“Taken” and “taking” come from the same verb, take, but they serve different grammatical purposes and express different meanings. Understanding the difference between taken Vs taking can make your English more accurate and natural.
While “taken” commonly describes something that has been received, removed, or completed, “taking” usually describes an action happening now or around the present time.
Comparison Overview
Taken and taking are both forms of the irregular 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.”
- Taking is the present participle and -ing form of “take.”
- Taken is usually used with helping verbs such as has, have, had, is, was, or were in particular grammatical structures.
- Taking is commonly used with forms of be to create continuous tenses.
- Taken can describe something already received, removed, accepted, or completed.
- Taking generally describes an action that is currently happening, ongoing, or planned.
For example:
She has taken my book.
This means she already took the book.
She is taking my book.
This suggests that the action is happening now.
The distinction becomes much easier once you understand the grammatical role of each word.
Definition of Taken
Taken is the past participle form of the verb take. The basic forms of the verb are:
- Take — base form
- Took — simple past
- Taken — past participle
- Taking — present participle
“Taken” can have several meanings depending on context. It may mean that someone has carried something away, received something, accepted something, chosen something, occupied something, or completed an action involving “take.”
For example:
She has taken the keys.
Here, “taken” tells us that the action has already happened.
The seats have been taken.
Here, “taken” means the seats are occupied or unavailable.
He had taken the wrong road.
Here, “taken” is part of the past perfect tense.
“Taken” is generally not used by itself as the simple past tense. The simple past form is took.
Incorrect:
Yesterday, she taken my notebook.
Correct:
Yesterday, she took my notebook.
However, “taken” is correct when used with an appropriate auxiliary verb:
She has taken my notebook.
Definition of Taking
Taking is the present participle and -ing form of the verb “take.” It is usually used to describe an action that is happening now, continuing around the present, or occurring as part of a continuous grammatical structure.
For example:
I am taking a break.
The action is happening now.
They are taking a train to London.
The action is currently planned or occurring in a continuous context.
“Taking” can also function as a gerund, meaning it can act like a noun:
Taking notes helps students remember information.
Here, “taking notes” is treated as an activity.
The word can also appear in phrases such as:
- taking a photo
- taking a test
- taking medicine
- taking a break
- taking responsibility
- taking a chance
- taking a bus
- taking action
The exact meaning depends on the noun or phrase that follows it.
Main Differences Between Taken And Taking
The biggest difference between taken and taking is their grammatical form and how they describe an action.
| Feature | Taken | Taking |
| Verb | Take | Take |
| Form | Past participle | Present participle / -ing form |
| Basic idea | Action already completed or result | Action in progress or activity |
| Common structure | Has/have/had + taken | Am/is/are/was/were + taking |
| Example | She has taken the test. | She is taking the test. |
| Can act as a gerund? | No | Yes |
| Simple past form | Not “taken” | Not applicable |
| Common time reference | Completed/past/result | Present/ongoing |
Taken Usually Shows a Completed Action
Consider:
He has taken the documents.
The action has already occurred.
Taking Usually Shows an Ongoing Action
Compare:
He is taking the documents.
The action is happening now or is viewed as ongoing.
Taken Can Describe a Result
“Taken” may describe the result of an action:
All the available seats are taken.
The focus is on the current condition of the seats.
How Taking Describes an Activity
In this case, “Taking” shows
Taking regular breaks can improve concentration.
Here, “taking” functions as a gerund.
Taken Vs Taking in Different Tenses
Understanding tense makes the distinction much easier.
Present Perfect
Use has/have + taken:
She has taken the exam.
This indicates a completed action with a connection to the present.
Past Perfect
Use had + taken:
She had taken the exam before the interview.
The action happened before another past event.
Present Continuous
Use am/is/are + taking:
She is taking the exam now.
The action is happening at the present time.
Past Continuous
Use was/were + taking:
She was taking the exam when the fire alarm rang.
The action was in progress at a particular time in the past.
Taken Vs Taking in Passive Constructions
“Taken” is also frequently used in passive constructions.
For example:
The photograph was taken yesterday.
Here, someone took the photograph, but the sentence focuses on the photograph.
