Many English learners get confused between “taken” and “taking” because both words come from the verb “take.” However, they are used in very different grammatical situations. Understanding the difference between these two forms can improve your speaking, writing, and overall grammar accuracy. This guide explains their meanings, usage rules, examples, and common mistakes in a simple and beginner-friendly way.
Comparison Overview
“Taken” and “taking” are both forms of the verb “take,” but they serve different purposes in English grammar. “Taken” is the past participle form, while “taking” is the present participle and gerund form. They are commonly used in conversations, academic writing, business communication, and everyday English.
| Term | Verb Form | Main Function | Example |
| Taken | Past participle | Shows completed action | She has taken the book. |
| Taking | Present participle / gerund | Shows ongoing action | He is taking notes. |
Definition of Taken
“Taken” is the past participle form of the verb “take.” It is usually used with helping verbs such as “has,” “have,” “had,” “was,” or “were.” It often describes an action that has already been completed.
Examples:
- She has taken the exam.
- The keys were taken yesterday.
- I had taken the wrong bus.
“Taken” can also describe something that has been occupied or reserved.
Example:
- This seat is taken.
Definition of Taking
“Taking” is the present participle and gerund form of “take.” It is used to describe an action that is happening right now or an ongoing activity.
Examples:
- She is taking a shower.
- They are taking notes in class.
- Taking breaks is important.
“Taking” can function as both a verb and a noun-like gerund in sentences.
Main Differences Between Taken and Taking
The biggest difference between “taken” and “taking” is the time and grammatical role they express.
| Feature | Taken | Taking |
| Verb Type | Past participle | Present participle / gerund |
| Time Reference | Completed action | Ongoing action |
| Used With | Helping verbs | “Be” verbs or as noun |
| Example | He has taken it. | He is taking it. |
| Grammar Role | Perfect/passive forms | Continuous forms |
Key differences include:
- “Taken” usually refers to something already completed.
- “Taking” refers to something happening now or continuously.
- “Taken” often appears in passive voice.
- “Taking” commonly appears in continuous tenses.
Verb Forms of Take
Understanding the full verb structure makes the difference clearer.
| Base Form | Past Tense | Past Participle | Present Participle |
| Take | Took | Taken | Taking |
Examples:
- I take notes daily.
- I took notes yesterday.
- I have taken notes already.
- I am taking notes now.
Common Sentence Patterns
Using Taken
“Taken” commonly appears in perfect tenses and passive voice.
Patterns:
- has/have + taken
- had + taken
- was/were + taken
Examples:
- She has taken the files.
- The package was taken away.
- We had taken the wrong road.
Using Taking
“Taking” commonly appears in continuous tenses.
Patterns:
- am/is/are + taking
- was/were + taking
Examples:
- He is taking a class.
- They were taking pictures.
- I am taking medicine.
Grammar Guide
Understanding the grammar behind “taken” and “taking” helps learners use them correctly in real situations.
How Each Term Is Used in Sentences
Taken
“Taken” is used after helping verbs.
Examples:
- The students have taken the test.
- The car was taken by the police.
- She had taken my advice.
Taking
“Taking” is used for actions in progress.
Examples:
- He is taking a nap.
- We are taking the train.
- Taking exercise improves health.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
Many learners confuse verb tense structures.
Incorrect:
- I am taken the course.
- She has taking the bag.
Correct:
- I am taking the course.
- She has taken the bag.
Other common mistakes:
- Using “taken” without a helping verb
- Using “taking” when talking about completed actions
- Mixing past participle and continuous tense forms
Simple Rules to Remember
- Use “taken” for completed actions.
- Use “taking” for ongoing actions.
- “Taken” usually follows “has,” “have,” or “had.”
- “Taking” usually follows “am,” “is,” or “are.”
Easy memory trick:
- “Taken” = already done
- “Taking” = happening now
Quick Tips for Writing and Speaking
- Check whether the action is complete or ongoing.
- Look at the helping verb in the sentence.
- Use “taking” in present continuous tense.
- Use “taken” in perfect tense or passive voice.
- Practice speaking with real-life examples daily.
When to Use Each One
Use “taken” when:
- The action is completed
- Using perfect tenses
- Writing passive sentences
- Describing something occupied
Examples:
- She has taken my notebook.
- The seats were taken quickly.
Use “taking” when:
- The action is currently happening
- Describing ongoing activity
- Using continuous tenses
- Using a gerund phrase
Examples:
- They are taking photos.
- Taking notes helps memory.
When NOT to Use Each One
Do not use “taken” when describing current ongoing actions.
Incorrect:
- I am taken a shower.
Correct:
- I am taking a shower.
Do not use “taking” for completed perfect tense actions.
Incorrect:
- She has taking the exam.
Correct:
- She has taken the exam.
Avoid:
- Mixing verb forms incorrectly
- Forgetting helping verbs
- Using continuous forms for completed actions
Which One to Use (Decision Guide)
Use this quick decision guide:
| Situation | Correct Word |
| Action happening now | Taking |
| Action already completed | Taken |
| Present continuous tense | Taking |
| Present perfect tense | Taken |
| Passive voice | Taken |
| Gerund subject | Taking |
Quick decision examples:
- “I am ___ medicine now.” → Taking
- “I have ___ medicine already.” → Taken
Real-World Practical Examples
Taken Examples
- The students have taken the final exam.
