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.”
Reference accent
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American English
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Word 1
chose
past-tense verb
Made a selection or decision in the past.
US pronunciation
/tʃoʊz/
UK IPA
/tʃəʊz/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
Let the stressed vowel glide from an open sound toward rounded lips, as in “go.”
Word 2
choose
present-tense verb
To select one option from two or more possibilities.
US pronunciation
/tʃuːz/
UK IPA
/tʃuːz/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
Round your lips for a long, steady OO sound before the final voiced /z/.
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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