When learning English, many people get confused between taken and taking because both come from the verb take. Although they share the same root, they have different grammatical roles and are used in different situations. Understanding the difference between taken vs. taking will help you write, speak, and understand English more accurately and naturally.
Comparison Overview
Both taken and taking are forms of the verb take, but they are not interchangeable.
- Taken is the past participle of take.
- Taking is the present participle and gerund form of take.
- Taken is commonly used with helping verbs such as has, have, had, was, and were.
- Taking is used in continuous tenses or as a noun referring to the action itself.
| Feature | Taken | Taking |
| Verb Form | Past participle | Present participle/Gerund |
| Time | Completed action | Ongoing action |
| Used With | Has, have, had, was, were, be | Is, am, are, was, were |
| Can Be a Noun | No | Yes |
| Example | She has taken the bus. | She is taking the bus. |
Definition of Taken
Taken is the past participle of the verb take. It describes an action that has already been completed or something that has been received, accepted, or removed. It is always used with an auxiliary (helping) verb.
Core Meaning
- Already received
- Already accepted
- Already removed
- Already completed
Purpose
It helps form:
- Perfect tenses
- Passive voice
- Certain adjective-like expressions
Examples:
- I have taken the exam.
- The books were taken yesterday.
- She has taken my advice.
Definition of Taking
Taking is the present participle and gerund form of take. It describes an action that is happening now or functions as a noun referring to the act of taking something.
Core Meaning
- Currently performing the action
- The act of receiving or carrying
- An ongoing process
Purpose
It helps form:
- Continuous tenses
- Gerunds
- Participial phrases
Examples:
- I am taking notes.
- Taking breaks improves productivity.
- They are taking pictures.
Main Differences Between Taken and Taking
| Feature | Taken | Taking |
| Grammar Form | Past participle | Present participle/Gerund |
| Action Status | Completed | In progress |
| Needs a Helping Verb | Yes | Usually yes (continuous tense) |
| Can Act as a Noun | No | Yes |
| Passive Voice | Yes | No |
| Continuous Tenses | No | Yes |
Key Differences
- Taken shows that an action has already happened.
- Taking shows an action that is currently happening.
- Taken is used in perfect and passive constructions.
- Taking is used in continuous tenses and as a gerund.
- Taken cannot stand alone as the main verb.
- Taking can function as both a verb and a noun.
Verb Forms of “Take”
| Base Form | Past Tense | Past Participle | Present Participle |
| Take | Took | Taken | Taking |
Tense Comparison
| Sentence | Correct Form |
| She has ______ the book. | Taken |
| She is ______ the book. | Taking |
| They had ______ the train. | Taken |
| We are ______ notes. | Taking |
Grammar Guide
How Each Term Is Used in Sentences
Taken
Pattern:
- Subject + has/have/had + taken + object
Examples:
- She has taken my pen.
- They had taken the wrong road.
- We have taken many photos.
- The package was taken away.
- He has taken responsibility.
Taking
Pattern:
- Subject + is/am/are + taking + object
Examples:
- I am taking medicine.
- They are taking lessons.
- She is taking the bus.
- We were taking notes.
- He is taking a break.
As a gerund:
- Taking exercise is healthy.
- Taking risks can lead to success.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
Mistake 1
❌ I have taken the test.
✅ I have taken the test.
Mistake 2
❌ She has taken a shower.
✅ She is taking a shower.
Mistake 3
❌ They have taken pictures.
✅ They have taken pictures.
Mistake 4
❌ Taking was completed yesterday.
✅ The task was taken yesterday. (if appropriate)
or
✅ The activity was completed yesterday.
Simple Rules to Remember
- Taken = completed action.
- Taking = ongoing action.
- Use taken after has, have, had.
- Use taking after is, am, are, was, were.
- Taking can also act as a noun.
- Taken cannot function as a noun.
Quick Tips for Writing and Speaking
- Look for helping verbs before choosing the word.
- If the action is happening now, choose taking.
- If the action has already happened, choose taken.
- Remember the verb forms: take → took → taken → taking.
- Practice with everyday sentences.
When to Use Each One
Use Taken When
- Talking about completed actions.
- Using perfect tenses.
- Writing in passive voice.
- Describing something already received.
- Explaining completed processes.
Examples:
- I have taken the course.
- The documents were taken.
- She had taken the opportunity.
- We have taken enough samples.
- He has taken the lead.
Use Taking When
- Talking about actions happening now.
- Writing continuous tenses.
- Describing ongoing activities.
- Using gerunds.
- Explaining current events.
Examples:
- She is taking a class.
- We are taking notes.
- Taking vitamins helps health.
- They were taking measurements.
- I am taking my dog outside.
When NOT to Use Each One
Do Not Use Taken
- Without an auxiliary verb.
- In continuous tenses.
- As a noun.
- For actions happening right now.
- Instead of the present participle.
Incorrect:
- I am taking notes.
Correct:
- I am taking notes.
Do Not Use Taking
- After have, have, or had when forming perfect tenses.
- In passive voice.
- To describe completed actions.
- Instead of the past participle.
Incorrect:
- She has taken the exam.
Correct:
- She has taken the exam.
Which One to Use (Decision Guide)
Choose taken if:
- The action is finished.
- You are using perfect tenses.
- You are writing passive sentences.
- A helping verb like has, have, or had appears before it.
Choose taking if:
- The action is happening now.
- You are using continuous tenses.
- You want to describe an ongoing activity.
- The word functions as a gerund.
Quick Decision Table
| Situation | Correct Choice |
| Happening now | Taking |
| Already completed | Taken |
| Present continuous | Taking |
| Present perfect | Taken |
| Passive voice | Taken |
| Gerund | Taking |
Real-World Practical Examples
Taken Examples
- The student has taken the final exam.
