past and current

USAGE SUMMARY

"past and current" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to either events or situations that have already occurred and are currently happening. For example, "We must consider the past and current effects of our actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The review included interviews with past and current staff members.

The New York Times

A list of past and current medications and dosages?

The New York Times - Science

The search for past and current life on Mars continues.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Past and current treatments for vitreous substitution are also discussed.

Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine in Ophthalmology

Then write an article evaluating past and current practices in the online music industry.

The New York Times

Though his boss looked on, he relived his past and current horror without being asked.

The New York Times

They are generally insensitive and specifically insulting to our past and current African-American student-athletes".

The New York Times - Sports

Says fraud involved past and current management and representatives of the shareholders.

The Guardian - Business

The market is "semi-strong-form efficient" if it reflects all past and current public information.

The New Yorker

and where some past and current hardcover bestsellers are discounted by 50percentt off list prices.

The New York Times - Tech

This is a list of past and current courses.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "past and current", ensure that both aspects are relevant to your discussion. Avoid using it as a filler; make sure the historical context genuinely informs the present situation.

Common error

Avoid using "past and current" when the context already implies both timeframes. For example, instead of saying "the past and current challenges we face today", simply say "the challenges we face today" if the context makes it clear that you are considering both historical and present issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "past and current" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that something encompasses both historical and present aspects. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Examples show it describing situations, practices, treatments, and even emotions that span time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

34%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "past and current" serves as a compound adjective, essential for conveying a perspective that incorporates both historical context and the present state. It is deemed grammatically correct and very common, according to Ludwig AI. Its usage spans various domains, from science and news to academia, though it maintains a neutral to formal register. To enhance clarity, avoid using the phrase in contexts where the timeframe is already evident. Alternatives like "previous and present" or "historical and contemporary" can offer a nuanced tone. This analysis underscores the phrase's utility in providing a holistic and time-sensitive understanding of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previous and present

Replaces 'past' with 'previous' and 'current' with 'present', maintaining the same temporal scope.

former and existing

Substitutes 'past' with 'former' and 'current' with 'existing', slightly shifting the tone towards a more formal register.

historical and contemporary

Replaces 'past' with 'historical' and 'current' with 'contemporary', adding a layer of formality and a broader temporal perspective.

then and now

Offers a concise way to express the contrast between a time in the past and the present.

before and after

Focuses on a point of transition, encompassing the periods both before and after it.

retrospective and ongoing

Emphasizes a review of the past ('retrospective') alongside what is still in progress ('ongoing').

yesterday and today

Uses more concrete terms to describe the past and present, suitable for less formal contexts.

earlier and later

Highlights a sequence of events or states, without necessarily focusing on the present.

bygone and present-day

Replaces 'past' with 'bygone', emphasizing something that is gone or over, and 'current' with 'present-day'.

preceding and current

Specifies that something comes immediately before the current state or time.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "past and current" in a sentence?

Use "past and current" to emphasize the importance of understanding both historical context and the present state. For example, "Understanding the "past and current" economic policies is crucial for predicting future trends."

What's a more formal alternative to "past and current"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "historical and contemporary" or "previous and present". These alternatives provide a similar meaning but elevate the level of formality.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "past and current"?

"Past and current" is suitable in contexts where it's important to consider both the history and the present state of something. This is common in academic research, news reporting, and business analysis.

Is there a difference between "past and current" and "previous and current"?

While similar, "previous and current" often implies a more immediate or direct connection between the past and present, whereas "past and current" can refer to a broader historical context. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.