Taken vs Taking: Usage Guidelines and Popular Confusions

There is a lot of confusion between taken vs taking because they are both derived from the verb “take.” However, the word “but” is used quite differently in a sentence. The action taken is completed in Taken; the action taking is still taking.

When you know the difference between the two tenses, you will be able to write and speak more clearly. The incorrect form might alter the meaning of a sentence in a way that you hadn’t intended. This is a simple tweak that can make a significant impact in your writing style.

This guide tells you the difference between taken vs taking, and how to use each one properly. The examples, frequent errors, and handy hints will help you grasp these verb forms in everyday writing and grammar.

Define Taken

The past participle of “take” is “taken. It indicates that an action has already taken place. It is always used with a helping verb (has, have, or had). It will never be a standalone verb unless it is preceded by a helping verb.

For instance, if someone takes the test, then “She has taken the test” is equivalent to “The test is done. It is finished. “Taken” can also take the passive voice, for example, “The seat was taken by him.” If so, it’s already taken. The action is over.

Define Taking

The present participle of “take” is “taking. Indicates an ongoing action or something that is happening. It is used with a form of “be” (is, are, was, were) to form a continuous tense.

For instance, “She’s currently taking the test” translates to The test is being taken now. It is not over yet. Some of the time, the form of “taking” can be a noun or adjective, making it flexible in various sentence structures. 

How To Properly Use Taken Vs Taking  In A Sentence

Always ensure the timing of the action when using taken vs taking Completed action: “taken.” Ongoing action: Taking. Timing can make sure your sentences are accurate and clear. 

How To Use “Taken” In A Sentence

“Taken” is used when the action has been completed. It must have a helping verb to be correct. It’s the “done” form of take.

• He has finished all of his medicine for the day.
• The decision was taken by the board last week.
• She had already received three courses prior to the major change.

If used correctly, this indicates the end of the action. It states what has already taken place in your writing, giving your reader precision and easy comprehension.

How To Use “Taking” In A Sentence

Stealing objects during the action. It requires an action verb to be used in a sentence. Consider taking it as the “in motion” version.

• She’s resting at the moment.
• They were making notes in the lecture.
• He is taking a new approach to the problem.

When done correctly, using tone takes your reader into the moment. It demonstrates movement and adds energy and immediacy to your writing. 

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More Examples Of Taken vs Taking Used In Sentences

The difference between taken and taking can be clearly illustrated with examples. Taking signals: indicates completion. Taking signals: action in progress. Both are good, but they can be confusing when they are switched around.

Examples Of Using “Taken” In A Sentence

• He has accepted his guilt.
• The medicine was administered prior to breakfast.
• She had accepted the job before the expiration date.
• All the seats were taken by the time we arrived.
• The suitcases were dropped off at the wrong terminal.
• He has been taking 3 exams this week.
• It had taken many months to compile the report.
• She is adamant on the matter.
• It was second nature to take up the chance.
• The steps have been taken to resolve the problem. 

Examples Of Using “Take In” In A Sentence

• She is taking a course in digital marketing.
• It was a walk when it started raining.
• As of this writing, the team appears to be making a new push this quarter.
• Taking turns to present ideas.
• She’s putting in the effort to make a decision.
• This project is being managed by him.
• The company is taking applications until Friday.
• She was writing notes as the teacher continued his lecture.
• He will be taking a gap year prior to university.
• It is taking a longer time than anticipated to resolve. 

Taken vs Taking: Quick Comparison Table

Taken vs Taking — At a Glance

Feature	Taken	Taking
Verb Form	Past participle	Present participle
Action Status	Completed	In progress
Helper Verb Needed	Has / Have / Had / Was / Were	Is / Are / Was / Were
Tense	Perfect tense, passive voice	Continuous tense
Example	She has taken the exam.	She is taking the exam.
Time Reference	Past / finished	Present / ongoing
Stands Alone?	No (needs helper verb)	No (needs helper verb)
Used as Noun/Adj?	Yes (“a well-taken point”)	Yes (“a risk-taking move”)

Quick Rule: If the action is done → use taken. If the action is still happening → use taking.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Taken vs taking is a common mistake made by many. They choose it because of the form they are used to, not the tense. Remember to ask yourself, “Is this action complete or ongoing?

Mistake #1: Using “Taken” When You Mean “Taking”

It is easy to write “taken” when it’s still happening. The right answer is “She takes a nap.” The correct sentence is “She is taking a nap” because the nap is in progress.

The helper verb “is” indicates a continuous tense. The tense is “-ing.” The word “taken” in the above sentence disrupts the sentence and creates reader confusion regarding when the action took place.

Always use “is” or “are” with “taking” or “was” or “were” with “taking. If you see one of those helpers in front of your verb, almost always the answer is taken vs taking .

Mistake #2: Using “Taking” When You Mean “Taken”

The other error is the use of the word ‘taking’ when the action has already occurred. For instance, “she has taken the test” is correct. The proper sentence is “She has taken the test” since the test is over.

The perfect tense helper is “has.” Works with the past participle form (taken). The grammar is unworkable when it is swapping in and taking, and it is a sign of poor writing or editing.

Always use “taken” with “has,” “have,” or “had.” When you see one of those helpers before your verb, always use taken. 

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

Before writing, use these checks, as they will help prevent you from being confused by taken vs taking:

• Think: Does the action occur, or is it ongoing?
• Examine the helping verb. “Has/have/had” → taken. “Is/are/was/were” → taking.

Read the sentence aloud with expression. Read the sentence, enunciating. The incorrect shape typically sounds off at once.

Context matters

The correct word is dependent on the sentence. “Taken” should be in “finished events” sentences. “Taking” is in sentences that describe ongoing actions. It always comes down to the context.

