Many English learners get confused between taken and taking because both come from the verb take, but they are used in different grammatical forms. Understanding the difference helps you write and speak more accurately. This guide explains their meanings, grammar, usage, examples, and common mistakes in a simple, beginner-friendly way.
Comparison Overview
Both taken and taking are forms of the verb take, but they serve different grammatical purposes.
- Taken is the past participle of the verb take.
- Taking is the present participle and gerund form of take.
Although they originate from the same base verb, they are used in different sentence structures and express different ideas. Knowing when to use each form is essential for correct English grammar.
| Feature | Taken | Taking |
| Verb Form | Past participle | Present participle / Gerund |
| Time Reference | Completed action | Ongoing action or activity |
| Used With | Has, have, had, be | Be verbs or as a noun |
| Function | Perfect tenses, passive voice, adjective | Continuous tenses, noun, adjective |
| Example | She has taken the test. | She is taking the test. |
Definition of Taken
Taken is the past participle of the verb take. It usually describes an action that has already been completed or is used in perfect tenses and passive voice.
Core Meaning
Taken refers to something that has already been received, accepted, removed, carried, or completed.
Examples:
- She has taken my book.
- The photo was taken yesterday.
- All the seats are taken.
- He had taken the medicine before dinner.
- The decision was taken by the committee.
Definition of Taking
Taking is the present participle and gerund form of the verb take. It describes an action that is happening now or refers to the activity itself.
Core Meaning
Taking expresses an action that is currently in progress or the act of receiving, carrying, choosing, or using something.
Examples:
- She is taking notes.
- They are taking the bus.
- Taking breaks improves productivity.
- He is taking an exam.
- We are taking pictures.
Main Differences Between Taken and Taking
| Aspect | Taken | Taking |
| Grammar | Past participle | Present participle/Gerund |
| Action | Completed | Ongoing |
| Tense | Perfect tenses | Continuous tenses |
| Passive Voice | Yes | No |
| Can Act as a Noun | No | Yes (Gerund) |
| Example | The package has been taken. | She is taking the package. |
Key Differences
- Taken describes actions that are completed.
- Taking describes actions happening now.
- Taken commonly appears after has, have, had, is, was, were, been.
- Taking commonly appears after am, is, are, was, were in continuous tenses.
- Taking can function as a noun, while taken cannot.
Verb Forms of “Take”
| Base Verb | Past Tense | Past Participle | Present Participle |
| Take | Took | Taken | Taking |
Comparison Table
| Question | Taken | Taking |
| Is it a verb? | Yes | Yes |
| Can it describe an ongoing action? | No | Yes |
| Used in passive voice? | Yes | No |
| Used as a noun? | No | Yes |
| Common with “has/have”? | Yes | No |
| Common with “is/am/are”? | Sometimes (passive) | Yes |
Grammar Guide
Understanding the grammar behind taken and taking makes choosing the correct word much easier.
How Each Term Is Used in Sentences
Taken
Pattern:
- has/have/had + taken
- be + taken (passive)
Examples:
- I have taken the course.
- She had taken the wrong train.
- The picture was taken last week.
- All rooms are taken.
- The offer has been taken.
Taking
Pattern:
- am/is/are + taking
- was/were + taking
- Taking + noun + verb
Examples:
- I am taking a class.
- They are taking photos.
- She was taking notes.
- Taking exercise improves health.
- He is taking responsibility.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
- Saying I have taking instead of I have taken.
- Using taken instead of taking for ongoing actions.
- Forgetting that taking can function as a noun.
- Using taken without an auxiliary verb.
- Mixing took and taken.
Incorrect:
- I have taking the exam.
Correct:
- I have taken the exam.
Incorrect:
- She is taken notes.
Correct:
- She is taking notes.
Simple Rules to Remember
- Use taken after has, have, had.
- Use taking after am, is, are, was, were.
- Use taking for actions in progress.
- Use taken for completed actions.
- Remember: take → took → taken → taking.
Quick Tips for Writing and Speaking
- Ask whether the action is finished or still happening.
- Look for helping verbs before choosing the form.
- Remember that taking can be the subject of a sentence.
- Read sentences aloud to hear which form sounds natural.
- Practice with everyday examples to build confidence.
When to Use Each One
Use Taken When:
- Describing completed actions.
- Using perfect tenses.
- Writing passive voice.
- Describing something already occupied.
- Talking about past completed events.
Examples:
- She has taken my seat.
- The exam was taken yesterday.
- He had taken the opportunity.
Use Taking When:
- Describing ongoing actions.
- Writing continuous tenses.
- Referring to an activity.
- Naming an action.
- Talking about current events.
Examples:
- She is taking a shower.
- They are taking measurements.
- Taking notes helps memory.
When NOT to Use Each One
Do not use taken:
- After is/am/are for active continuous actions.
- Instead of taking for actions happening now.
- Without the required helping verb in perfect constructions.
Do not use taking:
- After has/have/had in perfect tenses.
- In passive voice.
- When referring to a completed action.
Which One to Use (Decision Guide)
Choose taken if:
- The action is completed.
- You are using has, have, or had.
- The sentence is in passive voice.
Choose taking if:
- The action is happening now.
- The sentence uses continuous tense.
