To be present

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To be present" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the state of being physically or mentally available in a particular situation or location. Example: "In order to fully participate in the discussion, it is important to be present and engaged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To be present in the moment".

The New York Times - Magazine

To be present.

Huffington Post

To be present is a rare place to be.

Huffington Post

To be present means to be where you actually are, in time and space.

Huffington Post

You have to be present.

The New York Times

He needed me to be present.

The New York Times

Ms. Dunham is expected to be present.

The New York Times

Three generations seem to be present.

The New York Times - Health

So I just wanted to be present for that.

The Guardian

All forms are likely to be present on Sunday.

The New Yorker

"You'd want to be present to hear the evidence".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be present" in writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to physical presence, mental attentiveness, or a combination of both. For clarity, specify the location, situation, or subject to which one should be present.

Common error

Avoid using "to be present" in overly abstract or vague contexts where its meaning becomes unclear. Instead, opt for more specific verbs or phrases that directly convey the intended meaning. For example, instead of saying "It's important to be present in the company's future", say "It's important to actively participate in shaping the company's future".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be present" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating a state of existence, attendance, or attentiveness. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is widely used to convey being physically or mentally available. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, from attending meetings to being mindful in the moment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Huffington Post

37%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be present" is a versatile expression used to indicate physical presence, mental attentiveness, or both, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, from professional meetings to personal relationships, underscore its significance. The phrase is commonly found in news and media outlets, as well as platforms like Huffington Post. While generally neutral in register, it can adapt to both formal and informal settings. When using "to be present", clarity is key: ensure the context specifies whether physical presence, mental attentiveness, or a combination is intended. Avoid overuse in abstract contexts; opt for more specific language where necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To be in attendance

Refers more specifically to physical presence at an event or location.

To be available

Highlights the aspect of being accessible or ready to assist.

To be in the moment

Emphasizes experiencing and appreciating the current situation.

To be attentive

Emphasizes focusing one's attention on something or someone.

To be mindful

Focuses on being aware of the present moment and one's surroundings.

To be there

A more colloquial way of expressing physical or emotional support and presence.

To be on hand

Indicates readiness and availability to help or participate.

To be actively involved

Suggests participation and engagement in an activity or situation.

To be cognizant

Implies awareness and understanding of the current situation.

To be existing

Focuses on the state of being and current existence in some place.

FAQs

How can I use "to be present" in a sentence?

You can use "to be present" to describe physical presence, mental attentiveness, or both. For example: "It's important "to be present" at the meeting" (physical presence), or "To be present in the moment helps reduce stress" (mental attentiveness).

What does it mean "to be present"?

The phrase "to be present" generally means to be physically in a particular place, or to be mentally and emotionally engaged in the current moment. The meaning can vary slightly depending on the context.

What's the difference between ""to be present"" and "to be attentive"?

"To be present" can refer to simply being in a certain location or situation. "To be attentive" specifically means to be paying close attention to something.

What are some alternative phrases for "to be present" in a professional setting?

In a professional setting, you can use alternatives like "to attend", "to participate", or "to be available" depending on the specific context.