction:
- [Be Verb] + Taking
- She is taking her final exam.
- The dog was taking a nap.
Using the right construction ensures grammatical accuracy.
Passive Voice and the Use of ‘Taken’
Since taken is a past participle, it appears frequently in passive voice sentences.
- “The book was taken without permission.”
- “The best seats had already been taken.”
Passive constructions focus on what happened rather than who performed the action.
💡 Tip: If the sentence describes something being done to an object, taken is often the correct choice.
Continuous Tenses: The Role of ‘Taking’
In contrast, taking is used in continuous tenses, showing actions still in progress.
- “He is taking a break.”
- “We were taking notes during the lecture.”
Whenever an action is not yet completed, taking is the appropriate form.
FAQs
What is the difference between “taken” and “taking”?
“Taken” is the past participle of “take” and requires an auxiliary verb (e.g., “She has taken the test”), while “taking” is the present participle used for continuous actions (e.g., “She is taking the test”).
When should I use “taken” in a sentence?
Use “taken” in perfect tenses (e.g., “He has taken the keys”) or passive voice (e.g., “The book was taken by mistake”).
How do I use “taking” correctly?
Use “taking” in continuous tenses (e.g., “She is taking a walk”) or as a gerund (e.g., “Taking notes helps with learning”).
Can “taken” be used without an auxiliary verb?
No, “taken” must be used with an auxiliary verb like “has,” “have,” “was,” or “had.” Example: ❌ “I taken the book” → ✅ “I have taken the book.”
Is “taking” always an action in progress?
Mostly, yes. “Taking” describes an ongoing action (e.g., “She is taking pictures”), but it can also function as a noun (gerund) in sentences like “Taking care of pets is a big responsibility.”
How can I quickly decide whether to use “taken” or “taking”?
If the action is ongoing, use “taking.” If the action is completed and requires an auxiliary verb, use “taken.”
Final Reflections on ‘Taken’ and ‘Taking’
Mastering taken and taking is all about understanding tense, structure, and meaning.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Use taken for completed actions, past participles, and passive voice.
✅ Use taking for ongoing actions, continuous tenses, and gerunds.
✅ Remember that taken requires an auxiliary verb, while taking does not.
By keeping these rules in mind, you’ll never mix up taken and taking again!
📌 Practice Tip: Try writing five sentences using taken and five using taking—this will reinforce your understanding!
Do you have any other confusing word pairs you’d like to explore? Let us know in the comments!
