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Choose vs Chose: What's the Difference?

A2 Similar Spelling

What's the Difference?

Choose" refers to the present or base form of the verb, while "chose" represents its past tense form.

Memory Tip: choose = now, chose = past

choose has long /uː/, chose has long /oʊ/

choose /tʃuz/

verb
To decide which thing or person you want from two or more options.
Example:
I choose the red dress because it's my favorite color.
Common patterns:
choose a toy choose a color
choose →

chose /tʃuz/

verb
To decide which thing or person you want from two or more options.
Example:
Yesterday, I chose the red dress for the party.
Common patterns:
choose a toy choose a color
chose →

Common Mistakes

I will chose the blue shirt for the party.
I will choose the blue shirt for the party.
The sentence refers to a future action, so the present tense 'choose' is needed.
Yesterday, I choose to study at the library.
Yesterday, I chose to study at the library.
The sentence refers to an action completed in the past, so the past tense 'chose' is needed.

Quick Practice

0/2 correct
1. I ____ the red dress because it's my favorite color.
2. Yesterday, I ____ the red dress for the party.

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