When you’re writing an email, essay, resume, or text, you may pause over taken vs taking. Both words come from the verb take, but they have different grammatical jobs. Choosing the right form depends on the sentence structure, the tense, and whether you’re describing an action in progress or an action that has already happened.
Answer box: Taking is the present participle of take and usually describes an action happening now or around the present time. Taken is the past participle and is normally used with helping verbs such as has, have, had, or be.
For example, “She is taking a class” describes an action in progress. “She has taken a class” describes an action that has already happened. The words look different, but the key difference is their grammatical role.
This guide explains the meanings, origins, grammar rules, sentence patterns, synonyms, common mistakes, and real-world uses of both forms. You’ll also learn which form works best in resumes, essays, emails, texting, and everyday speech.
You may also find our guide to [soo vs so] useful when writing.
What is the difference between Taken vs Taking?
The main difference is verb form and grammar.
Taking is the present participle of take. It is commonly used with forms of be to create continuous tenses.
Examples:
I am taking a course.
She is taking the bus.
They were taking pictures.
Taken is the past participle of take. It is commonly used with have, has, had, and passive forms of be.
Examples:
I have taken the course.
She had taken the bus.
The picture was taken yesterday.
The simplest way to remember the difference is:
| Word | Verb form | Common use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| taking | Present participle | Continuous actions | I am taking notes. |
| taken | Past participle | Perfect or passive structures | I have taken notes. |
When should you use taking?
Use taking when you need the present participle of take.
It commonly appears after forms of be:
- am taking
- is taking
- are taking
- was taking
- were taking
- will be taking
Examples:
I am taking a break.
She is taking an online course.
They are taking the train.
He was taking pictures.
We will be taking notes during the meeting.
In each sentence, taking helps describe an action that is happening, was happening, or will be happening around a particular time.
When should you use taken?
Use taken as the past participle of take.
It commonly appears with:
- have taken
- has taken
- had taken
- was taken
- were taken
- is taken
- has been taken
- had been taken
Examples:
I have taken this class before.
She has taken the wrong train.
He had taken the documents home.
The photograph was taken in 2025.
The necessary steps have been taken.
The important point is that taken normally needs the right grammatical structure. You generally cannot use it alone as the simple past tense.
Incorrect:
Yesterday, I taken the bus.
Correct:
Yesterday, I took the bus.
The simple past form of take is took, not taken.
What are the three main forms of take?
The verb take is irregular.
Its main forms are:
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Base form | take | I take the bus. |
| Simple past | took | I took the bus yesterday. |
| Past participle | taken | I have taken the bus before. |
| Present participle | taking | I am taking the bus now. |
This pattern is essential:
take → took → taken → taking
A common mistake is using taken when the sentence requires took.
For example:
I took the train yesterday. ✅
I taken the train yesterday. ❌
But:
I have taken the train before. ✅
The helping verb have makes taken correct.
What is the origin of take, taken, and taking?
The verb take has a long history in English. It came into English from Old Norse and gradually became one of the language’s most widely used verbs.
Over time, take developed many meanings. It can mean to carry something, receive something, choose something, travel by a particular method, consume something, understand something, or perform an action.
Its irregular forms developed as part of the older English verb system:
take → took → taken
The ending -ing creates the present participle:
take → taking
Because take is irregular, the past tense isn’t formed by simply adding -ed.
We don’t say:
taked ❌
We say:
took ✅
And the past participle is:
taken ✅
What does take mean in plain English?
The verb take has many meanings.
It can mean:
Carrying something
Please take this bag upstairs.
Receiving or Accepting Something
She took the package from the driver.
To travel using something
We took the train.
To remove something
He took the book from the shelf.
Consuming Something
She took the medicine.
To make a photograph
He took a picture.
To spend time
The trip took three hours.
Understanding Something
I took his comment seriously.
Because take has so many meanings, taken and taking can appear in a wide range of sentences.
What does taking mean in plain English?
Taking generally describes an action connected with take that is in progress or part of a continuous structure.
Examples:
She is taking a shower.
I am taking notes.
They are taking a break.
It can also function as a noun-like gerund:
Taking notes helps me remember information.
Here, taking isn’t simply describing an action happening at this exact moment. It is acting as the subject of the sentence.
It can also modify a noun in some contexts:
The taking of photographs was prohibited.
This is more formal.
What does taken mean in plain English?
Taken usually indicates that an action involving take has been completed or that something has been affected by the action.
Examples:
She has taken the book.
The book was taken from the shelf.
They had taken the wrong road.
