Many English learners confuse taken vs taking because both come from the verb take, yet they serve different grammatical purposes. 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
Taken vs taking are both forms of the verb take, but they are used in different grammatical situations.
| Feature | Taken | Taking |
| Verb Form | Past participle | Present participle/Gerund |
| Tense Usage | Perfect tenses and passive voice | Continuous tenses and noun form |
| Used With | Has, have, had, be | Am, is, are, was, were, be |
| Example | She has taken the book. | She is taking the book. |
| Function | Shows completed action | Shows ongoing action or activity |
Although they come from the same base verb, choosing the correct one depends entirely on grammar and context.
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 the passive voice.
Core Meaning
It refers to something that has already been received, removed, accepted, or carried away.
Examples
- I have taken the exam.
- The picture was taken yesterday.
- She had taken my advice.
- The seats have been taken.
- His phone was taken by mistake.
Definition of Taking
Taking is the present participle and gerund form of the verb take.
Core Meaning
It describes an action that is happening now or functions as a noun referring to the act of taking something.
Examples
- She is taking notes.
- They were taking pictures.
- I enjoy taking walks.
- He is taking medicine.
- We are taking a break.
Main Differences Between Taken vs Taking
| Aspect | Taken | Taking |
| Grammar | Past participle | Present participle/Gerund |
| Time | Completed action | Ongoing action |
| Perfect Tenses | Yes | No |
| Continuous Tenses | No | Yes |
| Passive Voice | Yes | No |
| Acts as Noun | No | Yes (Gerund) |
Key Difference
- Taken usually indicates that an action has already been completed.
- Taking indicates that an action is currently happening or refers to the activity itself.
Verb Forms of “Take”
| Verb Form | Word |
| Base Form | Take |
| Past Simple | Took |
| Past Participle | Taken |
| Present Participle | Taking |
Understanding these forms makes it much easier to use English tenses correctly.
Comparison Table
| Question | Taken | Taking |
| Is it a completed action? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Is it an ongoing action? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Used after “has/have/had”? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Used after “is/am/are”? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Used in passive voice? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Can work as a noun? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Grammar Guide
How Each Term Is Used in Sentences
Taken
Sentence Pattern:
Subject + has/have/had + taken + object
Examples:
- I have taken the course.
- She had taken the wrong train.
- They have taken responsibility.
Passive Pattern:
Subject + be + taken
Examples:
- The photo was taken yesterday.
- My wallet was taken.
Taking
Continuous Pattern:
Subject + be + taking + object
Examples:
- I am taking a class.
- She is taking notes.
- We are taking pictures.
Gerund Pattern:
Taking + object + verb
Examples:
- Taking breaks improves focus.
- Taking risks can lead to success.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
❌ I have taking the test.
✅ I have taken the test.
❌ She is taken notes.
✅ She is taking notes.
❌ They have taking photos.
✅ They have taken photos.
❌ The picture is taken yesterday.
✅ The picture was taken yesterday.
Simple Rules to Remember
- Use taken after has, have, had.
- Use taking after am, is, are, was, were.
- Use taking when discussing an ongoing activity.
- Use taken for completed actions.
- Use taking as a noun when describing an activity.
Quick Tips for Writing and Speaking
- Check the helping verb first.
- Perfect tense = taken.
- Continuous tense = taking.
- Passive voice usually uses taken.
- When in doubt, identify whether the action is finished or still happening.
When to Use Each One
Use Taken When
- Describing completed actions
- Using perfect tenses
- Writing passive sentences
- Showing something has already happened
- Talking about something already received or removed
Use Taking When
- Describing actions happening now
- Writing continuous tenses
- Referring to an activity
- Talking about habits in progress
- Using a gerund
When NOT to Use Each One
Do not use taken:
- After is, am, or are to describe ongoing actions.
- Instead of taking in continuous tenses.
Incorrect:
- She is taken notes.
Correct:
- She is taking notes.
Do not use taking:
- After has, have, or had in perfect tenses.
Incorrect:
- I have taking the exam.
Correct:
- I have taken the exam.
Which One to Use (Decision Guide)
Ask yourself these questions:
Is the action still happening?
➡ Use taking.
Has the action already finished?
➡ Use taken.
Does the sentence contain has, have, or had?
➡ Choose taken.
Does the sentence contain am, is, are, was, or were?
➡ Choose taking.
Are you talking about an activity itself?
➡ Choose taking.
Real-World Practical Examples
Taken Examples
Education
- She has taken three online courses.
