“Taken” and “taking” come from the same verb, but they serve very different grammar roles. The key difference lies in tense, function, and sentence structure. Understanding how the verb “take” changes form helps you choose the correct word confidently in everyday English, formal writing, and exams.
Understanding the Verb “Take”
The verb “take” is one of the most versatile action verbs in English. It can describe physical actions, abstract ideas, and idiomatic meanings.
Key points:
• Shows an action or process
• Changes form based on tense
• Appears in many fixed expressions
Examples:
She takes the book from the shelf.
He takes responsibility seriously.
Meaning of “Take”
“Take” can mean to grab, receive, accept, need, or experience.
Examples:
She took the keys from the table.
It takes time to learn grammar.
Forms of “Take”
| Base Form | Past Simple | Past Participle | Present Participle |
| take | took | taken | taking |
Taken vs Taking
“Taking” is the present participle used for ongoing actions or as a noun, while “taken” is the past participle used in perfect tenses and passive voice. The choice depends on whether the action is happening now or already completed.
Understanding Participles and Gerunds
Participles act like adjectives, while gerunds act like nouns.
Key points:
• “Taking” can be verb or noun
• “Taken” cannot act as a noun
Examples:
Taking notes helps learning.
The seat is taken.
When to Use “Taking”
Use “taking” for actions in progress or when the verb acts as a noun.
Key points:
• Ongoing actions
• Gerund usage
Examples:
She is taking a test.
Taking breaks improves focus.
“Taking” in Continuous (Progressive) Tenses
Structure: am/is/are + taking
Example:
They are taking photos.
“Taking” as a Gerund (Noun Form)
Example:
Taking responsibility matters.
Common Expressions with “Taking”
• taking care of
• taking part
• taking notes
Quick Reference Table for “Taking”
| Use | Function | Example |
| Continuous tense | Verb | She is taking notes |
| Gerund | Noun | Taking notes helps |
When to Use “Taken”
Use “taken” for completed actions or passive constructions.
Key points:
• Requires auxiliary verb
• Shows result or completion
Examples:
He has taken the medicine.
The seat was taken.
“Taken” in Perfect Tenses
Structure: has/have/had + taken
Example:
She has taken the exam.
“Taken” in the Passive Voice
Structure: be + taken
Example:
The decision was taken yesterday.
Common Expressions with “Taken”
• taken care of
• taken seriously
• taken place
Quick Reference Table for “Taken”
| Use | Tense | Example |
| Perfect | Completed action | He has taken it |
| Passive | Result focus | The seat was taken |
Comparing “Taken” vs “Taking”
“Taking” focuses on process, while “taken” focuses on result.
Key points:
• Ongoing vs completed
• Verb-noun vs participle
Examples:
She is taking the course.
She has taken the course.
Common Confusions
Incorrect: He is taken lunch.
Correct: He is taking lunch.
Tricky Pairs Explained
• is taking place → ongoing
• has taken place → completed
Real English in Action
Examples:
• I’m taking a break now.
• The photo has been taken.
• She enjoys taking walks.
Quick Grammar Hacks to Remember
• If “is/are” fits → taking
• If “has/have” fits → taken
• If it acts like a noun → taking
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using “taken” without auxiliary
• Using “taking” for finished actions
Example:
Incorrect: I taken the test.
Correct: I have taken the test.
Examples Section: Taken vs Taking in Sentences
• He is taking a call.
• The call was taken earlier.
• Taking risks can help growth.
Self Assessment: Test Yourself
Choose the correct form:
- She has ___ the keys.
- He is ___ notes.
- ___ breaks helps focus.
Self Assessment Answers
• taken
• taking
• Taking
FAQs About Taken vs Taking
What’s the main difference between “taken” and “taking”?
“Taken” shows a completed action, while “taking” shows an ongoing action or works as a noun.
Can “taking” be used as a noun?
Yes. “Taking” functions as a gerund and can act as a subject or object.
When should I use “taken care of” vs “taking care of”?
Use “taking care of” for ongoing responsibility and “taken care of” for completed tasks.
Is it correct to say “has taken place” or “is taking place”?
Both are correct. One shows completion, the other shows something happening now.
Which form is more common in everyday English?
Both are common, but “taking” appears more in spoken English.
Final Conclusion
The difference between “taken” and “taking” is rooted in tense and function, not meaning. “Taking” is used for actions in progress or when the verb behaves like a noun, while “taken” is reserved for completed actions and passive structures. Paying attention to auxiliary verbs like “is,” “are,” “has,” or “have” makes the correct choice much easier. Once you recognize whether the sentence focuses on an ongoing process or a finished result, the confusion disappears. Mastering this distinction improves clarity, accuracy, and confidence in both spoken and written English.
Sarah Mitchell is an experienced writer and grammar teacher with over 10 years of expertise in English language education. She helps learners improve their grammar, writing, and communication skills through clear explanations and practical examples. Sarah creates learner-friendly content focused on real-life English, making language learning simple, effective, and confidence-building.