Main Difference – Chose vs Choose
Chose and Choose are two verbs that confuse many English learners. The main difference between chose and choose is that chose indicates the past whereas choose indicates the present and future. Choose means to select, pick or decide on something. Chose is the past tense of choose.
Chose vs Choose – Meaning and Usage
Choose is derived from the Old English cēosan. Choose means to pick out something or someone as being the best or most appropriate out of two or more alternatives. Choose can also refer to deciding on a course of action. It can be used as a transitive verb as well as an intransitive verb. Chosen is the past participle of choose and choice is the noun form of choose.
The action of choosing generally refers to selecting something freely, without anyone’s influence. This choice is also made after some consideration.
Chose is the past tense of chose. Therefore, chose also has the same meaning as choose. The only difference between chose and choose is that of the time difference; chose indicates a choice made in the past whereas choose indicates a choice made in the present.
The following examples will help you to understand the difference in time between chose and choose.
Chose
We chose Anna as our class president.
It was he who chose to embark on this journey.
International Olympic Committee chose Tokyo as the host city of the 32nd Olympic Games.
He chose a small, pale blue pendant.
Last week, the coach chose Jake as the captain of the football team.
They chose not to attend classes, and now they have failed the exam.
She chose to remain silent on the subject.
He chose to go by bus, instead of train.
She chose a simple pearl necklace.
As seen from the above examples, chose always refer to the past.
Choose
Take your time; there are many colors to choose from.
He can’t seem to choose what he wants.
They will choose candidates based on their academic qualifications and work experience.
Many couples choose simple, nontraditional weddings.
We have a right to choose what we read.
You have to choose your words carefully so as not to offend anyone.
The parents should let their children choose their clothes.
Next Monday, people of India will choose a new prime minister.
You can choose whatever you want.
As seen from these examples, choose always refer to the present and the future.
Difference Between Chose and Choose
Pronunciation
Chose is pronounced as /tʃəʊz/.
Choose is pronounced as /tʃuːz/.
Choice
Chose implies that choice is already made.
Choose implies that the choice is not yet made.
Time
Chose refers to the past.
Choose refers to the present and the future.
Image Courtesy:
“Melbourne Sneaker Freak” by THOR (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
