Took vs Taken: Do These Mean The Same? How To Use Them

Are you confused about when to use “took” and when to use “taken”? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with these two words, but fear not, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll explain the difference between the two words and provide examples to help you understand when to use each one.

Let’s clarify which of the two is the proper word. The answer is that both “took” and “taken” are proper words, but they are used in different contexts. “Took” is the past tense of the verb “take,” while “taken” is the past participle of the same verb. In simpler terms, “took” is used when referring to a completed action in the past, while “taken” is used when referring to an action that was completed in the past and has ongoing relevance.

For example, if you say “I took the dog for a walk,” you’re referring to a specific action that happened in the past and is now complete. On the other hand, if you say “I have taken the dog for a walk every day this week,” you’re referring to an action that was completed in the past but has ongoing relevance (i.e., you’ve been taking the dog for a walk every day this week).

Now that we’ve clarified the difference between “took” and “taken,” let’s dive deeper into each word and explore their meanings and usage.

Define Took

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the verb “took” is the past tense of the verb “take.” It means to get into one’s hands or possession by any means, to capture or seize, or to accept or receive something offered.

For example:

• I took the book from the shelf.
• The police took the suspect into custody.
• She took the job offer.

The word “took” can also be used in idiomatic expressions like “take a break” or “take a chance.”

Define Taken

“Taken,” on the other hand, is the past participle of “take” and is used in conjunction with auxiliary verbs like “have” or “has” to form the present perfect tense, or with “had” to form the past perfect tense.

It can also be used as an adjective to describe a person who is emotionally affected by something or who is no longer available or in a certain place.

For example:

• I have taken the test already.
• She had taken a shower before the party.
• He was taken aback by her sudden outburst.
• The last train has already taken off.

It’s important to note that “taken” is not interchangeable with “took” in these contexts.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right word in a sentence is crucial to convey your message effectively. In this section, we will discuss how to use “took” and “taken” in a sentence.

How To Use “Took” In A Sentence

“Took” is the past tense of the verb “take.” It is used to indicate that someone performed an action in the past. Here are some examples of how to use “took” in a sentence:

• She took the train to work this morning.
• I took a nap after lunch.
• He took the dog for a walk in the park.

As you can see, “took” is used to describe an action that has already happened. It is important to note that “took” is always followed by an object. For example:

• Incorrect: She took to work this morning.
• Correct: She took the train to work this morning.

How To Use “Taken” In A Sentence

“Taken” is the past participle of the verb “take.” It is used to indicate that something has been taken in the past and is still in effect. Here are some examples of how to use “taken” in a sentence:

• I have taken my medication for the day.
• She has taken the lead in the project.
• The thief has taken the jewelry from the store.

As you can see, “taken” is used to describe an action that has been completed and is still relevant. It is important to note that “taken” is often used with auxiliary verbs such as “have,” “has,” or “had.” For example:

• Incorrect: I taken my medication for the day.
• Correct: I have taken my medication for the day.

By using “took” and “taken” correctly in your sentences, you can effectively communicate your message and avoid confusion.

More Examples Of Took & Taken Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the usage of “took” and “taken,” it is important to see them in context. Here are some examples of “took” used in a sentence:

• She took her dog for a walk in the park.
• He took a deep breath before giving his presentation.
• We took a taxi to the airport.
• They took their time deciding on which restaurant to go to.
• She took the book from the shelf and began to read.
• He took a sip of his coffee and then put the cup down.
• The children took turns playing with the toy.
• She took a shower before going to bed.
• He took a picture of the sunset with his phone.
• We took a break from work and went for a walk outside.

And here are some examples of “taken” used in a sentence:

• She has taken up yoga as a hobby.
• He had taken all the necessary precautions before the storm hit.
• We have taken into account all the feedback we received.
• They had taken a different route to avoid the traffic.
• She had taken a course on public speaking to improve her skills.
• He was taken aback by the news of his promotion.
• The company had taken a loss in profits for the quarter.
• She had taken a liking to the new employee.
• He had taken on more responsibilities at work.
• We had taken a trip to Europe last summer.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using “took” and “taken,” there are several common mistakes that people make. These mistakes can lead to confusion and miscommunication, so it’s important to be aware of them and know how to avoid them.

Using “Took” When “Taken” Should Be Used

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “took” when “taken” should be used. For example, saying “I have took the dog for a walk” is incorrect; the correct form is “I have taken the dog for a walk.” This mistake is often made because “took” is the past tense of “take,” but “taken” is the past participle form.

To avoid this mistake, it’s important to remember that the past participle form is used with auxiliary verbs like “have,” “has,” and “had.” So, if you’re using one of these auxiliary verbs, you should use “taken” instead of “took.”

Using “Taken” When “Took” Should Be Used

On the other hand, some people use “taken” when “took” should be used. For example, saying “I have took some photos” is incorrect; the correct form is “I have taken some photos.” This mistake is often made because “took” is the past tense form, and people assume that it should be used in all past tense situations.

