ENGLISH
REFERENCE

took

v.
US //ˈtʊk// UK //tˈʊk// took
  1. 1 past tense of take (v.)
    A1 Beginner

    the past tense of 'take' — used to say you moved something, used time, or accepted something in the past.

    the simple past tense of the irregular verb 'take'.

    Example

    He took his umbrella because the sky looked very grey.

    Example

    The journey took much longer than anticipated due to the unexpected roadworks on the main motorway.

    Pitfall
    I have took the bus many times.
    I have taken the bus many times.

    In standard English, 'took' is only for the simple past. Use 'taken' after 'have', 'has', or 'had'.

  2. 2 past participle (dialect) (v.)
    C1 Advanced Dialect Informal

    a different way to say 'taken' in some local styles of speaking.

    the past participle of 'take' used in place of 'taken'; this is a feature of specific regional dialects and informal speech.

    Example

    He should have took the keys when he had the chance.

    Example

    In some regional varieties of English, speakers might say they have 'took' a photo rather than 'taken' one, though this is avoided in formal writing.

    Usage

    Used with auxiliary verbs like 'have' or 'be' in non-standard English.

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