Took vs. Taken – How to Correctly Use Each Word
In the world of English, many words can be challenging, especially when they have similar origins.
This time, let’s understand “took” and “taken.”
Both are forms of the verb “take,” but they hold different places in a sentence. As always, knowing past tense and past participle is crucial for their proper usage.
Quick Summary
“Took” and “taken” stem from the verb “take.” “Took” is the past tense, used to describe actions that happened in the past. “Taken” is the past participle, used with auxiliary verbs like “has,” “have,” or “had.”
Took vs. Taken – Which is Correct?
“Taken” and “took” are both correct words but are used in different grammatical contexts. “Took” is employed in simple past tense sentences, while “taken” is used as a past participle along with auxiliary verbs.
| Word | When to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Took | Simple Past Tense | He took the last piece of cake. |
| Taken | Past Participle with “has,” “have,” “had” | The book has been taken from the shelf. |
How to Use Took
“Took” is the past tense form of “take.” Use it to talk about an action that happened in the past.
- Example: They took a trip to Paris last year. This sentence means that last year, they went on a trip to Paris.
How to Use Taken
“Taken” is the past participle form of “take.” Use it with the auxiliary verbs “has,” “have,” or “had.”
- Example: The tickets have been taken already. This indicates that the tickets are already gone or acquired by someone, which is relevant to the current situation.
Practice Exercises
- The thieves _______ all the money from the safe.
- She has _______ the medicine prescribed by the doctor.
- They _______ a shortcut to reach the destination faster.
- The dog had _______ the bone to its kennel.
- All the seats were _______ before the concert started.
Answer Key:
- took
- taken
- took
- taken
- taken
Conclusion
In conclusion, “took” and “taken” are different forms of the verb “take.” Use “took” for actions completed in the past and “taken” with auxiliary verbs to connect the action to the present.
Consistently practicing their usage will help ensure that you choose the right word for the right situation. For future reference and practice, you can always return to this guide on “took” and “taken.”
