Taken Vs Taking: What Is the Difference & Which Is Correct?

Many English learners get confused by taken and taking because both come from the verb take, but they are used differently in grammar and meaning. Understanding when to use each word will improve your writing and speaking. This guide explains their definitions, differences, grammar rules, examples, and practical usage in a simple and beginner-friendly way.

Comparison Overview of Taken Vs Taking

Both taken and taking are forms of the verb take, but they serve different grammatical purposes.

• Taken is the past participle of take. It is mainly used with helping verbs like has, have, and had, or in the passive voice.
• Taking is the present participle and gerund form of take. It is used in continuous tenses and can also function as a noun.

Although both describe actions related to “take,” they cannot usually replace each other because they perform different grammatical roles.

Feature	Taken	Taking
Verb Form	Past participle	Present participle/Gerund
Main Use	Perfect tenses and passive voice	Continuous tenses and noun form
Indicates	Completed action	Ongoing action
Example	She has taken the book.	She is taking the book.

Definition of Taken

Taken is the past participle of the verb take. It refers to an action that has already been completed or something that has been received, accepted, removed, or captured.

It is commonly used with helping verbs such as has, have, had, was, were, is, and been.

Examples:

• I have taken the test.
• The seats were taken.
• She had taken my advice.
• The picture was taken yesterday.
• The medicine has been taken regularly.

Definition of Taking

Taking is the present participle and gerund form of take. It describes an action that is happening now or continuing over a period of time. As a gerund, it can also act as a noun.

Examples:

• She is taking notes.
• They are taking a walk.
• Taking breaks improves productivity.
• He is taking driving lessons.
• We are taking responsibility for the project.

Main Differences Between Taken vs. Taking

Although both words come from the same verb, they have different meanings and grammatical functions.

Aspect	Taken	Taking
Verb Form	Past participle	Present participle/Gerund
Time Reference	Completed action	Ongoing action
Used In	Perfect tenses, passive voice	Continuous tenses, noun phrases
Helping Verb Needed	Usually yes	Usually yes in continuous tenses
Can Act as a Noun	No	Yes

Some important differences include:

• Taken focuses on an action that has already been completed.
• Taking focuses on an action that is currently happening.
• Taken often appears after has, have, had, was, were, been.
• Taking usually follows forms of be in continuous tenses.
• Taking can also function as a noun, while taken cannot.

Verb Forms of “Take”

Understanding the complete verb forms makes it easier to choose the correct word.

Base Form	Past Simple	Past Participle	Present Participle
Take	Took	Taken	Taking

Examples:

• I take notes every day.
• I took notes yesterday.
• I have taken many notes.
• I am taking notes now.

Common Situations Where People Get Confused

Many learners mistakenly use one form instead of the other.

Incorrect:

• I am taken notes.
• She has taking the exam.

Correct:

• I am taking notes.
• She has taken the exam.

Remember that continuous tenses need taking, while perfect tenses require taken.

Grammar Guide of Taken Vs Taking

How Each Term Is Used in Sentences

Taken

Pattern:

Subject + has/have/had + taken + object

Examples:

• They have taken the opportunity.
• She had taken my phone.
• The package has been taken away.

Taking

Pattern:

Subject + am/is/are + taking + object

Examples:

• I am taking a class.
• She is taking photos.
• They are taking a vacation.

As a noun:

• Taking notes helps memory.
• Taking responsibility is important.

Common Mistakes Learners Make

Many learners confuse perfect and continuous tenses.

Incorrect:

• I have taking lunch.
• She is taken a picture.
• They had taken the bus.
• He was taking notes.
• We have taken responsibility.

Correct:

• I have taken lunch.
• She is taking a picture.
• They had taken the bus.
• He was taking notes.
• We have taken responsibility.

Simple Rules to Remember

• Use taken after has, have, had.
• Use taken in the passive voice.
• Use taking after am, is, are, was, were for ongoing actions.
• Use taking as a noun when describing an activity.
• Think completed for taken and continuing for taking.

Quick Tips for Writing and Speaking

• Check whether the action is finished or still happening.
• Look for helping verbs before choosing the word.
• Practice all four verb forms of take.
• Read complete sentences instead of focusing on one word.
• Listen carefully to how native speakers use these forms.

When to Use Each One

Use taken when:

• The action has been completed.
• Writing in perfect tenses.
• Using passive voice.
• Describing something already received or accepted.
• Referring to finished events.

Use taking when:

• The action is happening now.
• Writing continuous tenses.
• Talking about ongoing activities.
• Using the word as a noun.
• Describing actions in progress.

When NOT to Use Each One

Do not use taken:

• After am, is, are without passive meaning.
• For actions happening right now.
• As a gerund.
• Instead of taking in continuous tenses.
• As the main verb without an auxiliary.

Do not use taking:

• After has, have, had in perfect tenses.
• In passive constructions.
• When talking about completed actions.
• Instead of the past participle.
• Where a finished action is required.

Which One to Use (Decision Guide)

Choose taken if:

• The action is complete.
• You are using perfect tenses.
• The sentence is in passive voice.
• A past participle is needed.

Choose taking if:

• The action is still happening.
• You are using continuous tenses.
• The word acts as a noun.
• You want to emphasize an ongoing activity.

A quick way to decide:

• Finished action? → Taken
• Action in progress? → Taking
• After has/have/had? → Taken
• After am/is/are/was/were? → Taking

Real-World Practical Examples

Taken Examples

1. The students have taken the final examination.
2. My wallet was taken during the trip.
3. Scientists have taken samples from the river.
4. The company has taken several safety measures.
5. The photograph was taken with a professional camera.

