Choose or Chose
Which Spelling is Correct?
Understanding the difference between "Choose" or "Chose", these verb forms and when to use each one.
✅ Correct: Choose
Definition: To select or pick from a number of alternatives; to make a decision.
Part of Speech: Verb (present tense)
✅ Correct: Chose
Definition: Past tense of "choose"; to have selected or picked from alternatives.
Part of Speech: Verb (past tense)
Summary
Both choose and chose are correct spellings, but they are used in different contexts. "Choose" is the present tense form, meaning to select or pick something now or in the future. "Chose" is the past tense form, meaning to have selected or picked something in the past. The key is using the correct tense for your context.
Notes:
- • "Choose" is pronounced as /tʃuːz/
- • "Chose" is pronounced as /tʃoʊz/
- • The past participle is "chosen" (used with helping verbs)
- • This is an irregular verb: choose → chose → chosen
- • Remember: "Choose" has two "o"s, "chose" has one "o"
- • The word comes from Old English "cēosan"
Synonyms for Choose
Select
To pick out from a number of alternatives
Pick
To choose or select from available options
Decide
To make a choice or reach a conclusion
Opt
To make a choice, especially between alternatives
Elect
To choose or select, especially by voting
Prefer
To like one thing better than another
Usage Examples
Present Tense: "I will choose the red dress for the party."
Past Tense: "I chose the red dress for the party."
Present Tense: "Please choose your favorite color."
Past Tense: "She chose to study medicine."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I use "choose" vs "chose"?
A: Use "choose" for present tense (now or future) and "chose" for past tense. For example: "I choose to go now" (present) vs "I chose to go yesterday" (past). The past participle "chosen" is used with helping verbs like "have" or "had."
Q: Is "choose" an irregular verb?
A: Yes, "choose" is an irregular verb. The conjugation is: choose (present) → chose (past) → chosen (past participle). This is why it doesn't follow the regular pattern of adding "-ed" for past tense.
Q: What is the difference between "chose" and "chosen"?
A: "Chose" is the simple past tense, used for actions completed in the past. "Chosen" is the past participle, used with helping verbs like "have," "has," or "had." Examples: "I chose the book" vs "I have chosen the book."
Q: Can "choose" be used as a noun?
A: No, "choose" is only a verb. However, "choice" is the noun form, meaning an act of selecting or the thing selected. For example: "Make your choice" (noun) vs "Choose wisely" (verb).
Q: How can I remember the correct spelling and usage?
A: Remember that "choose" has two "o"s (like "oo" in "moon") and is used for present/future. "Chose" has one "o" and is used for past actions. Think: "I choose now, I chose then."