- My wallet was taken from the table.
- She had taken the wrong document to work.
- The medicine was taken after dinner.
- He has taken responsibility for the project.
Taking Examples
- The scientist is taking measurements in the lab.
- She is taking online classes this semester.
- They are taking pictures during the event.
- Taking notes improves concentration.
- The company is taking steps to reduce costs.
Self-Assessment (Fill in the Blanks)
- She has ______ the wrong train.
- I am ______ a math course this year.
- The books were ______ from the shelf.
- They are ______ pictures at the wedding.
- He had ______ my advice seriously.
- We are ______ a break right now.
- The seats were already ______.
- She is ______ medicine for her cold.
- The company has ______ action against fraud.
- I am ______ driving lessons.
- The files were ______ by the manager.
- He is ______ notes during class.
- They have ______ all the supplies.
- We are ______ the bus to school.
- The package was ______ yesterday.
- She had ______ the opportunity before.
- I am ______ my dog for a walk.
- The test has been ______ already.
- They are ______ part in the competition.
- The money was ______ from the account.
Answers
- taken
- taking
- taken
- taking
- taken
- taking
- taken
- taking
- taken
- taking
- taken
- taking
- taken
- taking
- taken
- taken
- taking
- taken
- taking
- taken
Final Verdict
“Taken” and “taking” are both important forms of the verb “take,” but they are used in different grammatical situations. “Taken” is mainly used for completed actions, perfect tenses, and passive voice structures. “Taking” is used for ongoing actions, continuous tenses, and gerund phrases. The easiest way to choose the correct word is to identify whether the action is finished or still happening. If the action is complete, use “taken.” If the action is continuing or happening now, use “taking.” With regular practice and sentence examples, learners can confidently use both words correctly in speaking and writing.
Conclusion About Taken Vs Taking
Understanding the difference between “taken” and “taking” is essential for speaking and writing correct English with confidence. Although both words come from the same verb, they are used in completely different grammatical situations. “Taken” usually refers to actions that are finished or completed, while “taking” describes actions that are happening now or continuing over time. Learning when to use each form can improve sentence structure, reduce grammar mistakes, and make communication more natural in daily conversations, academic writing, and professional settings. The easiest way to remember the difference is to focus on the action itself. If the action is already complete, “taken” is usually correct. If the action is ongoing, “taking” is the better choice. With regular practice, reading examples, and paying attention to verb patterns, learners can quickly master both forms and use them accurately in real-world English situations.
FAQs
Is “taken” a past tense verb?
No, “taken” is not the simple past tense form. It is the past participle form of “take.” The simple past tense is “took.” “Taken” is commonly used with helping verbs such as “has,” “have,” or “had” in perfect tenses and passive voice structures.
Is “taking” a verb or a noun?
“Taking” can function as both a verb and a gerund. As a verb, it describes an ongoing action, such as “She is taking notes.” As a gerund, it acts like a noun, such as “Taking breaks helps concentration during long study sessions.”
Can “taken” be used without a helping verb?
Usually, “taken” needs a helping verb to form a complete sentence. For example, “She has taken the book” is correct. Using “taken” alone in standard grammar often creates incomplete or incorrect sentence structures unless it works as an adjective in specific contexts.
Why do learners confuse taken and taking?
Many learners confuse them because both words come from the same base verb “take.” However, they belong to different verb forms and tenses. “Taken” refers to completed actions, while “taking” refers to ongoing actions happening in the present or over a period of time.
Which is correct: “has taken” or “has taking”?
“Has taken” is correct because “taken” is the past participle used with “has” in the present perfect tense. “Has taking” is grammatically incorrect because “taking” cannot normally follow “has” in standard English sentence structures.
Can “taking” describe future actions?
Yes, “taking” can sometimes describe planned future actions when used in present continuous tense. For example, “I am taking the train tomorrow” refers to a future arrangement. English often uses present continuous forms to express planned future activities naturally.
Is “taken” used in passive voice?
Yes, “taken” is commonly used in passive voice sentences. Examples include “The files were taken yesterday” and “The car was taken by the police.” In passive structures, the focus is on the action or object rather than the person performing it.
What helping verbs are commonly used with “taken”?
Common helping verbs used with “taken” include “has,” “have,” “had,” “was,” and “were.” These verbs help create perfect tenses and passive voice structures. For example, “She has taken the exam” and “The documents were taken yesterday” are both correct uses.
Can “taking” be used as the subject of a sentence?
Yes, “taking” can act as a gerund and become the subject of a sentence. For example, “Taking exercise daily improves health” uses “taking” as the subject. In this role, it behaves more like a noun than a regular verb.
How can I remember the difference easily?
A simple trick is to connect the meaning with time. “Taken” usually means the action is already completed, while “taking” means the action is currently happening or continuing. Looking at the helping verb in the sentence can also quickly show which form is correct.