Taking Examples

1. The students are taking an online course.
2. My father is taking the train to work.
3. Researchers are taking measurements every hour.
4. The company is taking customer feedback seriously.
5. She is taking pictures during the family vacation.

Self-Assessment (Fill in the Blanks)

1. I have ______ the correct bus. The correct word is ______ because the action is completed.
2. She is ______ notes in class. The correct word is ______ because the action is happening now.
3. They had ______ all the necessary documents. The correct word is ______ because it follows “had.”
4. We are ______ part in the competition. The correct word is ______ because it is a continuous action.
5. The photo was ______ yesterday. The correct word is ______ because it is passive voice.
6. He is ______ medicine every morning. The correct word is ______ because the action is ongoing.
7. The books have been ______ from the shelf. The correct word is ______ because passive voice requires a past participle.
8. They are ______ a break after work. The correct word is ______ because the action is in progress.
9. She has ______ responsibility for the project. The correct word is ______ because it follows “has.”
10. We are ______ English lessons this semester. The correct word is ______ because the activity is continuing.
11. The evidence was ______ by investigators. The correct word is ______ because passive voice is used.
12. He is ______ driving lessons. The correct word is ______ because the action is happening now.
13. I have ______ your suggestion seriously. The correct word is ______ because the action is complete.
14. They are ______ photographs at the event. The correct word is ______ because it is a present continuous sentence.
15. The medicine has been ______ already. The correct word is ______ because the action is complete.
16. She is ______ care of her younger brother. The correct word is ______ because the action is ongoing.
17. We had ______ the wrong road earlier. The correct word is ______ because it follows “had.”
18. They are ______ extra classes before exams. The correct word is ______ because the activity is continuing.
19. The opportunity was ______ by another candidate. The correct word is ______ because passive voice requires the past participle.
20. I am ______ my time to improve my skills. The correct word is ______ because the action is happening now.

Answers

1. taken, taken
2. taking, taking
3. taken, taken
4. taking, taking
5. taken, taken
6. taking, taking
7. taken, taken
8. taking, taking
9. taken, taken
10. taking, taking
11. taken, taken
12. taking, taking
13. taken, taken
14. taking, taking
15. taken, taken
16. taking, taking
17. taken, taken
18. taking, taking
19. taken, taken
20. taking, taking

Final Verdict

Taken and taking are both essential forms of the verb take, but they serve different grammatical purposes. Taken is the past participle, used for completed actions, perfect tenses, and passive voice. Taking is the present participle and gerund, used for ongoing actions, continuous tenses, and activities functioning as nouns. By recognizing whether an action is finished or still in progress, and by paying attention to the helping verbs in a sentence, you can confidently choose the correct form. Mastering this distinction will make your English more accurate, natural, and fluent in both writing and conversation.

Conclusion 

Understanding the difference between taken and taking can make a big difference in your English grammar skills. While both words come from the verb take, they are used in completely different grammatical situations. Taken is the past participle and is mainly used in perfect tenses and passive voice to describe completed actions. Taking, on the other hand, is the present participle and gerund, making it the correct choice for continuous tenses and activities that are still in progress. Learning when to use each form helps you write more accurately, speak more naturally, and avoid common grammar mistakes. 

The easiest way to remember the difference is to ask whether the action has already been completed or is still happening. With regular practice and attention to sentence structure, choosing between taken and taking will soon become second nature, helping you communicate with greater confidence in both everyday conversations and formal writing.

FAQs on Taken Vs Taking

What is the main difference between taken and taking?

The main difference is that taken is the past participle of take, while taking is the present participle and gerund. Taken usually refers to completed actions and appears in perfect tenses or passive voice, whereas taking describes actions that are happening now or ongoing activities.

Is taken 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, it describes the condition of the seat rather than an action being performed.

Can taking be used as a noun?

Yes. Taking can function as a gerund, which is a verb form acting as a noun. In sentences like Taking notes improves learning, the word taking names an activity instead of describing an action in progress.

When should I use taken in a sentence?

Use taken when the sentence requires a past participle, especially after helping verbs such as has, have, or had, or when using passive voice. It shows that an action has already been completed or that something has been affected by an action.

When should I use taking instead of taken?

Use taking when talking about actions that are currently happening or continuing over time. It is commonly used in continuous tenses after forms of the verb be, such as is taking, are taking, or was taking.

Is it correct to say “I have taking”?

No. The correct phrase is I have taken because the present perfect tense always requires the past participle. Taking cannot replace taken after helping verbs like has, have, or had.

Can taken and taking ever be interchangeable?

No. Taken and taking have different grammatical roles and cannot normally replace each other. Choosing the wrong form creates a grammatical error because one indicates a completed action while the other describes an ongoing action or activity.

Why do English learners confuse taken and taking?

Many learners confuse these words because both come from the same base verb take. The similarity in spelling makes them look alike, but they belong to different verb forms and are used with different helping verbs and sentence structures.

How can I remember the difference between taken and taking?

A simple memory trick is to connect taken with finished actions and taking with continuing actions. If the action is complete, use taken. If the action is still happening, taking is usually the correct choice.

Does understanding taken and taking improve English fluency?

Yes. Knowing when to use taken and taking correctly improves grammar, sentence accuracy, and overall communication. It helps you sound more natural in conversations, write more clearly, and avoid common mistakes in both academic and professional English.