- The word names an activity.
Quick decision chart:
- Ongoing action → Taking
- Completed action → Taken
- Perfect tense → Taken
- Continuous tense → Taking
- Gerund (activity) → Taking
Real-World Practical Examples
Taken Examples
- The students have taken the final exam. (Education)
- The samples were taken to the laboratory. (Science)
- Our company has taken a new approach. (Business)
- The picture was taken with a smartphone. (Technology)
- She has taken my advice seriously. (Daily conversation)
Taking Examples
- She is taking online classes. (Education)
- We are taking groceries home. (Daily life)
- Scientists are taking measurements. (Science)
- The company is taking customer feedback seriously. (Business)
- He is taking screenshots for the report. (Technology)
Self-Assessment (Fill in the Blanks)
- I have ______ the wrong bus. The correct word is ______ because it follows “have.”
- She is ______ notes during class. The correct word is ______ because the action is happening now.
- The photo was ______ yesterday. The correct word is ______ because it is passive voice.
- They are ______ an English course. The correct word is ______ because it is continuous tense.
- He had ______ the opportunity before anyone else. The correct word is ______ because it follows “had.”
- We are ______ pictures at the park. The correct word is ______ because the action is in progress.
- All the seats are ______. The correct word is ______ because they are already occupied.
- She is ______ medicine every morning. The correct word is ______ because it describes an ongoing action.
- The documents were ______ by the manager. The correct word is ______ because it is passive voice.
- I am ______ driving lessons. The correct word is ______ because the activity is happening now.
- They have ______ the decision seriously. The correct word is ______ because it is in the present perfect tense.
- He is ______ responsibility for the project. The correct word is ______ because the action is ongoing.
- The survey was ______ online. The correct word is ______ because it uses passive voice.
- We were ______ measurements in the lab. The correct word is ______ because it is in the past continuous tense.
- She has ______ every opportunity to learn. The correct word is ______ because it follows “has.”
- ______ regular breaks improves concentration. The correct word is ______ because it is a gerund acting as a noun.
- The package has been ______ already. The correct word is ______ because it is a completed action.
- They are ______ part in the competition. The correct word is ______ because it is continuous tense.
- The evidence was ______ to the court. The correct word is ______ because it is passive voice.
- I enjoy ______ photos while traveling. The correct word is ______ because it is a gerund after “enjoy.”
Answers
- taken
- taking
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- taking
- taken
- taking
- taken
- taking
- taken
- taking
- taken
- taking
- taken
- taking
- taken
- Taking
- taken
- taking
- taken
- taken
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between Taken Vs Taking becomes much easier once you know how each form functions in English grammar. Taken is the past participle used for completed actions, perfect tenses, and passive voice, while taking is the present participle and gerund used for ongoing actions and activities. Although they come from the same verb, they cannot be used interchangeably because each has a specific grammatical role. By paying attention to the helping verbs in a sentence and whether the action is complete or still happening, you can quickly choose the correct form. Regular practice with real-life examples will help reinforce these rules and improve both your writing and speaking skills. Whether you are learning English for school, work, exams, or everyday communication, mastering the difference between taken and taking will make your sentences more accurate, natural, and confident.
FAQs
What is the difference between taken and taking?
Taken is the past participle of the verb take, while taking is the present participle and gerund. Taken usually describes completed actions or appears in perfect tenses and passive voice. Taking refers to actions that are happening now or functions as the name of an activity.
Is taken a verb or an adjective?
Taken is primarily the past participle of the verb take, but it can also function as an adjective in certain contexts. For example, in the sentence “The seat is taken,” it describes the state of the seat rather than an action being performed.
Is taking a verb or a noun?
Taking can be both. It works as a verb in continuous tenses, such as “She is taking notes,” and as a gerund, which is a noun formed from a verb, as in “Taking notes improves learning.”
Can I say “I have taking”?
No. After have, has, or had, you should use the past participle taken, not taking. The correct sentence is “I have taken the course.” Using taking after a perfect-tense helping verb is a common grammar mistake.
When should I use taking in a sentence?
Use taking when describing an action that is currently happening or when referring to an activity. For example, “They are taking the train” shows an ongoing action, while “Taking regular breaks improves productivity” uses taking as a gerund.
Why is taken used in passive voice?
Passive voice requires the past participle form of the main verb. Since taken is the past participle of take, it is used in sentences like “The photo was taken yesterday,” where the focus is on the action rather than the person performing it.
Can taken and taking be used interchangeably?
No. Although both come from the verb take, they have different grammatical functions. Taken refers to completed actions or passive constructions, while taking refers to ongoing actions or activities. Choosing the correct form depends on the sentence structure.
What helping verbs are commonly used with taken?
Taken is commonly used with helping verbs such as has, have, had, is, was, were, and been. These combinations appear in perfect tenses and passive voice, helping express completed actions or changes in state.
What helping verbs are commonly used with taking?
Taking is most often used with am, is, are, was, and were to form continuous tenses. These helping verbs show that an action is happening now or was happening at a particular time in the past.
How can I remember the difference between taken and taking?
A simple way to remember is to think about the action. If it is finished, use taken. If it is still happening or names an activity, use taking. Looking at the helping verb in the sentence also makes choosing the correct form much easier.
