the present time

USAGE SUMMARY

"the present time" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to the current moment or period in which something is happening. Example: "At the present time, our company is facing financial challenges due to the current economic situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let's live with the present time.

The New York Times

But not during the present time.

Columbia University

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

The Guardian

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is needed to avoid vagueness of the meaning of the phrase, be specific about the timeframe (e.g., "the present fiscal year").

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessively using "the present time" can make your writing sound stiff. Opt for simpler alternatives like "now", "currently", or "at the moment" for a more natural and fluid style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the present time" functions as a noun phrase and typically acts as an adverbial modifier, indicating when something is happening. It specifies the temporal context of an action or statement, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the present time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that specifies the current moment or period. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. While suitable for formal contexts like news reporting, academic papers, and professional communication, consider using alternatives such as "currently", "now", or "at the moment" for a more natural tone in informal settings. Be mindful of overusing it, as simpler options might be more effective. The primary contexts of use are News & Media, Science, and Academia. Remember to choose the most appropriate phrase based on your desired level of formality and the overall context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the moment

This phrase emphasizes the immediate present, often indicating a temporary situation.

currently

This adverb provides a direct and formal way to indicate the present situation.

nowadays

This term offers a more concise way to express current time, implying a contrast with past times.

these days

This term is a more colloquial way of expressing the current period.

at this point in time

This alternative phrase is a more verbose but equally valid way of referring to the current moment.

in today's world

This alternative highlights the present's unique characteristics and challenges.

in this day and age

This expression frames the present within a broader, societal context.

in the present climate

This phrase is used to highlight the existing atmosphere of a situation.

in the current era

This phrase places the present within a historical or developmental period.

the modern era

This phrase situates the current time within the context of recent history and technological advancements.

FAQs

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

You can use "the present time" to refer to the current period or moment, such as in the sentence "At the present time, our focus is on expanding our market share."

What are some alternatives to "the present time"?

Alternatives to "the present time" include "currently", "at the moment", "now", or "these days", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in the present time" instead of "at the present time"?

While "in the present time" isn't grammatically incorrect, "at the present time" is the more idiomatic and widely accepted phrase.

What's the difference between "the present time" and "the present moment"?

"The present time" generally refers to a period, while "the present moment" is more specific to the immediate instant. For example, “we are facing many economic hardships at "the present time"” versus “try to live in "the present moment"”.