When to Use "Choose" vs. "Chose": A Comprehensive Guide

Learning English can be fun, but some words can be tricky. Two words that often confuse English learners are “choose” and “chose.”

They sound similar, and they mean the same thing—to pick or select something. But they are used in different situations.

In this post, I’ll explain the difference between “choose” and “chose” in the simplest way possible.

I’ll cover their meanings, how to use them correctly, and tips to avoid mistakes.

By the end, you’ll feel confident using these words in your writing and conversations.

I’ll also include examples, practice exercises, and memory tricks to help you master these words. Let’s get started!

What Do “Choose” and “Chose” Mean?

Both “choose” and “chose” mean to make a decision or pick something from a group of options.

For example, you might choose a flavor of ice cream or chose a movie to watch last night.

The difference between them is when they are used.

This depends on the tense of the sentence, which tells us when something happens.

Choose is used for present or future actions.
Chose is used for past actions.

Let’s break it down further.

Understanding “Choose”

“Choose” is the present tense of the verb. You use it when talking about something happening now or something that will happen in the future.

It’s pronounced as /tʃuːz/ (sounds like “chews”).

Here are some examples of “choose” in sentences:

I choose chocolate ice cream because I love it. (Happening now)
She will choose a dress for the party tomorrow. (Happening in the future)
We always choose to sit by the window on the bus. (A regular habit)

When to Use “Choose”

Use “choose” in these situations:

Present Tense: When you’re talking about a decision you’re making right now.

- Example: I choose to study English every day.

Future Tense: When you’re talking about a decision that will happen later.

- Example: They will choose a new team leader next week.

Habit or General Fact: When you talk about something you regularly do or a general truth.

- Example: He always chooses healthy food.

Forms of “Choose”

The verb “choose” changes depending on how it’s used in a sentence. Here are its forms:

Base form: Choose (I choose to learn English.)
Third person singular: Chooses (She chooses a book.)
Present participle: Choosing (They are choosing a gift.)
Infinitive: To choose (I want to choose a movie.)

Understanding “Chose”

“Chose” is the past tense of the verb. You use it when talking about a decision that already happened. It’s pronounced as /tʃoʊz/ (sounds like “chose” with a long “o”).

Here are some examples of “chose” in sentences:

Yesterday, I chose vanilla ice cream. (Happened in the past)
She chose a red dress for the party last week. (Happened in the past)
We chose to watch a comedy movie last night. (Happened in the past)

When to Use “Chose”

Use “chose” when:

Simple Past Tense: You’re talking about a decision made at a specific time in the past.

- Example: He chose to join the soccer team last year.

Past Habit: You’re talking about something that happened regularly in the past (often with words like “always” or “often”).

- Example: When I was a kid, I always chose to play outside.

Forms Related to “Chose”

Since “chose” is the past tense, it doesn’t change like “choose.” However, there’s another form to know:

Past participle: Chosen (used with “have,” “has,” or “had”)
- Example: I have chosen a new book to read.
- Example: She had chosen her outfit before the party started.

Key Differences Between “Choose” and “Chose”

To make it super clear, here’s a table that shows the main differences:

Word	Tense	When to Use	Pronunciation	Example Sentence
Choose	Present/Future	Decisions now or in the future	/tʃuːz/	I choose to eat fruit every day.
Chose	Past	Decisions made in the past	/tʃoʊz/	I chose fruit yesterday.
Chosen	Past Participle	With “have/has/had” for completed actions	/ˈtʃoʊzən/	I have chosen fruit for lunch.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

English learners sometimes mix up “choose” and “chose.” Here are the most common mistakes and how to fix them:

Using “choose” instead of “chose” for past events:

- Wrong: I choose a movie last night.
- Correct: I chose a movie last night.
- Tip: If the action happened in the past (yesterday, last week, etc.), use “chose.”

Using “chose” instead of “choose” for present or future:

- Wrong: I chose to go to the park tomorrow.
- Correct: I choose to go to the park tomorrow.
- Tip: If the action is now or in the future, use “choose.”

Forgetting “chosen” with “have/has/had”:

- Wrong: I have chose a gift.
- Correct: I have chosen a gift.
- Tip: When using “have,” “has,” or “had,” always use “chosen.”

Spelling or pronunciation confusion:

- Some learners write “choosed” instead of “chose” or “chosen.” The verb doesn’t follow the regular “-ed” rule for past tense.
- Tip: Memorize that “chose” (past) and “chosen” (past participle) are irregular forms.

Memory Tricks to Help You Remember

Here are some fun and easy ways to remember when to use “choose” vs. “chose”:

The “S” Rule:

- “Choose” has two “o’s” (like the present, which is ongoing).
- “Chose” has one “o” (like the past, which is done).

Rhyme It:

- For present or future, I choose (sounds like “news”).
- For the past, I chose (sounds like “rose”).

Timeline Trick:

- Imagine a timeline. If the decision is on the “now” or “future” side, use “choose.” If it’s on the “past” side, use “chose.”

Practice with a Song:

- Sing this to a simple tune: “Choose for now, chose for then, chosen when I’ve picked again!”

Practice Exercises for English Learners

Let’s practice! Try these exercises to test your understanding. Answers are provided at the end.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blank

Choose the correct word: “choose,” “chose,” or “chosen.”

I want to ______ a new book to read this week.
Last weekend, we ______ to visit the zoo.
She has ______ her favorite song for the talent show.
He always ______ pizza for dinner.
They ______ a blue car last month.

Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes

Find and fix the mistakes in these sentences.

I choose a red shirt yesterday.
She has chose a gift for her friend.
We will chose a movie tonight.
He choosed to study math last year.
I choosing a cake right now.

Exercise 3: Write Your Own Sentences

Write one sentence for each:

Using “choose” (present tense).
Using “chose” (past tense).
Using “chosen” (with “have/has/had”).

Answers to Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blank

choose (I want to choose a new book to read this week.)
chose (Last weekend, we chose to visit the zoo.)
chosen (She has chosen her favorite song for the talent show.)
chooses (He always chooses pizza for dinner.)
chose (They chose a blue car last month.)

Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes

I chose a red shirt yesterday.
She has chosen a gift for her friend.
We will choose a movie tonight.
He chose to study math last year.
I am choosing a cake right now.

Exercise 3: Write Your Own Sentences

(Answers will vary. Example answers:)

I choose to drink water instead of soda.
Yesterday, I chose to watch a funny movie.
I have chosen a new hobby to try.

Tips for Using “Choose” and “Chose” in Real Life

Read and Listen: Pay attention to how native speakers use “choose” and “chose” in books, movies, or conversations. Notice the tense of the sentence.
Practice Speaking: Use these words in daily conversations. For example, say, “I choose coffee today” or “I chose tea yesterday.”
Write It Down: Keep a journal and write sentences using “choose,” “chose,” and “chosen.” Check your work with a teacher or language app.
Ask for Feedback: If you’re unsure, ask a native speaker or teacher to correct your sentences.

Final Thoughts

The difference between “choose” and “chose” is simple once you understand the tense.

Use “choose” for present or future decisions and “chose” for past decisions. Don’t forget “chosen” when using “have,” “has,” or “had.”

With practice, you’ll use these words correctly without thinking twice.

Try the exercises, use the memory tricks, and practice every day.

You’ve got this!

If you have questions or want more examples, feel free to leave a comment.

Happy learning!

When to Use “Choose” vs. “Chose”: A Comprehensive Guide

What Do “Choose” and “Chose” Mean?