Another example:
The books have been taken from the library.
“Taken” describes an action performed on the books.
By contrast, “taking” can appear in active continuous structures:
The photographer is taking pictures.
The photographer is actively acting.
Compare:
The photographer is taking pictures.
with:
The pictures were taken by the photographer.
The first sentence emphasizes the ongoing action. The second emphasizes the completed result.
Grammar Guide
“Taken” and “taking” have different grammatical roles even though they come from the same verb.
How each term is used in sentences
Taken is normally used as a past participle.
Common patterns include:
has/have + taken
They have taken the train.
had + taken
They had taken the wrong exit.
be + taken
The seats were taken.
Taking is commonly used in continuous structures.
Common patterns include:
am/is/are + taking
I am taking a class.
was/were + taking
They were taking photographs.
It can also function as a gerund:
Taking notes is useful.
Another common pattern is:
verb + object + taking
I saw him taking pictures.
Common mistakes learners make
Mistake 1: Using “taken” as simple past
Incorrect:
She taken the bus yesterday.
Correct:
She took the bus yesterday.
“Taken” is the past participle, while “took” is the simple past.
Mistake 2: Using “taking” after “has”
Incorrect:
He has taking the test.
Correct:
He has taken the test.
After “has” or “have” in the present perfect, use the past participle.
Mistake 3: Forgetting “be” before “taking”
Incorrect:
She taking a shower.
Correct:
She is taking a shower.
The continuous form normally requires a suitable form of “be.”
Mistake 4: Confusing action with result
He is taking the medicine.
This focuses on the action.
He has taken the medicine.
This focuses on the completed action.
Simple rules to remember
A few simple rules can help you choose correctly:
- Take → took → taken → taking.
- Use taken after has, have, or had when forming perfect tenses.
- Use taking after forms of be for continuous tenses.
- Use took for the simple past.
- Remember that taking can function as a gerund.
- Ask yourself whether you mean a completed action or an ongoing activity.
A useful shortcut is:
Has/have/had → taken
Am/is/are/was/were → taking when expressing a continuous action.
Quick tips for writing and speaking
When deciding between “taken” and “taking,” look at the words around it.
If you see has, have, or had, “taken” is often the correct choice:
She has taken the keys.
If you see am, is, are, was, or were and the sentence describes an action in progress, “taking” is often correct:
She is taking the keys.
If the sentence describes a completed action in the simple past, use took:
She took the keys.
Do not choose “taken” simply because the action happened in the past. Grammar determines which form is appropriate.
When to Use Each One
When to use “taken”
Use taken when:
- You are using the present perfect.
- You are using the past perfect.
- You are forming certain passive constructions.
- You are describing something that has already been received, removed, occupied, or completed.
- You want to emphasize the result of an action.
Examples:
I have taken the medicine.
She had taken the wrong train.
The seats have been taken.
When to use “taking”
Use taking when:
- An action is happening now.
- An action was in progress in the past.
- You are describing an ongoing activity.
- “Taking” is being used as a gerund.
- You are describing a process or activity.
Examples:
I am taking a course.
They were taking pictures.
Taking notes is important.
When NOT to Use Each One
When not to use “taken”
Do not use “taken” as the simple past form of “take.”
Incorrect:
He taken the bus yesterday.
Correct:
He took the bus yesterday.
Also avoid using “taken” after “is” when you specifically mean that someone is actively acting.
Incorrect for an ongoing action:
She is taken the photograph.
Correct:
She is taking the photograph.
When not to use “taking”
Do not use “taking” after “has,” “have,” or “had” when you need the past participle.
Incorrect:
They have taking the opportunity.
Correct:
They have taken the opportunity.
Also, do not use “taking” when you simply need the simple past:
Incorrect:
He taking the train yesterday.
Correct:
He took the train yesterday.
Taken Vs Taking in Common Expressions
Both forms appear in many everyday English expressions.
Expressions with “taken”
- taken seriously
- taken away
- taken care of
- taken by surprise
- taken into account
- taken responsibility
- taken a break
- taken a test
- taken a decision
Examples:
Her concerns were taken seriously.
We have taken the problem into account.
