Taking vs taken is one of the most common grammar confusions in English. The simple answer is this: “taking” is the present participle of the verb “take” and is used in continuous tenses, while “taken” is the past participle and is used in perfect tenses or passive voice.
Even though the difference sounds straightforward, many learners still ask questions like “is it taking or taken?” or “should I say have taking or have taken?” This confusion often comes from not fully understanding verb forms, auxiliary verbs, and sentence structure.
In this guide, you’ll learn the difference between taking and taken, when to use each correctly, real-life examples, common mistakes, and even a quick practice section to test your understanding.
Verb Forms of “Take” (Full Breakdown)
To understand taking vs taken, you first need to know the verb forms of “take”:
| Form | Example |
| Base form | take |
| Past tense | took |
| Past participle | taken |
| Present participle | taking |
These forms are part of irregular verbs, which don’t follow standard “-ed” endings. Knowing this helps you avoid mistakes like “have took” or “is takening”.
What Does “Taking” Mean?
“Taking” as a Present Participle
Taking is the present participle form of “take.” It is commonly used in continuous (progressive) tenses.
Examples:
- I am taking a class.
- She is taking her time.
- They were taking notes during the lecture.
In these sentences, taking shows an action that is ongoing.
“Taking” in Continuous Tenses
Continuous tenses always use: am / is / are / was / were + verb (-ing)
This is why:
- ✅ I am taking
- ❌ I am taken
“Taking” as a Gerund (Noun Use)
One area many competitors miss is that “taking” can also act as a gerund (a noun).
Examples:
- Taking notes is important.
- She enjoys taking photos.
Here, taking is not a verb—it functions as a noun, which is an important grammar rule often overlooked.
What Does “Taken” Mean?
“Taken” as a Past Participle
Taken is the past participle of “take.” It is never used alone. It always works with auxiliary verbs like:
- have
- has
- had
Examples:
- I have taken the exam.
- She has taken my book.
- They had taken the wrong road.
“Taken” in Perfect Tenses
Perfect tenses follow this structure:
have / has / had + past participle
So:
- ✅ I have taken
- ❌ I have taking
This is one of the most common mistakes in English grammar.
“Taken” in Passive Voice
Another key use of taken is in passive voice, which many learners overlook.
Examples:
- The decision was taken by the manager.
- The picture was taken yesterday.
Here, the focus is on the action, not the person doing it.
Taking vs Taken: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Taking | Taken |
| Form | Present participle | Past participle |
| Usage | Continuous tense | Perfect tense / Passive voice |
| Structure | am/is/are + taking | have/has/had + taken |
| Example | I am taking notes | I have taken notes |
Taking vs Taken in Sentences (Clear Examples)
Examples of “Taking”
- She is taking a break.
- I am taking my time.
- They are taking responsibility.
Examples of “Taken”
- I have taken the test.
- He has taken the opportunity.
- The photo was taken last year.
Same Sentence, Different Meaning
- I am taking the course → (ongoing action)
- I have taken the course → (completed action)
This comparison clearly shows the difference between taking and taken in sentences.
When to Use “Taking” and “Taken” (Simple Rules)
Use taking when:
- The action is happening now
- You are using continuous tense
- The word acts as a noun (gerund)
Use taken when:
- The action is completed
- You are using perfect tenses
- You are using passive voice
Taking vs Taken vs Took (Important Difference)
Many learners confuse taking, taken, and took.
| Word | Usage |
| Taking | Present participle |
| Took | Past tense |
| Taken | Past participle |
Examples:
- I took the book yesterday.
- I have taken the book.
- I am taking the book.
A common mistake:
- ❌ I have took
- ✅ I have taken
Common Mistakes with “Taking” and “Taken”
Here are frequent grammar errors:
| Incorrect | Correct |
| I have taking | I have taken |
| She is taken the exam | She is taking the exam |
| They have took it | They have taken it |
Why these happen: Most learners confuse past tense vs past participle, especially with irregular verbs.
Real-Life Usage (Daily English Examples)
Understanding grammar is easier with real-life context.
Conversation
“I am taking a break right now.” “I have already taken one.”
Workplace
“She is taking responsibility for the project.” “He has taken charge of the team.”
Emails
“I am taking care of this issue.” “We have taken the necessary steps.”
Advanced Usage
“Taking” in Idioms
- Taking advantage
- Taking care
“Taken” in Expressions
- Taken for granted
- Taken into account
These phrases are common in both formal and informal English.
LEARN MORE: Lint or Lent
Grammar Deep Dive (For Better Understanding)
To fully understand taking vs taken, you should know:
Participles
- Taking → present participle
- Taken → past participle
Auxiliary Verbs
Words like have, has, is, are help form tenses.
Sentence Structure
Correct structure ensures clarity:
- Subject + auxiliary verb + main verb
Quick Summary: Taking vs Taken
- Taking = ongoing action
- Taken = completed action
- Taking = used with am/is/are
- Taken = used with have/has/had
FAQs About Taking vs Taken
Is it “have taking” or “have taken”?
Always use have taken.
Can I say “I am taken”?
Yes, but it means something different (often used to mean in a relationship).
When do we use “taking”?
Use it for continuous actions or as a gerund.
When do we use “taken”?
Use it in perfect tenses or passive voice.
Is “taken” past tense?
No, it is a past participle, not past tense.
Practice Section (Test Yourself)
Fill in the blanks:
- I am __ a course.
- She has __ the book.
- They were __ notes.
- The photo was __ yesterday.
Answers:
- taking
- taken
- taking
- taken
Conclusion
Understanding taking vs taken becomes easy once you remember one key idea: “Taking” shows an ongoing action, while “taken” shows a completed action.
By learning their roles in continuous tense, perfect tense, and passive voice, you can avoid common grammar mistakes and improve your overall English fluency.
If you practice using them in real sentences, you’ll quickly master the difference and never confuse them again.
