In English, you use prefixes and suffixes to alter the meaning or tense of words. So, the same word can have multiple meanings depending on which form you use.

Both of these words are forms of take. 'Taken' is past tense, and 'taking' is the present tense form of take.

The forms of take include:

Taker - noun
Takes - second and third person present tense
Took - past tense verb
Taken - past participle
Taking - present participle

How Do You Know When to Use 'Taken' vs. 'Taking?'

You know that these terms are both forms of take. But how do you know which to use?

Use 'taken' when you are speaking in the past tense.

For example, you could say:

The test was taken by all of the students, but only two students passed the exam.

Use 'taking' when you are speaking in the present tense.

For example, I might say:

I will be right back. I am going to take the trash out.

Definition of 'Taken': What Does 'Taken' Mean?

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines 'taken' as a past participle form of the verb take that means:

To gain control over one's possessions, ideas, or control

It can also mean:

Gain possession by killing or capturing
To win a hand of cards
To gain possession by eminent domain
To grasp or grip something so it is under your control
To watch or observe a show
To transfer into your care
Secure for your own use
Assuming something that belongs to someone else
Adopt control over something
Win in a competition
Winning a competition
To accept the consequences of something
To go into or
To travel by a method of transportation

Synonyms of 'Taken'

Grasped
Held
Gripped
Clasped
Snatched
Clenched
Clutched

Phrases Containing 'Taken'

Taken to the cleaners
Taken for a fool
Taken downtown
Taken to the cleaners
Taken to you
Taken advantage of
Taken aback
Taken by force
Taken away
Taken into custody
Taken to jail
Taken out back

Definition of 'Taking': What Does 'Taking' Mean?

The same defines 'taking' as the present tense form of the verb take, defined as:

Acquiring by force

It can also mean:

Seizing by force with no prior warning
Acquiring through a sudden attack or strategic move
To bask in the sun, sounds, or other elements
Transferring into your control

Synonyms of 'Taking'

Snatching
Grasping
Holding
Hanging on to
Catching
Seizing
Commandeering
Nabbing

Phrases Containing 'Taking'

Taking your sweet time
Taking precautions
Taking you serious
Taking a timeout
Taking home
Taking notes
Taking the high road
Taking the path less traveled
Taking the easy way out
Taking your turn
Taking a test
Taking up
Taking down
Taking advantage
Taking your share
Taking a break
Taking your sweet time
Taking care
Taking the trash out
Taking control
Taking it easy
Taking the news
Taking it one day at a time
Taking a leave of absence

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'Taken' vs. 'Taking'

By knowing how to pronounce these terms, you will be more confident in using them.

So, let's take a look at the pronunciations:

Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'taken':

tay-ken

Use this phonetic spelling to correctly pronounce 'taking'

tay-king

Sample Sentences Using 'Taken' vs. 'Taking'

Finally, look at the sample sentences below to see the difference between these two terms and how to use them in different contexts.

Taken

You were taken away from your parents when you were a baby.
Have you taken a COVID-19 test recently?
After you have taken your test, you are free to go home.
It has taken more than 10 years to complete the overpass.
Each day I am taken aback by the lack of a response from the representative.
She probably would have lived longer if she had taken better care of herself.

Taking

Taking control of your life is the best way to ensure your happiness.
What clothes are you taking with you on the trip?
I know his comments are cruel, but I hope you are taking them with a grain of salt.
Which color are you taking with you this year?
I am so grateful to you for taking me on this trip. I really needed a vacation.
When he disrespects you, he is not taking your feelings into consideration.
Taking care of yourself is important if you want to live a long life.

Taken/Taking

Taking the car out before you have taken and passed your driver's license test is illegal.
They have taken advantage of us by taking our prized flowers as they walk past.
How many times have you taken the test? You know taking it over will not change the outcome.
I have been taking care of my grandmother for five years, and she has never taken the time to say thank you.

Final Thoughts on the Difference Between 'Taken' vs. 'Taking'

Now, let's recap what we learned:

'Taken' is the past tense form of the verb take.
'Taking' is the present tense form of the verb take.

If you get these two words mixed up in the future or if you have questions about other challenging terms, you can always come back here for a quick lesson. You can also check out dozens of guides on the most misused and mistaken English words and phrases in the confusing words section.

Each post contains valuable usage tips, definitions, grammar rules, and pronunciations to help you expand your vocabulary and improve your writing skills. So, be sure to check them out.

We encourage you to share this article on Twitter and Facebook. Just click those two links - you'll see why.

It's important to share the news to spread the truth. Most people won't.

Written By:

Amy Gilmore

Amy Gilmore is one of the lead freelance writers for WritingTips.org. She has been a professional writer and editor for the past eight years. She developed a love of language arts and literature in school and decided to become a professional freelance writer after a demanding career in real estate. Amy is constantly learning to become a better writer and loves sharing tips with other writers who want to do the same.