Expressions with “taking”
- taking a break
- taking a test
- taking a photo
- taking a chance
- taking responsibility
- taking action
- taking notes
- taking care
- taking a bus
- taking part
Examples:
We are taking action.
She is taking notes.
He enjoys taking photographs.
When “Taken” and “Taking” Can Both Appear in Similar Sentences
Sometimes the two forms appear in sentences that discuss the same general action but present it differently.
She has taken a photograph.
This emphasizes the completed action.
She is taking a photograph.
This emphasizes the action currently happening.
Similarly:
They have taken the train.
The trip or act of boarding the train is presented as completed.
They are taking the train.
This can describe their current or planned method of transportation.
The difference is not merely vocabulary. It is about how the speaker presents the action.
Which One to Use (Decision Guide)
Use this quick decision process:
Step 1: Is the action ongoing?
If yes, consider taking.
She is taking notes.
Step 2: Has the action been completed with has, have, or had?
If yes, use taken.
She has taken notes.
Step 3: Are you talking about a completed action in simple past?
Use took, not either “taken” or “taking.”
She took notes yesterday.
Step 4: Is the word describing a result or condition?
“Taken” may be appropriate.
All the seats are taken.
Step 5: Is “taking” acting as the name of an activity?
Use taking.
Taking notes improves memory.
A simple memory trick is:
Taking = action in progress or activity.
Taken = past participle or completed/resulting action.
Real-World Practical Examples
Taken Examples
Education:
The students have taken their final examination.
Daily life:
I have taken the laundry out of the dryer.
Business:
The manager has taken responsibility for the mistake.
Technology:
The system has taken a backup of the files.
Travel:
We have taken the wrong route.
Science:
Scientists have taken several measurements.
Writing:
The editor has taken your suggestions into account.
Conversation:
Have you taken your keys?
Photography:
She has taken hundreds of pictures during the trip.
Workplace:
Someone has taken my chair.
Taking Examples
Education:
She is taking an English course this semester.
Daily life:
I am taking a short break.
Business:
The company is taking steps to improve customer service.
Technology:
The computer is taking a long time to restart.
Science:
Researchers are taking measurements of the temperature.
Travel:
We are taking the train tomorrow morning.
Writing:
I am taking notes during the meeting.
Conversation:
What are you taking to the party?
Photography:
He is taking pictures of the sunset.
Workplace:
The team is taking action to solve the problem.
Self-Assessment (Fill in the Blanks)
Complete each sentence with the correct form: taken, taking, or, where necessary, another form of take.
- She has ______ the wrong book from the shelf.
- They are ______ photographs of the museum.
- He ______ the bus to work yesterday.
- We have ______ several important steps to improve the project.
- I am ______ an online English course.
- The available seats have already been ______.
- She was ______ notes when the teacher entered the room.
- He had ______ the wrong road before he realized his mistake.
- ______ regular breaks can help you stay focused.
- Have you ______ your umbrella with you?
- The scientist is ______ measurements of the samples.
- She ______ the train yesterday morning.
- The manager has ______ responsibility for the project.
- They are ______ part in the competition.
- The photograph was ______ by a professional photographer.
- I have ______ care of the problem.
- He is ______ his laptop to the office.
- The students had ______ the test before lunch.
- ______ notes during lectures can improve learning.
- She has ______ several pictures of the event.
Answers
- taken: “Has taken” is the present perfect form.
- taking: “Are taking” describes an ongoing action.
- took: “Took” is the simple past form of “take.”
- taken: “Have taken” uses the past participle.
- taking: “Am taking” describes an activity happening around the present.
- taken: “Have been taken” describes the current result.
- taking: “Was taking” is the past continuous form.
- taken: “Had taken” is the past perfect form.
- Taking: “Taking regular breaks” functions as a gerund phrase.
- taken: “Have taken” requires the past participle.
- taking: “Is taking” describes an action in progress.
- took: “Took” is required for a completed simple-past action.
- taken: “Has taken” is present perfect.
- taking: The expression is “taking part.”
- taken: “Was taken” is a passive construction.
- taken: The expression is “have taken care of.”
- taking: “Is taking” describes an ongoing action.