In passive sentences, taken can describe something that received the action:
The photo was taken by my brother.
The photo didn’t perform the action. Someone took it.
How does taking work in continuous tenses?
Taking is commonly used with be to form continuous tenses.
Present continuous
I am taking a class.
She is taking the bus.
They are taking notes.
Past continuous
I was taking a shower.
She was taking pictures.
They were taking a break.
Future continuous
I will be taking an exam tomorrow.
We will be taking the train at noon.
The continuous structure shows an action in progress or viewed as ongoing.
How does taken work in perfect tenses?
Taken is used as the past participle in perfect constructions.
Present perfect
have/has + taken
I have taken this course before.
She has taken the test.
Past perfect
had + taken
He had taken the wrong bus.
Future perfect
will have + taken
By Friday, we will have taken three exams.
The helping verb carries the tense while taken remains the past participle.
How does taken work in passive voice?
Taken can also appear in passive constructions.
Examples:
The picture was taken yesterday.
The documents were taken to the office.
The keys have been taken.
The package had been taken inside.
In these sentences, the subject receives the action rather than performing it.
Compare:
Sarah took the picture.
Active voice.
The picture was taken by Sarah.
Passive voice.
The word taken stays the same because it is the past participle.
Why can’t you say “I taken”?
In standard English, taken cannot normally be used alone as the simple past form of take.
Incorrect:
I taken the train yesterday.
Correct:
I took the train yesterday.
Also correct:
I have taken the train before.
The difference is the helping verb.
Took = simple past.
Taken = past participle.
This is one of the most important rules to remember.
Why can’t you say “I am taken the bus”?
The continuous form requires taking, not taken.
Incorrect:
I am taken the bus.
Correct:
I am taking the bus.
The structure is:
am/is/are + taking
For example:
She is taking the train.
We are taking a break.
He is taking a test.
If you use taken, you need a different grammatical structure:
She has taken the train.
Master synonym list for Taken vs Taking
Because take has many meanings, the best synonym depends on what the sentence means.
| Word | Meaning | Tone | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| carry | Move something from one place to another | Simple | Carry the box upstairs. |
| bring | Move something toward a person or place | Everyday | Bring the documents here. |
| remove | Take something away | Formal | Remove the cover carefully. |
| receive | Get something given or sent | Neutral | She received the package. |
| accept | Agree to receive or take something | Neutral | He accepted the offer. |
| choose | Select one option | Everyday | She chose the blue shirt. |
| select | Choose from options | Formal | Select the correct answer. |
| consume | Eat, drink, or use something | Formal | He consumed the entire meal. |
| ride | Travel in a vehicle or on an animal | Everyday | She rode the bus. |
| board | Enter a bus, train, plane, or ship | Formal/Neutral | They boarded the train. |
| grab | Take quickly or suddenly | Informal | Grab your coat. |
| snatch | Take quickly or forcefully | Strong | He snatched the paper. |
| obtain | Get something | Formal | She obtained permission. |
| acquire | Gain or get something | Formal | The company acquired new equipment. |
| undertake | Take responsibility for a task | Formal | They undertook the project. |
| assume | Take on a role or responsibility | Formal | She assumed leadership. |
| pick up | Collect or lift something | Everyday | Pick up the package. |
| get | Obtain or receive something | Informal | I got the message. |
| steal | Take something without permission | Strong | Someone stole the bike. |
These synonyms are not perfect substitutes in every sentence. For example, take a photograph and capture a photograph can be close, but steal has a completely different meaning from ordinary take.
Always identify the intended meaning before choosing a replacement.
Simple alternatives for taking
If taking means moving something, consider:
- carrying
- bringing
- moving
- transporting
- delivering
Example:
She is taking the boxes upstairs.
Possible alternative:
She is carrying the boxes upstairs.
If taking means receiving:
She is taking the package.
could sometimes become:
She is receiving the package.
The correct alternative depends on what take means in context.
Everyday alternatives for taking
In everyday speech, common alternatives include:
- getting
- carrying
- bringing
- picking up
- grabbing
- choosing
- riding
- using
Examples:
I’m taking the bus.
could become:
I’m riding the bus.
Take a seat.
could become:
Grab a seat.
The second example is more informal.
Formal alternatives for taking
Formal writing may use:
- obtaining
- receiving
- selecting
- acquiring
- undertaking
- assuming
- removing
- consuming
- transporting
- capturing
Example:
The organization is taking several steps to improve safety.
A more formal version might be:
The organization is undertaking several measures to improve safety.
