Past Tense of “take”
The past simple of “take” is “took” and the past participle is “taken”. Below are the pronunciation, three example sentences, the mistake learners make most often, and a short drill to check yourself.
Forms of “take”
take – took – taken
pick up and carry; use (a bus, a pill, time)
- Base form
- take/teɪk/
- Past simple
- took/tʊk/
- Past participle
- taken/ˈteɪkən/
- -ing form
- taking
- He / she / it
- takes
Pronunciation (US)
Quick practice
5 questions. Type the missing form.
Example sentences
Three everyday sentences that show how the forms are used.
Past simple
I took the train to work today.
Past participle
Who has taken my umbrella?
Passive
These photos were taken in Paris.
The most common mistake
Wrong
Someone has took my seat.
Correct
Someone has taken my seat.
After “has” or “have”, use “taken”. “Took” is the past simple and never follows “have”.
Verbs with the same pattern
All 3 forms different. Learn these together.