Taking vs. Taken — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 26, 2023
"Taking" is the present participle of the verb "take," while "Taken" is the past participle form of the same verb.
Difference Between Taking and Taken
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The word "Taking" can also describe one's reaction or response, like "He is taking it hard," suggesting a person is currently struggling with a situation. "Taken," in a similar context, might be used in the phrase "He was taken by surprise," expressing a past unexpected event.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
In another context, "Taking" might suggest active engagement in a process. For instance, "She is taking a course in history" implies she's currently enrolled and attending. "Taken," however, would point towards a finished action. In this context, "The course has been taken by many students" indicates the course has previously been selected and completed by various individuals.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
"Taking" refers to the act of acquiring possession or control over something. In contrast, "Taken" denotes an action that has already been completed, where something has already been acquired or seized. For example, one might say, "She is taking the book from the shelf," highlighting the ongoing action. On the other hand, the statement "The book has been taken by her" emphasizes the completion of the action.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Associated Terms
Taking a chance, taking a break
Taken aback, taken for granted
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Sep 26, 2023
Common Phrases
"What are you taking about?"
"The idea was taken into consideration."
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Sep 26, 2023
Definitions
Taken
Surprised or caught off guard.
He was taken aback by the sudden announcement.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
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Taking
The act of acquiring or receiving.
She is taking responsibility for the mistake.
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Sep 26, 2023
Taken
Past form indicating something has been acquired.
The seats are already taken.
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Sep 26, 2023
Taken
To be captivated or charmed by something.
She was taken by the beauty of the scenery.
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Sep 26, 2023
Taken
Being in a particular state or condition as a result of an action.
He was taken to the hospital after the accident.
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Sep 26, 2023
Taking
The amount of money earned by a business from the sale of goods or services
The big test for the shop's new look is whether it'll boost takings
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May 24, 2018
Taking
(of a person) captivating in manner; charming
He was not a very taking person, she felt
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May 24, 2018
Taken
Infatuated; fond of or attracted to.
He was very taken with the girl, I hear.
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May 24, 2018
Taken
(informal) In a serious romantic relationship.
I can't ask him out, she's taken.
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May 24, 2018
Taken
Understood in a certain way; made sense of;
A word taken literally
A smile taken as consent
An open door interpreted as an invitation
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May 24, 2018
Taking
(Law) An action by a government, especially under the power of eminent domain, that deprives a private owner of real property or of the use and enjoyment of that property.
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May 24, 2018
Taken
Be affected with an indisposition;
The child was taken ill
Couldn't tell when he would be taken drunk
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May 24, 2018
Taken
Accepted or understood as given.
The gesture was taken as a sign of goodwill.
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Sep 26, 2023
Taking
(uncountable) A state of mental distress, resulting in excited or erratic behavior (in the expression in a taking).
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May 24, 2018
Taking
(in the plural) Cash or money received (by a shop or other business, for example).
Fred was concerned because the takings from his sweetshop had fallen again for the third week.
Count the shop's takings.
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May 24, 2018
Taking
Apt to take; alluring; attracting.
Subtile in making his temptations most taking.
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May 24, 2018
Taking
Agitation; excitement; distress of mind.
What a taking was he in, when your husband asked who was in the basket!
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May 24, 2018
Taking
The act of someone who picks up or takes something;
The pickings were easy
Clothing could be had for the taking
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May 24, 2018
Taking
Very attractive; capturing interest;
A fetching new hairstyle
Something inexpressibly taking in his manner
A winning personality
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May 24, 2018
Taking
Understanding or interpreting something.
How are you taking this information?
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Sep 26, 2023
FAQs
Is "Taken" always passive?
Often, but not always. It's also used in perfect tenses, e.g., "She has taken the test."
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
What is the basic verb form for both "Taking" and "Taken"?
The base form is "take."
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Can "Taking" be used as a noun?
Yes, e.g., "The taking of the castle was swift."
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Sep 26, 2023
Can "Taking" be about understanding something?
Yes, e.g., "How are you taking the news?"
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Is "Taken" used in idiomatic expressions?
Yes, e.g., "taken for granted" or "taken with."
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
