English learners often stumble when choosing between “taken” and “taking”. These two forms of the verb take look similar but function differently in sentences.
Understanding their grammar, usage, and common expressions can make your writing and speaking much more accurate. This guide breaks it all down with examples, tables, and practical tips to help you master these tricky words.
Understanding the Core Meaning of “Take”
The first step to mastering taken and taking is understanding the base verb take. At its core, take means to grasp, acquire, or undergo something. But its meaning changes based on context.
Examples:
- Physical action: I take the book from the shelf.
- Abstract action: She takes responsibility seriously.
- Idiomatic use: He takes advantage of opportunities.
Knowing the core meaning of take is crucial because taken and taking are simply different forms of this base action—one completed, one ongoing.
Participles Made Simple
Participles are verb forms that can act as adjectives, nouns, or parts of verb phrases. English has two main participles:
- Present participle (-ing) → describes ongoing action
- Past participle (-ed/-en) → describes completed action or passive form
Quick tip:
- -ing = action happening now or general concept
- -en (like taken) = action completed or effect on something
Understanding participles helps you choose between taking (action in progress) and taken (completed action).
Understanding “Taking”
Taking in Continuous Tenses
Taking often appears in continuous tenses. Continuous tenses highlight actions happening at a specific moment.
Structure:am/is/are + taking
Examples:
- I am taking the bus to work.
- She is taking notes during the lecture.
Notice how taking emphasizes that the action is currently ongoing.
Taking as a Gerund (Noun Form)
Sometimes taking acts as a noun, called a gerund. It represents an action or activity rather than describing a verb.
Examples:
- Taking care of pets is rewarding.
- His favorite hobby is taking photos.
In these cases, taking becomes the subject of the sentence, not just an action verb.
Common Expressions Using “Taking”
Taking also appears in idiomatic expressions. Here are some frequent examples:
- Taking part in a discussion
- Taking advantage of a deal
- Taking place tomorrow
Using these correctly shows fluency and understanding of natural English.
Quick Reference Table for “Taking”
| Use | Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous tense | She is taking notes | Action in progress |
| Gerund (noun) | Taking risks can be exciting | Acts as subject/object |
| Idiomatic phrase | Taking part in a game | Common English phrases |
Understanding “Taken”
Taken in Perfect Tenses
Taken is the past participle of take, often used with perfect tenses. Perfect tenses indicate completed actions.
Structure:have/has/had + taken
Examples:
- I have taken the test.
- She had taken the opportunity before anyone else.
Here, taken shows that the action is finished and relevant to another point in time.
Taken in Passive Voice
Taken also appears in passive voice constructions, where the focus is on the object receiving the action rather than who is performing it.
Structure:be + taken
Examples:
- The book was taken by John.
- The photo was taken yesterday.
Passive usage often emphasizes the result rather than the actor.
Common Expressions Using “Taken”
Taken frequently appears in idiomatic expressions:
- Taken aback → surprised or shocked
- Taken for granted → undervalued or unappreciated
- Taken care of → managed or handled
These phrases are often fixed expressions, so memorizing them is helpful.
Quick Reference Table for “Taken”
| Use | Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Perfect tense | He has taken the exam | Completed action |
| Passive voice | The photo was taken yesterday | Focus on object receiving action |
| Idiomatic phrase | She was taken aback by the news | Figurative meaning |
Common Confusions Between “Taken” and “Taking”
Some expressions confuse learners because their meanings change depending on the verb form.
Examples:
| Phrase | Correct Usage | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Taking care of | I am taking care of the dog | Action in progress |
| Taken care of | The dog has been taken care of | Completed action |
| Taking place | The meeting is taking place now | Happening now |
| Has taken place | The event has taken place | Completed action |
| Taking notes | She is taking notes during class | Current activity |
| Have taken notes | She has taken notes already | Completed action |
Understanding context and tense is key to choosing the correct form.
Frequency and Real-World Usage
In everyday English, taking is common in spoken language and continuous forms:
- I am taking a break.
- We are taking part in a webinar.
Taken is more frequent in written or formal English, especially in perfect tenses or passive constructions:
- The proposal has been taken seriously.
- The book was taken from the shelf.
Learners should notice patterns in context to improve fluency.
Practical Tips to Remember the Difference
- Rule of Thumb:
- Taking = ongoing action, general activity, or gerund
- Taken = completed action, past participle, or passive voice
- Mnemonic:
- “Taking = doing now, Taken = done already.”
- Quick Checklist:
- Is the action happening now? → Taking
- Is the action finished? → Taken
- Is it part of an idiomatic expression? → memorize form
- Is it a passive construction? → Taken
Case Study: Classroom Example
Imagine a classroom scenario:
Teacher: “Who is taking notes?”
Student A: “I am taking notes.” (Correct, ongoing action)
Teacher: “Who has taken notes already?”
Student B: “I have taken notes.” (Correct, completed action)
Lesson Learned: Continuous actions use taking, completed actions use taken. Errors often occur when learners mix these forms without considering time.
FAQs About Taken vs Taking
What is the difference between taken and taking?
Answer: Taking refers to ongoing actions, while taken refers to completed actions or passive situations.
Can “taking” be used as a noun?
Answer: Yes, as a gerund. Example: Taking care of pets is fun.
When should I use “taken care of” vs “taking care of”?
Answer: Taking care of = in progress; taken care of = already completed.
Is it correct to say “has taken place” or “is taking place”?
Answer: Is taking place = happening now; has taken place = completed.
Which is used more in daily English: taken or taking?
Answer: Taking is more common in spoken language; taken appears more in writing or formal contexts.
Conclusion
Mastering taken vs taking requires understanding tense, participles, and context. Remember:
- Taking = ongoing action or activity
- Taken = completed action or passive result
Use the tables, examples, and tips in this guide to confidently choose the correct form. Practice spotting these in real conversations, writing exercises, and reading materials to solidify your understanding.
Hi! I’m Sami, a 28-year-old content writer with a love for words and storytelling. Writing has always been my way of expressing ideas, sharing knowledge, and connecting with people. I enjoy creating engaging and well-researched content—whether it’s blogs, articles, or social media posts—that not only informs but also inspires readers. My goal is to turn complex ideas into clear, creative, and meaningful pieces of writing that leave a lasting impact.
