Present and past tense
chose vs choose
Meaning, pronunciation, and examples
Choose is the present-tense verb. Chose is its past-tense form. Choose has the OO vowel in “food,” while chose has the OH vowel in “go.”
American English
Hear the difference
Each term has female and male playback at natural speed. Listen without looking, then compare the recordings with the IPA.
Word 1
chose
past-tense verb
Made a selection or decision in the past.
US pronunciation
/tʃoʊz/
UK IPA
/tʃəʊz/
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Word 2
choose
present-tense verb
To select one option from two or more possibilities.
US pronunciation
/tʃuːz/
UK IPA
/tʃuːz/
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Sound contrast
How to tell them apart
Start both words with CH and end with a buzzing Z. In chose, let the vowel glide like OH. In choose, round your lips and hold a steady OO.
Direct answer
What is the difference?
Use choose for a decision happening now, in the future, or habitually. Use chose for a completed decision in the past. Both words end with a voiced /z/ sound, so the vowel carries the important contrast.
Listen in context
6 example sentences
Context makes meaning, grammar, and natural rhythm easier to understand. Every sentence has its own playback.
Examples with
chose
- She chose the blue jacket yesterday.
- We chose the train instead of driving.
- He chose his words carefully.
Examples with
choose
- Please choose a seat near the window.
- I usually choose tea in the morning.
- You can choose either option.
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