Word
took
US/ˈtʊk/
UK/tˈʊk/
Definitions
01past tense of take
A1 · Beginner
v. the past tense of 'take' — used to say you moved something, used time, or accepted something in the past.
v. the simple past tense of the irregular verb 'take'.
“He took his umbrella because the sky looked very grey.”
“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'.
02past participle (dialect)
C1 · Advanced Dialect · Informal
v. a different way to say 'taken' in some local styles of speaking.
v. the past participle of 'take' used in place of 'taken'; this is a feature of specific regional dialects and informal speech.
“He should have took the keys when he had the chance.”
“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.
Synonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 3
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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