Daily Life
- I have taken my medicine.
Science
- Scientists have taken water samples.
Business
- The company has taken legal action.
Technology
- The data was taken from the database.
Taking Examples
Education
- Students are taking their exams.
Daily Life
- She is taking the dog for a walk.
Science
- Researchers are taking measurements.
Business
- We are taking customer feedback seriously.
Conversation
- He is taking too long to reply.
Self-Assessment (Fill in the Blanks)
- I have ______ my homework because it is finished.
- She is ______ notes during class.
- The picture was ______ yesterday.
- We are ______ a short break.
- They have ______ the wrong bus.
- He is ______ medicine every morning.
- The books were ______ from the library.
- I enjoy ______ photographs.
- She has ______ responsibility.
- We are ______ part in the competition.
- The samples were ______ for testing.
- They are ______ an English course.
- He has ______ my advice.
- I am ______ the train home.
- The decision was ______ yesterday.
- She has ______ the opportunity.
- We are ______ careful notes.
- My phone was ______ accidentally.
- They have ______ all necessary steps.
- She is ______ her driving lesson.
Answers
- Taken
- Taking
- Taken
- Taking
- Taken
- Taking
- Taken
- Taking
- Taken
- Taking
- Taken
- Taking
- Taken
- Taking
- Taken
- Taken
- Taking
- Taken
- Taken
- Taking
Final Verdict
Both taken vs taking are correct, but they are not interchangeable. Taken is the past participle of take and is mainly used in perfect tenses and passive voice to describe completed actions. Taking is the present participle and gerund, used for continuous tenses or to describe the activity itself. A simple way to remember the difference is this: if the action is finished, use taken; if the action is still happening or refers to an ongoing activity, use taking. Mastering this distinction will improve your grammar, writing, and spoken English, making your communication clearer and more natural in everyday situations.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between Taken Vs Taking is essential for using English grammar correctly and communicating with confidence. Although both words come from the verb take, they serve different grammatical roles and cannot always be used interchangeably. Taken is the past participle, commonly used in perfect tenses and passive voice, while taking is the present participle or gerund, used for continuous tenses and to describe ongoing actions or activities.
By learning their meanings, sentence patterns, and common usage, you can avoid frequent grammar mistakes and write more naturally. Whether you’re a student, professional, writer, or English learner, mastering this comparison will improve both your spoken and written communication. Whenever you’re unsure, simply check whether the action is completed or still happening. With regular practice and real-world examples, choosing taken vs taking will soon become second nature.
FAQs
What is the difference between taken and taking?
The main difference is grammatical function. Taken is the past participle of the verb take and is used in perfect tenses and passive voice. Taking is the present participle or gerund and is used in continuous tenses or as a noun describing the action of taking something.
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 ongoing action.
Is taking a verb or a noun?
Taking can be both. It acts as a verb when used in continuous tenses, such as “She is taking notes.” It also functions as a noun, called a gerund, in sentences like “Taking regular breaks improves productivity.”
Can I use taken after is or are?
Usually, taken is not used after is or are to describe an ongoing action. However, it can be used in passive voice or as an adjective, such as “The photo is taken every year” or “The table is already taken.”
Why can’t I say “I have taking”?
The phrase I have taking is grammatically incorrect because perfect tenses require the past participle. The correct sentence is I have taken. After has, have, or had, always use taken, not taking.
When should I use taking instead of taken?
Use taking when describing an action that is currently happening or when referring to the activity itself. It commonly follows helping verbs like am, is, are, was, and were, or serves as a gerund in sentences about activities.
Is taken used in the passive voice?
Yes. Taken is commonly used in the passive voice because it is the past participle. For example, “The documents were taken from the office” and “The photograph was taken during the event” are both correct passive constructions.
What are common mistakes with taken and taking?
Many learners mistakenly use taking after have or taken after is in continuous tenses. For example, “I have taking” and “She is taken notes” are incorrect. Learning the correct verb forms helps prevent these common grammar errors.
Are taken and taking interchangeable?
No. Although both words come from the verb take, they have different grammatical functions. Taken refers to completed actions or passive constructions, while taking describes ongoing actions or activities. Choosing the correct form depends on the sentence structure and tense.
How can I remember the difference between taken and taking?
A simple trick is to look at the helping verb. If the sentence uses has, have, or had, choose taken. If it uses am, is, are, was, or were, choose taking. This rule works in most everyday English sentences.