The alternative changes the tone but keeps a related meaning.
Slang and informal alternatives for taking
Casual English has expressions such as:
- grabbing
- picking up
- getting
- snagging
- swiping
- taking off with
For example:
I’m grabbing a coffee.
This can mean:
I’m getting a coffee.
Or:
He took off with my jacket.
This is an informal way to say that someone left while carrying the jacket.
These expressions belong in casual speech rather than formal academic writing.
Synonyms by intensity: mild to strong
The word take can describe anything from a normal action to a forceful one.
Mild or neutral
- carry
- receive
- accept
- choose
- use
- obtain
Example:
She accepted the package.
Moderate
- grab
- remove
- seize
- acquire
- capture
Example:
He grabbed the folder quickly.
Strong
- snatch
- seize
- steal
- confiscate
- capture
Example:
The officers seized the illegal goods.
Be careful when choosing strong words. Take does not always mean something forceful or negative.
Synonyms by part of speech
Because taken and taking are verb forms, many close alternatives are verbs or verb phrases.
Movement
- carry
- transport
- move
- bring
- deliver
Receiving
- receive
- accept
- obtain
- acquire
Selection
- choose
- select
- pick
Photography
- photograph
- capture
- record
Consumption
- eat
- drink
- consume
- use
Time
- spend
- require
- last
The exact replacement depends on the meaning of take in the sentence.
Taking vs carrying: what’s different?
Taking is broad. Carrying specifically suggests physically holding or transporting something.
Compare:
She is taking the box upstairs.
This could mean she is moving the box upstairs.
She is carrying the box upstairs.
This clearly says she is physically holding the box.
So carrying is more specific.
Taken vs received: what’s different?
Taken and received can overlap in some situations, but they focus on different actions.
She has taken the package.
This can mean she picked it up, accepted it, or removed it, depending on context.
She has received the package.
This specifically focuses on getting the package from a sender.
Compare:
| Taken | Received |
|---|---|
| Broad | More specific |
| Can mean removed or accepted | Focuses on getting something |
| Meaning depends strongly on context | Usually clearer about delivery |
If you’re writing a professional email about a document or package, received may be more precise.
Taken vs stolen: what’s different?
These words should not be treated as synonyms.
Taken is neutral.
The book was taken from the table.
This doesn’t tell us whether the person had permission.
Stolen clearly means the item was taken without permission.
The book was stolen from the table.
The second sentence gives additional information.
This is an important example of why context matters when replacing take.
Taken vs carried: what’s different?
Carried describes physically transporting something.
Taken can describe movement but has a much broader meaning.
She took the documents to the office.
She carried the documents to the office.
The second sentence suggests physical handling. The first focuses more generally on moving the documents to the office.
What is the best word for a resume Taken vs Taking?
A resume should use specific verbs whenever possible.
Instead of:
Took care of customer complaints.
Use:
Resolved customer complaints.
Instead of:
Took part in team meetings.
Use:
Participated in team meetings.
Instead of:
Took responsibility for the project.
Use:
Led the project.
Instead of:
Took steps to improve sales.
Use:
Implemented strategies to improve sales.
The word take is not wrong, but stronger verbs can make your accomplishments clearer.
Resume example
Weak:
Took charge of a team of employees.
Stronger:
Led a team of 10 employees.
The second sentence is more direct and professional.
What is the best word for an essay Taken vs Taking?
Both taken and taking can be completely appropriate in essays.
Examples:
The author has taken a different approach.
The government is taking steps to reduce pollution.
The photograph was taken during the event.
In academic writing, context matters more than avoiding the word take.
However, if take feels vague, a more precise verb may improve the sentence.
Instead of:
The researcher took information from several sources.
You could write:
The researcher gathered information from several sources.
Gathered tells the reader more specifically what happened.
What is the best word for texting Taken vs Taking?
Both forms are common in texting.
Examples:
I’m taking the bus.
I’ve taken the wrong train.
Taking a break now.
I’ve taken your advice.
Text messages often omit subjects or helping verbs:
Taking the train today.
This is common in casual writing, but a complete sentence would be:
I’m taking the train today.
For standard grammar, use the complete structure when appropriate.
What is the best word for an email Taken vs Taking?
Both forms work well in professional emails.
Examples:
I am taking the necessary steps to resolve the issue.
We have taken your concerns seriously.
The photo was taken during the event.
I have taken your suggestion into consideration.
Professional writing should pay attention to tense.
If the action is happening now:
We are taking action.
If the action has already happened:
We have taken action.
