Understanding the difference between taken and taking is key to mastering English. Taken is the past participle of “take.” We use it when talking about something that has already happened, often with “have” or “has.” For example, “She has taken the book.” Define taking. taking synonyms, taking pronunciation, taking translation, English dictionary definition of taking. adj. 1. Capturing interest; fetching: a taking smile. TAKING definition: the act of a person or thing that takes. See examples of taking used in a sentence. Definitions of taking noun the act of someone who picks up or takes something “clothing could be had for the taking ” synonyms: pickings see more Meaning of taking in English taking present participle of take (Definition of taking from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press) The correct spelling is taking, not takeing. Taking is the present participle and gerund of take, used for actions such as receiving, carrying, choosing… Taking is usually the -ing form of take, while taken is the past participle of take. Their grammar determines where and how they can be used. By the end of this guide, you will understand when to use taken, when to use taking, how their sentence structures differ, and how to avoid common mistakes. This guide breaks down the Taken vs Taking difference in plain language, with clear rules, tables, and real examples so you can use both forms correctly every time. The pitcher had not thrown a strike so I decided to take a pitch. He was taking all the way on that pitch. take, seize, grasp, clutch, snatch, grab mean to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand. take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control.