To avoid this mistake, it’s important to remember that “took” is only used in the past tense. If you’re using a helping verb like “have,” “has,” or “had,” you should use “taken” instead.

Using “Took” Or “Taken” With The Wrong Preposition

Another common mistake people make is using “took” or “taken” with the wrong preposition. For example, saying “I have took a photo of you” is incorrect; the correct form is “I have taken a photo of you.” Similarly, saying “I have taken a photo from you” is incorrect; the correct form is “I have taken a photo of you.”

To avoid this mistake, it’s important to remember which prepositions are used with “took” and “taken.” “Took” is usually followed by the preposition “from,” while “taken” is usually followed by the preposition “of.”

Offering Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to pay attention to the context in which you’re using “took” and “taken.” Remember that “took” is the past tense form, while “taken” is the past participle form, and that the correct form depends on the auxiliary verb being used. Additionally, pay attention to the prepositions that are used with each form.

• Always use “taken” with auxiliary verbs like “have,” “has,” and “had.”
• Remember that “took” is only used in the past tense.
• Use “from” with “took” and “of” with “taken.”
• Read your sentences out loud to ensure that they sound correct.
• Practice using “took” and “taken” correctly in your writing and speaking.

Context Matters

Choosing between took and taken can be a tricky task, as it often depends on the context in which they are used. The two words are both forms of the verb take, but they have different tenses and can be used in different ways.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts in which the choice between took and taken might change:

Context	Example Sentence	Correct Form
Past Tense	She took the book from the shelf.	Took
Present Perfect Tense	He has taken the dog for a walk.	Taken
Passive Voice	The test was taken by all the students in the class.	Taken
Phrasal Verbs	She took off her coat when she came in.	Took

In the past tense, took is used when the action has already happened and is complete. On the other hand, taken is used in the present perfect tense, which refers to an action that started in the past and continues to the present. In the passive voice, taken is used because the subject is the receiver of the action rather than the doer. Finally, in phrasal verbs, took is used because it is part of the verb phrase.

As you can see, the choice between took and taken can depend on the context in which they are used. It is important to understand the different tenses and forms of the verb take in order to use them correctly.

Exceptions To The Rules

While it is generally true that “took” is used for the past tense of the verb “take,” and “taken” is used for the past participle, there are some exceptions to this rule. Here are some instances where the rules for using “took” and “taken” might not apply:

Idiomatic Expressions

There are some idiomatic expressions where “took” and “taken” are used differently than their usual meanings. For example:

• “Take a hike” means to go away or leave, but we don’t say “took a hike.”
• “Take a seat” means to sit down, but we don’t say “taken a seat.”
• “Take a picture” means to photograph something, but we don’t say “taken a picture.”

Passive Voice

In passive voice constructions, the past participle “taken” is used with the auxiliary verb “have” to form the present perfect tense. For example:

• “I have taken many photos.” (present perfect tense)
• “She has taken the bus to work.” (present perfect tense)

Irregular Verbs

There are some irregular verbs where “took” and “taken” are not used at all. For example:

• “Bring” (past tense: brought, past participle: brought)
• “Buy” (past tense: bought, past participle: bought)
• “Choose” (past tense: chose, past participle: chosen)

It’s important to note that these exceptions are not exhaustive, and there may be other cases where “took” and “taken” are used differently than their usual meanings. However, by understanding these exceptions, you can use “took” and “taken” more effectively in your writing and speech.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of “took” and “taken” is to practice using them in context. Here are some exercises to help you do just that:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct form of “took” or “taken” to fill in the blank in each sentence below:

1. I have ________ my dog for a walk every day this week.	________
2. She ________ a lot of photos on her trip to Europe.	________
3. He ________ the last piece of cake before anyone else could get to it.	________
4. They have ________ the train to Paris several times.	________
5. I ________ a nap after lunch to recharge.	________

Answer key:

1. taken

2. took

3. took

4. taken

5. took

Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Form

Read each sentence below and identify whether “took” or “taken” is the correct form to use:

• 1. She has ________ French lessons for three years. (took/taken)
• 2. He ________ the last cookie from the plate. (took/taken)
• 3. They have ________ the bus to work every day this week. (took/taken)
• 4. I ________ a lot of photos on my trip to Hawaii. (took/taken)
• 5. We have ________ our seats for the concert. (took/taken)

Answer key:

• 1. taken
• 2. took
• 3. taken
• 4. taken
• 5. taken

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of “took” and “taken” in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context of each sentence to determine which form to use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between “took” and “taken” may seem like a minor detail, but it can have a significant impact on the clarity and accuracy of your writing. Remember that “took” is the simple past tense of “take,” while “taken” is the past participle. Use “took” when referring to a completed action in the past and “taken” when referring to a completed action that has a continuing effect in the present.

It is essential to pay attention to grammar and language use in your writing to ensure that your message is communicated clearly and effectively. By continuing to learn and improve your language skills, you can enhance your writing and achieve greater success in your personal and professional endeavors.