In terms of words in English that are regularly confused, it\u2019s difficult to find more obvious examples than the words \u2018choose\u2019 and \u2018chose\u2019. In fact, you could probably throw in the noun \u2018choice\u2019 into this confusing mix too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These words are all part of the same word family, meaning they are related in meaning. The words are all connected to the idea of making a conscious decision \u2013 something you select yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But it is also the very fact that these words are so similar in both spelling and pronunciation that makes them difficult to distinguish. So here are the differences between \u2018chose\u2019 and \u2018choose\u2019 \u2013 both in meaning and pronunciation \u2013 that will help you use the words correctly in the future.
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\u2018Choose\u2019 is what we call the infinitive or root verb. Therefore it is the word we use in the present tense, for example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I choose to be who I am.<\/em><\/p>
Anna chooses to work in the office but she could work from home if she wanted to.<\/em><\/p>
You can choose what you\u2019d like to have for dinner.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
As well as remembering to use double \u2018o\u2019 in the spelling (always in the present or future form), it is important to get the pronunciation right. \u2018Choose\u2019 rhymes with \u2018blues\u2019 or \u2018shoes\u2019, meaning that it is a long \u2018oo\u2019 sound. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I choose blue shoes<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n
What is ‘Chose’?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
So, if \u2018choose\u2019 is the present form of the verb, then \u2018chose\u2019 is the past form. Right? Right! And here are some examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I chose to work late last night so I\u2019m really tired this morning.<\/em><\/p><\/p>
Karl chose to go to bed\u00a0 early so he\u2019s full of energy this morning.<\/em><\/p>
We chose to live in a small town instead of a big city.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Always one \u2018o\u2019 for chose. And in terms of pronunciation, there is also a distinct difference with the infinitive form. \u2018Chose\u2019 rhymes with \u2018goes\u2019 or \u2018clothes\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I chose new clothes.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Other members of the \u2018choose\u2019 word family<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As well as the infinitive and past form of the words, there are also the gerund\/present participle and past-participle forms. The gerund\/present participle is \u2018choosing\u2019 with the double \u2018o\u2019, because it is always based on the infinitive form (choose). The past participle is \u2018chosen\u2019. The noun form or the word if choice (with a \u2018c\u2019). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In terms of pronunciation, \u2018choosing\u2019 rhymes with \u2018losing\u2019, \u2018chosen\u2019 rhymes with \u2018frozen\u2019, and \u2018choice\u2019 rhymes with \u2018voice\u2019. And remember, if you have any doubt with your pronunciation, you can check how a word should be said using a good online dictionary, which will give you both the US and British pronunciation of the word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some examples of these words in action:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m choosing to live with my parents \u2013 I could move out at any time if I wanted to.<\/em><\/p>
I\u2019m still choosing between the ice cream and the chocolate cake \u2013 it\u2019s such a hard decision.<\/em><\/p>
I\u2019ve chosen to go to college next year instead of this year.<\/em><\/p><\/p>
The best paintings will be chosen by a panel of experts.<\/em><\/p>
I have no choice but to sell the car \u2013 it\u2019s just costing too much money.<\/em><\/p>
It\u2019s my choice and I don\u2019t want to go.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Other ways in English to express the idea of \u2018choosing\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n