- taken: “Had taken” is past perfect.
- Taking: “Taking notes” functions as an activity or gerund phrase.
- taken: “Has taken” requires the past participle.
Final Verdict
The difference between taken and taking is mainly grammatical, although the choice can also change how an action is presented. Taken is the past participle of “take” and commonly appears with has, have, or had, as in “She has taken the test.” It can also occur in passive constructions such as “The seats are taken.”
Taking is the present participle or -ing form. It is commonly used with forms of be to describe an ongoing action, as in “She is taking the test.” It can also function as a gerund, as in “Taking notes is helpful.”
Remember that the simple past form is took, not “taken” or “taking.” If you are talking about an action happening now, taking is often appropriate. If you are describing a completed action with a perfect tense, taken is usually correct. Understanding these patterns will help you use both forms naturally and confidently.
Conclusion
Understanding Taken Vs Taking becomes much easier when you focus on grammar, meaning, and the way each form describes an action. Taken is the past participle of “take” and is commonly used with words such as has, have, and had, as in “She has taken the book.” It can also describe a result or condition, such as “The seats are taken.” On the other hand, taking is the present participle or -ing form, usually used for an action that is happening or continuing, as in “She is taking the book.” It can also work as a gerund, such as “Taking notes is helpful.”
Remember that took is the simple past form of “take.” By paying attention to the helping verb and the intended meaning, you can confidently choose between taken and taking in everyday conversations, academic writing, professional communication, and formal English.
Taken Vs Taking: FAQs
What is the difference between taken and taking?
Taken is the past participle form of “take,” while taking is the present participle or -ing form. “Taken” commonly appears with has, have, or had, as in “He has taken the test.” “Taking” usually describes an ongoing action, as in “He is taking the test.” The correct choice depends on the sentence structure and intended meaning.
Is taken the past tense of take?
No. The simple past tense of take is took, while taken is its past participle. For example, “She took the bus yesterday” uses the simple past. However, “She has taken the bus” uses the past participle. Remembering take, took, taken makes it easier to use these forms correctly in different English sentence structures.
When should I use taking?
Use taking when describing an action that is currently happening, continuing, or being treated as an activity. For example, “I am taking a break” describes an ongoing action. It can also function as a gerund: “Taking notes helps students learn.” The surrounding words and sentence structure usually make the correct use clear.
When should I use taken?
Use taken when you need the past participle of “take.” It commonly follows has, have, or had, as in “They have taken the wrong road.” It also appears in passive constructions, such as “The photograph was taken yesterday.” The word often emphasizes a completed action, experience, or resulting condition.
Can I say “I have taking”?
No, “I have taking” is grammatically incorrect when forming the present perfect tense. After “have,” you need the past participle taken: “I have taken the test.” The form taking normally follows a form of “be” when expressing a continuous action, such as “I am taking the test.”
Is “taking” a verb or a noun?
Taking can function as a verb or as a gerund, depending on the sentence. In “She is taking notes,” it is part of the verb phrase. In “Taking notes is useful,” it acts as a noun-like gerund phrase referring to the activity of taking notes.
Is “taken” always used for past actions?
Not necessarily. Although taken is a past participle and often relates to completed actions, it can describe a present condition. For example, “All the seats are taken” describes their current status. The word itself does not simply mean “past”; its grammatical role depends on the structure and context of the sentence.
What is the simple past form of take?
The simple past form of take is took. For example, “She took my book yesterday” is correct. Taken is the past participle, as in “She has taken my book.” Taking is the -ing form, as in “She is taking my book.” These three forms serve different grammatical purposes.
Is “she is taken” different from “she is taking”?
Yes. “She is taking” normally describes an action she is performing: “She is taking a photograph.” “She is taken” is generally a passive construction or describes a condition, depending on context. For example, “She is taken to the hospital” means someone takes or transports her there. The sentence structure changes the meaning significantly.
How can I remember the difference between taken and taking?
A simple way to remember the difference is to connect taking with an action in progress and taken with the past participle. Think of “She is taking” for something happening and “She has taken” for something completed. Also remember that took is the simple past form. These patterns can prevent many common grammar mistakes.
