Choose vs. Chose – Which is Correct?

The distinction between choose and chose is a matter of verb tense. Choose is the present tense form, meaning to select from a range of options. Chose is the simple past tense of choose, indicating that a selection was made in the past. Both are grammatically correct and widely used in English as of June 2, 2026, depending on the timing of the action.

Choose or Chose – Which is Correct?

Both “choose” and “chose” are correct words in American English, but they function differently based on the timing of the action they describe. The key difference lies in their verb tense: “choose” is the infinitive and present tense form, while “chose” is its simple past tense counterpart. Understanding this temporal distinction is crucial for proper usage.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

A simple trick to remember the difference is to associate the double ‘o’ in choose with words like “now” or “do,” indicating a present or ongoing action. Conversely, the single ‘o’ in chose can be linked to “ago” or “done,” signifying an action completed in the past. If you are selecting something now or habitually, use “choose.” If you selected something ago, use “chose.”

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Choose	Verb (present tense, infinitive)	To select from a number of alternatives.	I always choose the healthy option.
Chose	Verb (simple past tense)	Selected in the past.	She chose the blue dress yesterday.

How to Use Choose

The verb “choose” is used when referring to the act of making a selection in the present, for a future action, or as a general habit. It can also appear in its infinitive form (to choose) or as part of a present participle (choosing). It’s a versatile verb that applies to both formal and casual contexts, emphasizing the decision-making process.

Example 1: You must choose your path carefully if you want to succeed.

Example 2: Every morning, I choose my outfit based on the weather forecast.

Example 3: They will choose a new team captain by the end of the week.

What are the different forms of Choose?

“Choose” is an irregular verb. Its principal parts are:

• Base form: choose (e.g., I choose)
• Simple past tense: chose (e.g., I chose)
• Past participle: chosen (e.g., I have chosen)
• Present participle: choosing (e.g., I am choosing)
• Third-person singular present: chooses (e.g., He chooses)

Etymology of the word Choose

The word “choose” originates from the Old English word cēosan, meaning “to choose, select, decide, try, test, prove.” Its roots can be traced back to Proto-Germanic *keusan (source also of Old Saxon kiosan, Old Norse kjosa, Old Frisian kiesa, Dutch kiezen, Old High German kiosan, German kiesen “to choose, elect”), from the Proto-Indo-European root *ǵeus- meaning “to taste, to choose.”

How to Use Chose

“Chose” is the simple past tense form of “choose.” It is used exclusively to indicate that the act of selection or decision happened at a specific point in the past and is now complete. It does not carry the present or future implication of “choose.” It’s important to use “chose” when recounting past events or decisions.

Example 1: We chose a vacation destination that offered both relaxation and adventure.

Example 2: After much deliberation, the committee chose the winning proposal.

Example 3: She chose to pursue a career in medicine despite other opportunities.

What are the different forms of Chose?

“Chose” is already a specific form—the simple past tense—of the verb “choose.” It does not have further variations for tense or person in itself. It is the direct past tense form, distinct from the past participle “chosen,” which is used with auxiliary verbs (e.g., “have chosen,” “had chosen”).

Etymology of the word Chose

As the simple past tense of “choose,” “chose” shares the same etymological roots, stemming from the Old English cēosan. Its form evolved over time, reflecting the regular linguistic changes in English verb conjugations. The transition from cēosan to “chose” for the past tense is part of the irregular verb pattern inherited from Germanic languages.

Related Concepts

Understanding broader grammatical concepts like verb tenses and irregular verbs can significantly clarify the correct usage of “choose” and “chose.”

• Verb Tenses: English verbs change form to indicate when an action occurs. The present tense (choose) refers to actions happening now, habitually, or in the near future, while the past tense (chose) refers to actions completed before the present moment.
• Irregular Verbs: Unlike regular verbs that form their past tense and past participle by adding “-ed” (e.g., walk, walked, walked), irregular verbs like “choose” have unique forms for their past tense and past participle (choose, chose, chosen). Mastering these forms is essential for accurate writing.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “I have made my decision, and I have chosen to be happy.” – The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (using the past participle)
• “You have to choose between what the world offers you and what you can give to the world.” – Oprah Winfrey
• “We chose to go to the moon not because it is easy, but because it is hard.” – John F. Kennedy
• “In a world where you can be anything, choose to be kind.” – Jennifer Dukes Lee
• “She chose the path less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” (adapted from Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken”)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. Last year, they (choose/chose) to renovate their kitchen.
2. I always (choose/chose) to read a book before bed.
3. Have you (choose/chosen) a topic for your presentation yet?
4. Yesterday, he (choose/chose) to walk instead of drive.
5. It’s important to (choose/chose) your words carefully.

Answer Key

1. chose
2. choose
3. chosen
4. chose
5. choose

Choose Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Select	Carefully pick as being the best or most suitable.
Pick	Choose from a number of alternatives.
Opt (for)	Make a choice from a range of possibilities.
Decide	Come to a resolution in the mind as a result of consideration.
Elect	Choose (someone) to hold public office or some other position by voting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can “chose” be used in the present tense?
No, “chose” is exclusively the simple past tense form of the verb “choose.” It refers to an action of selection that has already occurred. For present tense actions, “choose” or “chooses” (for third-person singular) should be used.

Question 2: What is the past participle of “choose”?
The past participle of “choose” is “chosen.” This form is used with auxiliary verbs like “have,” “has,” or “had” to form perfect tenses (e.g., “I have chosen,” “She had chosen”) or in passive voice constructions (e.g., “The path was chosen”).

Question 3: Is “choosed” a word?
No, “choosed” is not a correct word in English. “Choose” is an irregular verb, and its past tense is “chose,” not “choosed.” Using “choosed” is a common error stemming from the tendency to apply regular verb conjugation rules to irregular verbs.

Conclusion

Mastering the distinction between “choose” and “chose” is fundamental for clear and grammatically correct communication. Remember that “choose” indicates a present or habitual action of selection, while “chose” refers to a selection made in the past. Paying attention to verb tense is crucial for conveying the accurate timing of events. Pro Tip: Always double-check your verb tenses, especially with irregular verbs, as consistent errors can detract from your professional credibility and the clarity of your message.