at the minute

USAGE SUMMARY

'at the minute' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate something happening in the present moment, or to indicate that something is temporary. For example: "I'm feeling a bit tired at the minute, but I'm sure I'll feel better after a cup of coffee".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But how long will "at the minute" last?

The New York Times - Sports

At the minute they don't.

Independent

It is deserting us at the minute".

Independent

"Not at the minute.

The Guardian - Sport

"But there's one less at the minute".

Independent

At the minute they're calling it Dubbage.

Independent

It's tough to take at the minute".

The Guardian - Sport

At the minute, it's none of them.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Everything's up the wall at the minute.

The Guardian - Sport

"At the minute, it's temporary," she said.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My husband is fragile at the minute.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the minute" to describe situations that are true now but might change soon. It adds a nuance of temporality.

Common error

While acceptable, repeatedly using "at the minute" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "currently" or "for the time being".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the minute" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the timing of an action or state. It specifies when something is happening or is true, similar to adverbs of time. The Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"At the minute" is a commonly used adverbial phrase meaning currently or right now. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase. Predominantly found in news and media, it indicates a temporary state or action. While perfectly acceptable, avoid overuse by substituting synonyms like "currently" or "at present" to enhance writing style. Remember that while interchangeable with "at the moment", this phrase is more prevalent in British English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

currently

This is a more concise and formal way to express the same idea.

at present

This phrase is a slightly more formal synonym emphasizing the current situation.

right now

This alternative emphasizes immediacy and urgency compared to the original phrase.

for the time being

This suggests a temporary situation that might change in the future.

in the current circumstances

This option is more formal and emphasizes the conditions surrounding the present situation.

in the present climate

This implies that a trend or condition is impacting the current situation.

as things stand

This implies that the current situation could change if other circumstances do.

at this moment in time

This is a more verbose way of saying "at the minute" with emphasis on the now.

for now

This short alternative is less specific about the immediate present.

as it stands

This phrase conveys a similar meaning, focusing on the present state of affairs.

FAQs

What does "at the minute" mean?

The phrase "at the minute" means "currently" or right now. It is used to describe a situation or state that is true at the present moment, often with the implication that it may change in the future.

What can I say instead of "at the minute"?

You can use alternatives like "currently", "at present", or "for the time being" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "at the minute" or "at the moment"?

Both "at the minute" and "at the moment" are similar and generally interchangeable, but "at the minute" is more common in British English, while "at the moment" is more universally used.

How do you use "at the minute" in a sentence?

You can use "at the minute" in a sentence like this: "I'm quite busy at the minute, but I'll be free later."