At present

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "At present" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the current time or situation. Example: "At present, we are evaluating the results of the recent survey to make informed decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At present, the I.T.U.

The New York Times

At present, it does.

The Economist

At present it doesn't.

The Economist

At present, opinion in Wash.

The New Yorker

At present they are not.

The Economist

At present that is implausible.

The Economist

At present they take four.

Independent

At present, they are mistaken.

The Economist

At present we do not".

The New York Times

At present, no one is.

The Economist

At present, these appear limited.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "At present" to introduce a statement of fact that is true now but may change in the future. It's a good way to set the stage for discussing potential developments or changes.

Common error

Avoid using "At present" when describing situations unlikely to change soon. Opt for more timeless language to prevent the writing from sounding dated quickly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "At present" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the time frame. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it specifies that the action or state is happening or is true in the current moment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "At present" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to anchor statements in the current moment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used. While alternatives like "currently" and "now" exist, "at present" adds a slightly more formal tone. The phrase is especially prevalent in news and media, as well as encyclopedic contexts. When employing "at present", consider whether the situation being described is likely to change, avoiding its use in static, unchanging contexts to maintain relevance and clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Currently

This is a direct synonym, often used interchangeably with "At present" but may imply a slightly shorter duration.

At this moment

Similar in meaning, but slightly more formal and emphatic.

As of now

Similar to "At this moment", but emphasizes the start time of the current state.

Now

This is a more immediate and direct synonym, suggesting something happening in the very moment.

Right now

Emphasizes the immediacy even more than "now", suitable for urgent or time-sensitive contexts.

As it stands

Focuses on the current condition or situation, implying a potential for change.

In the present circumstances

Highlights the impact of existing conditions on a situation.

Under the current circumstances

Highlights the impact of existing conditions on a situation.

In the current climate

Suitable when discussing trends, conditions, or atmospheres that are currently prevailing.

For the time being

Indicates a temporary situation that is expected to change.

FAQs

How can I use "At present" in a sentence?

"At present" is generally used to describe a situation or state that is currently true. For example, "At present, the company is focusing on expanding its market share."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "At present"?

Alternatives include "currently", "now", "at this moment", or "as it stands". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "At present" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable and common to start a sentence with "At present" to clearly indicate that the statement that follows is relevant to the current time. For example, "At present, there are no easy solutions to this problem."

What is the difference between "At present" and "In the past"?

"At present" refers to the existing state or situation, while "In the past" refers to a time before now. They are used to contrast current conditions with previous ones.