it is at present

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is at present" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the current state or situation regarding a particular subject or issue. Example: "The project is on hold; it is at present not feasible to continue without additional funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On the page, Jokers' Masquerade notes that it is "at present in dialogue with the ASA Copy Advice Teamm'" to find a new way to present the costumes.

Independent

I am comfortable with the situation as it is at present.

Independent

Nevertheless the competition's sense of excellence has endured although it is at present experiencing a certain degree of levelling-down.

The Guardian - Sport

It is at present running three weekly round-trip flights and by late fall hope to run daily flights.

The New Yorker

The geological evidence shows that the Sahara region was far less arid during Pleistocene times than it is at present.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Damietta was an important city of ancient Egypt and was formerly closer to the sea than it is at present.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The premier earldom is that of Arundel (1139), but it is at present merged with the dukedom of Norfolk.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It might also be a way of allowing the record industry to grow much faster than it is at present.

The Economist

With ice on North America and so much of Europe, sea level was some four hundred feet lower than it is at present.

The New Yorker

To secure that, it can be argued, the Conservative party must make itself a far more credible instrument of euroscepticism than it is at present.

The Guardian

It is at present practically unmapped, and is expected to prove of the greatest interest and importance from the geographical point of view.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is at present" to add a touch of formality when describing a current state, especially in professional or academic writing. This phrase is a good way to clearly define the existing situation.

Common error

Avoid using "it is at present" in informal contexts. In casual conversation or less formal writing, simpler alternatives like "currently" or "at the moment" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is at present" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the time frame. It clarifies that a statement or condition is true at the current time. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is at present" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the current state of affairs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly acceptable in English writing. Predominantly found in formal and scientific contexts, such as news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific papers, it serves to provide a clear temporal reference. While highly versatile, it's best to reserve it for situations where a degree of formality is desired, opting for simpler alternatives like "currently" or "at the moment" in more casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

currently

This is the shortest and most direct synonym, indicating the present time.

at the moment

This alternative highlights immediacy, emphasizing the very present instance.

at this time

This alternative is slightly more formal, emphasizing the specific moment in question.

as it stands

This phrase suggests a current situation that might change in the future.

in the current situation

This alternative emphasizes the context or circumstances of the present state.

under the present circumstances

Similar to "in the current situation", this highlights the surrounding conditions.

in the present climate

This is used to describe something with a sense of urgency and with a political or economic implication.

for the time being

This suggests that the current state is temporary and will likely change.

in its current form

This is suited when discussing something still evolving, like a law or initiative.

as things stand

Similar to "as it stands", implying a snapshot of the current situation.

FAQs

How can I use "it is at present" in a sentence?

You can use "it is at present" to describe the current state or situation of something. For example, "The project is on hold; "it is at present" not feasible to continue without additional funding."

What are some alternatives to "it is at present"?

Some alternatives to "it is at present" include "currently", "at the moment", or "at this time". The best choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is "it is at present" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "it is at present" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "currently" or "right now" are generally more suitable for informal contexts.

What is the difference between "it is at present" and "it was at present"?

"It is at present" refers to the current state, while "it was at present" is grammatically incorrect. To refer to a past state, you would use "it was at that time" or "it was then".