Taken

“Taken” is used in the past perfect and passive voice. It implies that something has been finalized or completed. It is also used in the fixed phrases that have a meaning.

The taken fits in common contexts:

• The assistant took the call. (Passive voice)
• Perfect tense: “They have taken all precautions.
• Fixed phrases: “well-taken point,” “a taken seat,” and “taken aback.”

When used appropriately, “taken” refers to the reader that there are no loose ends. It is done and documented.

Taking

“Fits” is used within continuous sentences and in situations where the action is a continuous process. In some phrases, it can also be used as an adjective and as a noun in the form of a gerund.

Here are some typical situations in which you might need to take fits:

• Continuous action: “He is taking notes.
• Gerund (noun): “Risk-taking is a part of growth.
• Adjective phrase: “a way of taking risks.

In the right context, the use of “taking” engages the reader in the action. It demonstrates movement and helps to give your writing momentum.

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Exceptions To The Rules

The rules for taken vs taking are definitely well-defined, but there are some edge cases. These exceptions appear in fixed phrases, idiomatic expressions, and some formal or literary expressions. 

Taken

• “Taken aback”: shocked or surprised. The news had a “shocked” effect on her. Here NOT a SWAP IN. The sentence is fixed in form.
• Common meaning of “Taken for granted”: Undervalued or overlooked. His attitude towards her support was always taken for granted. In this phrase it is always taken, never taking. 

Taking

• Taking stock: To pause and consider a situation. She is considering her choices. It’s an ongoing action, which explains why the takes fit in perfectly here.
• Casual expression to mean relax: Taking it easy. “He was recuperating from the hard week.” Once again, taking signs that the action is underway (rest is literally an action).

Note these set phrases and avoid getting bogged down in the grammar. Should the phrase be set, apply the form that is appropriate for it. 

Practice Exercises

You will get practice exercises to help you remember the difference between “taken” and “taking. Solve the following problems to check your understanding. Compare with the answer key when finished. 

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blanks with the correct word: taken vs taking.

1. She has __________ the first step toward her goal.
2. He is __________ a semester off to travel.
3. The medication was __________ at the wrong time.
4. They were __________ a long time to decide.
5. All available spots have been __________.

Answer Key:

1. taken
2. taking
3. taken
4. taking
5. taken

Exercise 2: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using each of the following correctly:

Word	Example Sentence
taken	She has taken responsibility for the project’s outcome.
taking	He is taking an advanced grammar course this semester.
taken	The decision had been taken before the meeting even started.
taking	The team is taking a different approach to the problem.
taken	All the rooms were taken when we arrived at the hotel.

Exercise 3: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct word (taken or taking) for each sentence.

1. She has __________ the initiative on this project.
   
   • A) Taking
   • B) Taken
2. He is __________ his time with the final decision.
   
   • A) Taken
   • B) Taking
3. The records were __________ without proper authorization.
   
   • A) Taking
   • B) Taken
4. They were __________ notes throughout the entire session.
   
   • A) Taking
   • B) Taken
5. The opportunity had been __________ by the time she applied.
   
   • A) Taking
   • B) Taken

Answer Key:

1. B — Taken
2. B — Taking
3. B — Taken
4. A — Taking
5. B — Taken

Google PAA Answers

People Also Ask — Taken vs Taking

Question	Short Answer
What is the difference between taken and taking?	Taken shows a completed action. Taking shows an action that is currently in progress.
When do you use “taken” in a sentence?	Use taken with has, have, or had to show a finished action.
When do you use “taking” in a sentence?	Use taking with is, are, was, or were to show an ongoing action.
Is “taken” a past tense verb?	Taken is a past participle, not simple past. It always needs a helper verb.
Can “taking” be used as a noun?	Yes. Taking can act as a gerund, functioning as a noun in a sentence.
What helper verbs go with “taken”?	Has, have, had, was, and were are the correct helper verbs for taken.
Is “has took” correct grammar?	No. The correct form is “has taken.” Has took is a common but incorrect usage.
What is “taking” in grammar?	Taking is the present participle of take, used in continuous tenses or as a gerund.

Final Thoughts

Clear and accurate writing requires an understanding of the difference between taken vs taking. The past participle of take is taken. It is used with imperfect tenses and passive voice to indicate an action performed. “Taking” is the present participle. It is used with the continuous tenses to indicate an action that is ongoing.

It’s not only awkward to use when you use the wrong form. It can alter the meaning of your sentence or cause it to be grammatically wrong. The bright side of the rule is that it’s easy: The timing of the action is checked, and the helper verb is checked.

The examples, exercises, and comparisons in this guide will help you begin to use taken vs taking with confidence. Keep in mind: Past action equals taken. Action in progress → taking. Properly used, it makes your writing concise, business-like, and readable. 

FAQs

What is the difference between ‘taken vs taking’?

“Taken” is the past participle of “take” and indicates past action. “Taking” is the present participle and indicates an action that is ongoing.

When to use taken in a sentence?

Surgical gloves used after the surgery. Surgical gloves after surgery. Use it with a helping verb, such as has, have, had, was, or were, to make perfect tenses and passive sentences.

When to use “taking” in a sentence?

Use “taking” for ongoing/continuous action. Use it with is, are, was, or were to indicate that something is happening.

“May” can be used without a helping verb?

No, in most cases he has to include a helper verb. The exception is with fixed phrases such as “taken aback” or “taken for granted.”

How to not get taken and mixed up?

Be sure to use the helper verb and the time of the event as a reminder. Use “taken” if the action was carried out: If it is still ongoing, then use “taking.” Often the correct answer will be obvious when reading the sentence aloud. 

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