What is the best word for speaking Taken vs Taking?
Both forms are natural in conversation.
Examples:
I’m taking the train.
I’ve taken the train before.
She was taking pictures.
The picture was taken yesterday.
Spoken English often uses shorter forms:
I’m taking the bus.
I’ve taken it before.
These contractions are normal and natural.
15+ original examples of taking
- I am taking a photography class this summer.
- She is taking the bus to work today.
- We are taking notes during the lecture.
- He was taking pictures when the rain started.
- They are taking a short break.
- I am taking the medicine as directed.
- She is taking responsibility for the mistake.
- We will be taking the train tomorrow morning.
- The students are taking an important exam.
- He was taking a walk when he saw his neighbor.
- The company is taking steps to improve customer service.
- She is taking part in a community project.
- I am taking my laptop to the repair shop.
- They were taking turns answering questions.
- He is taking the opportunity to learn a new skill.
These examples show that taking can describe physical movement, participation, responsibility, travel, education, and many other actions.
15+ original examples of taken
- I have taken this course before.
- She has taken the wrong train.
- He had taken the documents home.
- The picture was taken last summer.
- The necessary steps have been taken.
- We have taken your concerns seriously.
- She had taken several photographs before sunset.
- The books were taken from the library.
- He has taken responsibility for the mistake.
- The team has taken a different approach.
- The package was taken to the front desk.
- They had taken the wrong road.
- The students have taken the final exam.
- The company has taken action to improve safety.
- I have taken your advice.
Again, notice that taken often appears with a helping verb.
Common mistakes with Taken vs Taking
Mistake 1: Using taken instead of took
Incorrect:
I taken the bus yesterday.
Correct:
I took the bus yesterday.
The word yesterday signals simple past, so use took.
Mistake 2: Using taking instead of taken
Incorrect:
I have taking the test.
Correct:
I have taken the test.
After have, use the past participle taken.
Mistake 3: Using taken after am, is, or are for a continuous action
Incorrect:
She is taken the train.
Correct:
She is taking the train.
After is in this continuous structure, use taking.
Mistake 4: Writing taked
Incorrect:
He taked the book.
Correct:
He took the book.
The verb is irregular.
Mistake 5: Saying “I have took”
Incorrect:
I have took the bus.
Correct:
I have taken the bus.
After have, use the past participle.
Mistake 6: Saying “I am took”
Incorrect:
I am took the picture.
Correct:
I am taking the picture.
Or:
I took the picture.
The correct sentence depends on whether the action is ongoing or completed.
When should you not use taken?
Don’t use taken when the sentence requires simple past took.
Incorrect:
She taken the test yesterday.
Correct:
She took the test yesterday.
Also don’t use taken after did.
Incorrect:
Did you taken the bus?
Correct:
Did you take the bus?
The helping verb did already marks the past tense, so the main verb returns to its base form.
When should you not use taking?
Don’t use taking when the sentence requires a simple present or simple past form.
Incorrect:
I taking the bus every day.
Correct:
I take the bus every day.
Or:
I am taking the bus right now.
Likewise:
Incorrect:
I taking the bus yesterday.
Correct:
I took the bus yesterday.
The time reference and helping verb determine the correct form.
Antonyms related to take
Because take has many meanings, its opposites vary.
| Meaning of take | Possible opposite |
|---|---|
| Take something away | leave, return |
| Take something from someone | give |
| Take something physically | release |
| Take a passenger somewhere | leave behind |
| Take an opportunity | reject |
| Take responsibility | avoid responsibility |
| Take a choice | decline |
| Take information | provide information |
For example:
She took the book.
Opposite:
She returned the book.
Or:
He took the offer.
Opposite:
He rejected the offer.
There isn’t one antonym that works for every use.
How do you know whether to use took, taken, or taking?
The sentence structure can help you choose the right verb form.
Use took for simple past
I took the train yesterday.
Taking is used for continuous actions.
I am taking the train now.
Use taken with have, has, or had
I have taken the train before.
Taken is used in passive structures.
The train was taken by hundreds of passengers.
This quick pattern solves many grammar questions.
What happens after did?
After did, use take, not took or taken.
Correct:
Did you take the train?
Incorrect:
Did you took the train?
Incorrect:
Did you taken the train?
The same applies to didn’t:
I didn’t take the bus.
Not:
I didn’t took the bus.
Not:
I didn’t taken the bus.
The helping verb did carries the past tense.
What happens after have, has, and had?
Use taken.
Examples:
I have taken the course.
She has taken the exam.
They had taken the wrong road.
