at the present time

USAGE SUMMARY

"At the present time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to the current moment or the time immediately following. For example, "At the present time, the number of users on the website has decreased."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And do they answer Labour's needs at the present time?

The Guardian - Books

I can't say more than that at the present time".

The Guardian

The message is pretty redundant at the present time.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That's not the issue at the present time.

The New York Times

Obviously at the present time it is not," he said.

The New York Times

At the present time, this is not yet possible.

The New Yorker

Describes the deplorable conditions which exist at the present time.

The New Yorker

But you're not making an announcement at the present time.

The New Yorker

No party leader has good ratings at the present time".

The Guardian

At the present time, I don't think we need it".

The Guardian - Sport

Nothing of the kind exists at the present time.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more concise alternatives like "currently" or "now" in informal contexts to improve readability.

Common error

Avoid using "at the present time" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound stilted or pretentious. Simpler alternatives are often more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the present time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the time frame. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a grammatically correct expression used to denote the current moment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

20%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the present time" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the current moment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While it is versatile, it is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "now" or "currently". It appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic writing, making it suitable for contexts where a neutral to formal tone is desired. When choosing between "at the present time" and its alternatives, consider the desired level of formality and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

currently

A more concise and direct synonym, suitable for most contexts.

at the moment

Indicates the immediate present, similar in meaning but slightly more informal.

now

The simplest and most direct alternative, implying the immediate present.

at this time

A more formal alternative, often used in official communications.

as of now

Emphasizes the starting point from the present, implying a change or new situation.

in the current climate

Refers to the prevailing circumstances or conditions, more specific than "at the present time".

in the existing circumstances

Highlights the present conditions affecting a situation, adding a layer of context.

under the current circumstances

Similar to "in the existing circumstances", but may imply a sense of constraint or influence.

for the time being

Suggests a temporary situation, unlike "at the present time" which doesn't specify duration.

in today's world

Broader reference to present global conditions or the modern era, less immediate.

FAQs

How can I use "at the present time" in a sentence?

Use "at the present time" to indicate the current moment or a situation existing now. For example, "At the present time, we are experiencing a high volume of calls."

What can I say instead of "at the present time"?

You can use alternatives like "currently", "now", or "at the moment" depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it better to use "at the present time" or "currently"?

"Currently" is often more concise and suitable for both formal and informal writing. "At the present time" is more formal and can sometimes sound stilted.

Which is more formal, "at the present time" or "now"?

"At the present time" is considerably more formal than "now". "Now" is appropriate in most everyday contexts, while "at the present time" is better suited for formal writing or speech.