a more present

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a more present" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey a sense of being more engaged or attentive in a particular context, but it lacks clarity and proper grammatical structure. Example: "In our meetings, we need to strive for a more present attitude to foster better communication."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

I think sometimes she regretted it—she wanted to be a more present mother or a more present wife.

The New Yorker

I think sometimes she regretted it — she wanted to be a more present mother or a more present wife.

The New Yorker

In one, he was trying to be a more present father.

The New Yorker

Tomorrow we advise on: how to get fit, cycling to work and how to be a more present parent.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Want to get fit, ditch the device and be a more present parent, and watch less television?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As he was working on becoming a more present husband and father, Mr. Gore became aware that he had not always been the world's most sensitive boss.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"It's a more present-tense form than theatrical reality," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

From a more present-day perspective, the region is a hotbed of smart minds.

TechCrunch

Similarly, reductions in the discount parameter, which make consumers less forward-looking (i.e., they worry less about their future), lead to a more present-oriented consumption that is reflected in the overconsumption of food.

Latin American Economic Review

If "Ghost Bitch: Arise from the Gallows" takes on the toxic masculinity of the Puritan pilgrims of yore, "Ghost Bitch USA" offers a more present-day take, starring none other than Donald Trump, as played by Brian Whitely, the artist who erected a Trump tombstone in Central Park. .

Huffington Post

In a review of Chinese folk wisdom of behavioral health, researchers cite that for Chinese subjects, being optimistic means to be able to accept one's current life conditions positively rather than to expect good things to occur in one's life.[ 30] This is a more present-focused interpretation of optimism, rather than the future-focused interpretation most commonly used in the West.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to convey someone's attentiveness or engagement, consider using "more engaged", "more attentive", or "fully present" as alternatives to "a more present" for improved clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a more present" to describe someone's level of engagement. Instead, opt for grammatically sound phrases like "more attentive" or "fully engaged" to maintain clarity and correctness in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a more present" functions as an attempt to modify a noun, typically referring to someone's state of being or engagement. However, according to Ludwig, the construction is grammatically incorrect and lacks clarity in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a more present" appears across various contexts, including News & Media and Science, it is grammatically incorrect according to Ludwig. When aiming to express a greater state of engagement or attentiveness, it's advisable to use alternatives such as "more attentive", "fully present", or "more engaged" to ensure clarity and correctness. These alternatives are better suited for formal writing and will enhance the overall quality of your communication. While "a more present" might be understood in informal contexts, sticking to grammatically sound options enhances credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fully present

Emphasizes complete and undivided attention to the current moment.

more engaged

Focuses on active participation and involvement rather than presence.

more focused

Highlights concentration and attention on a specific task or goal.

more attentive

Emphasizes careful observation and responsiveness.

more mindful

Highlights awareness of the present moment and surroundings.

a stronger presence

Suggests a more impactful and noticeable influence.

greater awareness

Indicates an increased understanding and perception.

more conscious

Highlights being fully aware and deliberate.

more connected

Emphasizes a stronger sense of relationship and interaction.

actively involved

Stresses energetic and purposeful participation.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a more present"?

You can use alternatives like "more engaged", "more attentive", or "fully present" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a more present"?

No, the phrase "a more present" is not grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use phrases like "more attentive" or "fully present".

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

Use "present" as an adjective (meaning 'being in a particular place') with appropriate articles and prepositions. For example, "He was present at the meeting" or consider rephrasing to use alternatives like "attentive".

What's the difference between "a more present" and "a greater presence"?

"A more present" is grammatically awkward, while "a greater presence" refers to having a stronger or more noticeable impact. Use "a greater presence" when you want to emphasize influence or impact.