- The manager has taken responsibility for the project.
- Scientists have taken samples from the river.
- The suspect was taken into custody.
- She has taken online writing classes.
Taking Examples
- The student is taking an English class.
- My mother is taking medicine every morning.
- Engineers are taking measurements for the new bridge.
- We are taking part in a business conference.
- Taking regular breaks improves concentration.
Self-Assessment (Fill in the Blanks)
- I will use ______ when referring to an action happening now. The correct word is ______ because it shows an ongoing action.
- I will use ______ after “has.” The correct word is ______ because it forms the present perfect tense.
- I am ______ notes during the lecture. The correct word is ______ because the action is continuing.
- She has ______ my advice. The correct word is ______ because the action is completed.
- They are ______ photos at the park. The correct word is ______ because the activity is in progress.
- We have ______ the wrong train. The correct word is ______ because it follows “have.”
- ______ exercise every day improves health. The correct word is ______ because it is a gerund.
- The documents were ______ yesterday. The correct word is ______ because it is passive voice.
- He is ______ driving lessons. The correct word is ______ because the activity is ongoing.
- She had ______ the opportunity before moving. The correct word is ______ because it follows “had.”
- We are ______ part in the competition. The correct word is ______ because it is present continuous.
- The medicine has been ______ already. The correct word is ______ because the action is complete.
- They were ______ measurements. The correct word is ______ because it describes an ongoing past action.
- I have ______ enough time to decide. The correct word is ______ because it follows “have.”
- ______ care of yourself is important. The correct word is ______ because it functions as a noun.
- The wallet was ______ by mistake. The correct word is ______ because the sentence is passive.
- She is ______ the bus to work. The correct word is ______ because it is happening now.
- They have ______ several important decisions. The correct word is ______ because the decisions are completed.
- We are ______ our children to school. The correct word is ______ because the action is occurring now.
- He had ______ every necessary step. The correct word is ______ because the action happened before another past event.
Answers
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- Taking, Taking
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- Taking, Taking
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Understanding taken vs. taking becomes much easier once you know their grammatical roles. Taken is the past participle, used for completed actions, perfect tenses, and passive voice. Taking is the present participle and gerund, used for actions that are happening now or for describing the act of doing something. Whenever you are unsure, check whether the action is finished or ongoing and look at the helping verb in the sentence. If the action is complete and follows has, have, or had, use taken. If the action is currently happening or you are talking about the activity itself, use taking. Mastering this simple distinction will improve your grammar, writing, and everyday English communication with greater confidence.
Conclusion About Taken Vs Taking
Understanding Taken Vs Taking is much easier once you know the role each word plays in a sentence. While both come from the verb take, taken is the past participle used for completed actions and perfect tenses, whereas taking is the present participle or gerund used for ongoing actions and activities. Choosing the correct form depends on the sentence structure, helping verbs, and whether the action is finished or still happening. By learning these simple grammar rules and practicing with everyday examples, you can avoid common mistakes and communicate more confidently in both writing and conversation. Whether you’re preparing for an English exam, improving your grammar skills, or simply trying to write more naturally, mastering Taken Vs Taking will make your English clearer and more accurate. Keep practicing these forms in different contexts, and using the correct word will soon become second nature.
FAQs
What is the difference between taken and taking?
Taken is the past participle of the verb take and is used for completed actions, usually with helping verbs like has, have, or had. Taking is the present participle or gerund and describes an action that is currently happening or the act of doing something. They have different grammatical functions and cannot always replace one another.
Is it a verb or an adjective?
Taken is primarily the past participle form of the verb take, but it can also function as an adjective in certain contexts. For example, in the sentence “The seat is taken,” the word describes the condition of the seat rather than expressing an action, making it work like an adjective.
Can taking be used as a noun?
Yes. Taking can function as a gerund, which is a verb form acting as a noun. For example, in the sentence “Taking notes helps students learn,” the word taking refers to the activity itself rather than an ongoing action, making it grammatically a noun.
Why is “I have taken” incorrect?
The phrase “I have taking” is incorrect because the present perfect tense requires the past participle of the verb. The correct sentence is “I have taken.” After has, have, or had, always use taken, not taking, when referring to completed actions.
When should I use taking in a sentence?
Use taking when describing an action that is happening now or when using continuous tenses. It is also correct when taking functions as a gerund. Examples include “She is taking a test” and “Taking regular breaks improves concentration.”
Can taken be used without a helping verb?
In most cases, taken needs a helping verb such as has, have, had, was, or were because it is a past participle. Without an auxiliary verb, it is generally incomplete unless it is used as an adjective, such as in “The table is taken.”
Is taking used in continuous tenses?
Yes. Taking is the form used in present, past, and future continuous tenses because it expresses actions that are in progress. Examples include “I am taking a course,” “She was taking notes,” and “They will be taking part in the event.”
How do I remember the difference between taken and taking?
A simple way to remember is that taken refers to a completed action, while taking refers to an action that is happening or continuing. If you see helping verbs like has, have, or had, use taken. If you see is, am, or are, taking is usually the correct choice.
Which is correct: taken or taking after has?
After the helping verb has, the correct word is always taken because has forms the present perfect tense, which requires the past participle. For example, “She has taken the exam” is correct, while “She has taking the exam” is grammatically incorrect.
Why do English learners confuse taken and taking?
Many learners confuse taken and taking because both are forms of the same verb and appear in similar sentence structures. The key difference is their grammatical role. Understanding verb forms, helping verbs, and tense patterns makes it much easier to choose the correct word in everyday English.
