have been taken vs have taken

Both "have been taken" and "have taken" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Have been taken" is passive voice, indicating that something has been done to the subject, while "have taken" is active voice, indicating that the subject performed the action.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 3274 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It is in the passive voice, indicating that something has been done to the subject.

"have been taken"

This phrase is used when you want to emphasize that something has been done to the subject. For example, 'The documents have been taken by the authorities.'

Examples:

The medicine has been taken.
The decision has been taken by the committee.
The opportunity has been taken by someone else.
The car keys have been taken by my brother.
The necessary precautions have been taken.

Show examples from the web [+]

Measures in terms of warranties and maintenance have been taken to ensure both technical viability and longevity.
Specific measures have been taken to support the adjustment process in the tradable sector of economy.
Mr President, many decisions have been taken.
A number of initiatives have been taken recently to improve fiscal governance in Italy.
Two others have been taken into protective custody.
Langston and Riley have been taken hostage at the PCP lab.
Indeed, several initiatives have been taken in the last few years to increase transparency.
At European level a number of measures have been taken to combat infectious veterinary diseases.
For far too long, the wrong roads have been taken.
Please explain what measures have been taken to ensure that access.
Decisions have been taken by the Council with a great sense of responsibility.
A number of steps have been taken to improve this.
Commissioner Bolkestein, I welcome the initiatives that you announced beforehand and those that have been taken recently.
These concrete decisions have been taken and are now going to be implemented.
Alongside this, new initiatives, including the Lisbon agenda, have been taken.
The resolution recognises that some positive measures have been taken in relation to violence against women.
It could have been taken abroad.
The first hesitant steps have been taken.
Reforms have been taken or are underway in all Member States to achieve long-term sustainable pensions.
Several national and regional initiatives have been taken recently which highlight the way metropolitan areas are evolving.

Alternatives:

have been received
have been confiscated
have been removed
have been stolen
have been borrowed

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It is in the active voice, indicating that the subject performed the action.

"have taken"

This phrase is used when you want to emphasize that the subject performed the action. For example, 'I have taken my medicine.'

Examples:

I have taken the necessary steps.
She has taken the lead in the project.
He has taken the opportunity to learn a new skill.
They have taken the initiative to solve the problem.
We have taken the decision to move forward.

Show examples from the web [+]

Dissidents in Belarus have taken over a nuclear reactor.
The patients have taken over the asylum.
Just know that I have taken the catalyst.
The competent authorities have taken various measures to address the situation.
Their soldiers have taken over your county.
The pyrates have taken what they wanted.
However the Delegations have taken various initiatives to develop donor coordination and harmonisation activities further.
Your friends at the fight ring have taken our colleague.
You must have taken restroom breaks occasionally.
Must have taken a wrong turn or something.
ANAC informed that they have taken effective enforcement actions.
Shooter must have taken him by surprise.
Dude, you have taken on The Morrigan.
Someone must have taken his place.
Our enemies have taken away our Master.
Sonja must have taken Glenn there.
The Americans have taken exactly 466 Iraqi refugees since 2003.
The social organisations have taken their own steps to get their views across on the integration process.
They have taken office in early February 2004.
Thousands have taken to the streets.

Alternatives:

have completed
have chosen
have seized
have grabbed
have acquired

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have been taken vs have taken

"have been taken"

"have taken"

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