English language learners and native speakers alike often stumble over similar-looking words with different meanings and uses. One common pair that causes confusion is “choose” and “chose.” Though they differ by just one letter, using the wrong form can significantly change your meaning or make your writing appear less polished. In this guide, we’ll explore the difference between these two words, provide clear examples of their correct usage, and offer helpful memory tricks to ensure you never mix them up again.
What’s the Difference Between Choose and Chose?
At their core, “choose” and “chose” are different tenses of the same verb: “to choose,” which means to select, pick or decide on something from available options. The key distinction between them lies in when the action takes place:
- Choose is the present tense form, used for actions happening now or in the future.
- Chose is the past tense form, used for actions that have already happened.
When to Use “Choose”
The word “choose” (pronounced with a “z” sound at the end, rhyming with “blues”) is appropriate in several situations:
Present Tense Actions
Use “choose” when describing a selection that is currently happening:
- “I choose to believe the best about people.”
- “The committee members choose their leader every spring.”
- “We choose organic produce whenever possible.”
Future Actions
“Choose” is also correct when describing selections that will happen in the future, with the future tense indicated by the auxiliary verb (like “will” or “must”):
- “Tomorrow, I will choose which university to attend.”
- “She will choose a new car next month.”
- “They must choose between the two candidates by Friday.”
Habitual Actions
For recurring or habitual selections, “choose” is the correct form:
- “Most students choose to study in the library.”
- “I always choose the window seat when flying.”
- “Smart investors choose diverse portfolios.”
Infinitive Form
When using the base form of the verb, particularly after modal verbs (can, should, might, etc.) or other verbs, use “choose”:
- “You should choose your words carefully.”
- “I want to choose the right path.”
- “They might choose to disagree with us.”
When to Use “Chose”
The word “chose” (pronounced with a long “o” sound, rhyming with “nose”) applies in different contexts:
Past Tense Actions
Use “chose” when talking about selections that already happened:
- “I chose the red shirt for the interview yesterday.”
- “She chose to stay home instead of going to the party.”
- “The judges chose the winner based on creativity.”
Completed Actions in Storytelling
When recounting past events or telling stories, “chose” is appropriate:
- “The hero chose to confront the villain directly.”
- “In 1955, Rosa Parks chose to remain seated on the bus.”
- “After much deliberation, the committee chose to implement the new policy.”
Common Phrases with Choose and Chose
Several common expressions use these words. Remembering these phrases can help reinforce their correct usage:
With “choose”:
- “Choose your battles”
- “Choose wisely”
- “Choose to be happy”
- “Beggars can’t be choosers“
With “chose”:
- “I chose differently”
- “She chose poorly/well”
- “They chose the path less traveled”
How Do You Remember Chose vs. Choose?
Memory aids can be tremendously helpful when distinguishing between similar words. Here are some effective ways to remember the difference:
The “oo” Association
Notice that “choose” contains a double “o” (oo), which appears in the word “oops!” You could think: “Oops! I need to choose now (present) because I haven’t done it yet.”
The Vowel Progression
The verb forms progress from “choose” (present) to “chose” (simple past) to “chosen” (past participle), with the vowels changing from “oo” to “o” to “o-e”. This vowel progression mirrors the progression of time.
The -s Ending Rule
Present tense verbs often end with “s” when used with third-person singular subjects (he/she/it chooses). This can remind you that “choose” (with “oo”) is the present form, as there is no “choses.”
What Made You Choose or Chose?
This question perfectly illustrates the confusion between these words! The correct version depends on when the decision occurred:
- “What made you choose this option?” (if asking about a current or future decision)
- “What made you chose this option?” (incorrect)
- “What made you chose this option yesterday?” (also incorrect)
The correct way to ask about a past decision would be:
- “What made you choose this option yesterday?” (using “made” as the past tense verb)
- “Why did you choose this option yesterday?” (using “did” as the past tense auxiliary)
This example highlights an important rule: when using auxiliary verbs like “did” (past tense of “do”), the main verb reverts to its base form (“choose”), not its past tense form.
How Do You Use the Word Choose?
To use “choose” correctly, follow these guidelines:
- Subject-Verb Agreement: With third-person singular subjects (he/she/it), add an “s” to form “chooses.”
- “He chooses his words carefully.”
- “Everyone chooses their own path.”
- Present Progressive: For ongoing actions, use “choosing.”
- “I am choosing between two job offers right now.”
- With Prepositions: “Choose” often pairs with prepositions like “from,” “between” and “over.”
- “Choose from these options.”
- “Choose between the red and blue shirts.”
- “They chose comfort over style.”
- Passive Voice: In passive constructions, use “chosen” (past participle).
- “The winner will be chosen tomorrow.”
- “She was chosen for the lead role.”
Final Thoughts on Choose vs. Chose
Understanding the difference between “choose” and “chose” is fundamentally about recognizing time, when the action of selecting occurs. While the single-letter difference might seem minor, using the correct form enhances the clarity and professionalism of your communication.
With practice and attention to the tense of your sentences, you’ll find yourself naturally selecting the right form every time. And that’s a choice your readers will appreciate!
This article was created with the assistance of AI.