The formula is:
have/has/had + taken
This is one of the easiest ways to identify the correct form.
What happens after am, is, and are?
If you’re creating a continuous tense, use taking.
Examples:
I am taking notes.
She is taking a break.
They are taking the bus.
The formula is:
am/is/are + taking
But remember that taken can also appear with forms of be in passive structures:
The photo was taken yesterday.
So don’t look only at the helping verb. Look at the entire structure.
What happens after was and were?
The answer depends on the sentence.
Continuous action
Use taking:
She was taking pictures.
They were taking notes.
Passive action
Use taken:
The pictures were taken yesterday.
The documents were taken to the office.
This distinction is important.
was/were + taking = an ongoing action
was/were + taken = passive construction
How can you remember taken vs taking?
Use two simple questions.
Is the action in progress?
Use taking.
She is taking a test.
Has the action already happened or is the sentence passive?
Use taken.
She has taken the test.
The test was taken yesterday.
Then remember the full verb family:
take → took → taken → taking
This is more useful than trying to memorize each word separately.
Quick tips for choosing the right word
Keep these rules nearby when proofreading:
- Take is the base form.
- Took is the simple past.
- Taken is the past participle.
- Taking is the present participle.
- Use taking with continuous forms.
- Use taken with perfect forms.
- Use taken in passive constructions.
- Use took for simple past.
- After did, use take.
- After have, has, or had, use taken.
- After am, is, or are for a continuous action, use taking.
- Don’t write taked or feeled-style forms for irregular verbs.
- Check the time reference before choosing the form.
A quick grammar chart for “Taken vs Taking”
| Sentence pattern | Correct form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simple present | take/takes | I take the bus. |
| Simple past | took | I took the bus. |
| Present continuous | am/is/are taking | I am taking the bus. |
| Past continuous | was/were taking | I was taking the bus. |
| Present perfect | have/has taken | I have taken the bus. |
| Past perfect | had taken | I had taken the bus. |
| Future perfect | will have taken | I will have taken the bus. |
| Passive | was/were taken | The photo was taken. |
| Modal | can/may/must take | I can take the bus. |
This chart gives you a quick reference when you’re unsure which form belongs in a sentence.
Why context matters when choosing a verb form
A single word doesn’t always tell you the correct grammar. The surrounding words matter.
Compare:
I am taking the train.
The helping verb am and the structure show an ongoing action.
I have taken the train.
The helping verb have shows a perfect construction.
I took the train.
There is no helping verb, and the simple past form took is required.
These sentences all describe a similar action, but the grammar changes the time or viewpoint.
How to make your writing more precise
Sometimes the best solution isn’t choosing between taken and taking. It may be choosing a more specific verb.
Instead of:
She took a decision.
In American English, a more natural choice is:
She made a decision.
Instead of:
He took information from the report.
Use:
He gathered information from the report.
Instead of:
She took responsibility for the project.
You can use:
She assumed responsibility for the project.
The original forms aren’t always wrong, but precise verbs can make writing clearer and stronger.
Conclusion
The difference between taken vs taking becomes much easier once you understand the verb forms around them. Taking is the present participle and is commonly used for actions in progress, such as “I am taking a class.” Taken is the past participle and appears with helping verbs such as have, has, and had, as well as in passive structures such as “The picture was taken yesterday.”
The full pattern is worth memorizing: take → took → taken → taking. Remember that took handles the simple past, taken works with perfect and passive structures, and taking works in continuous forms. When you’re unsure, look for the helping verb and check when the action happened. These two clues will usually point you to the correct form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is taken or taking correct?
Both are correct, but they have different grammatical uses. Taking is the present participle, while taken is the past participle.
When should I use taken instead of taking?
Use taken with perfect constructions such as “has taken” and in passive structures such as “was taken.” Use taking in continuous structures such as “is taking.”
What’s another way to say taking?
Depending on the meaning, alternatives include carrying, bringing, receiving, choosing, selecting, grabbing, transporting, and obtaining.
Is taken the past tense of take?
No. Took is the simple past tense of take, while taken is the past participle. For example, “I took the bus yesterday” but “I have taken the bus before.”
Why do we say “I have taken” and not “I have took”?
After have or has, English requires the past participle. The correct form is taken, not took.
Can I say “I am taken the bus”?
No, not when you mean an action in progress. The correct sentence is “I am taking the bus.”
Is taking always used for the present?
No. Taking is a present participle and can appear in past or future continuous constructions too. For example, “I was taking notes” and “I will be taking notes.”
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