already chosen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "already chosen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been selected or decided upon prior to the current moment or context. Example: "The candidates for the position have already chosen their preferred interview times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was, in a sense, already chosen.

The New York Times - Magazine

And he had already chosen another opponent.

The New York Times - Sports

He has already chosen his own epitaph.

The New York Times

"I've already chosen some of the numbers.

Independent

"He had already chosen Trintignant to play the husband.

The Guardian - Film

(You know Karenna has already chosen the convention theme song).

The New York Times

It had already chosen a black host for Sunday's ceremony.

The Guardian - Film

Barack: We both know you've already chosen my "replacement".

The New Yorker

Most voters have already chosen sides -- sometimes angrily, often passionately.

The New York Times

A number have already chosen to move but have no funds to do so.

The Guardian

He appeared to be looking for something to add to the lilies he had already chosen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place the word "already" between the auxiliary verb and the participle (e.g. "They have already chosen") to follow standard English syntax.

Common error

Avoid pairing this phrase with other redundant temporal adverbs like "previously". Saying "He previously had already chosen" is tautological; stick to one or the other for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "already chosen" functions primarily as a verb in the passive voice or a perfective construction. According to Ludwig, it usually appears within a verb phrase consisting of an auxiliary verb (has, had, was) to denote that a selection process is finished. It can also act as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "already chosen" is a highly versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate the completion of a selection. Data from Ludwig shows that it is a staple of high-quality journalism and scientific writing. It effectively communicates finality and temporal order. For writers seeking variety, alternatives like "previously selected" or "preselected" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is most effective when the adverb is placed naturally within the verb string.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously selected

shuts down any ambiguity regarding the timing of the choice, often used in more formal or technical reports

already picked

provides a more informal and colloquial tone suitable for conversational English or creative writing

preselected

condenses the phrase into a single word, emphasizing that the choice occurred as a prerequisite step

previously determined

suggests that the outcome was fixed or established by logic, rules or prior events

already decided upon

shifts the focus slightly from the act of picking to the mental state of reaching a conclusion

already opted for

highlights the agency of the person making the choice among several alternatives

already designated

implies a formal assignment or an official naming of a person or thing for a specific purpose

already singled out

stresses that one specific item or person was chosen from a larger group

already identified

often used in research or investigations when a subject has been recognized

already nominated

specific to contexts involving awards, political positions or formal suggestions

FAQs

How do I use "already chosen" in a sentence?

You can use it in the present perfect to show a completed action, such as "The committee has "already chosen" the winner".

What is the difference between "already chosen" and "already chose"?

The phrase "already chosen" is the correct past participle form used with auxiliary verbs, whereas "already chose" uses the simple past and is generally less common in formal writing.

Can I use "preselected" instead of "already chosen"?

Yes, "preselected" is a more concise alternative that works well in academic or technical contexts.

What can I say instead of "already chosen" in a formal report?

In formal documents, you might prefer "previously selected" or "already designated" for a more professional tone.