Quick answer: Currently always means "now, at this present time": She is currently studying in London. Presently traditionally means "soon, shortly": The train will arrive presently. However, presently is now widely used, especially in American English, to also mean "currently/now" — so in formal or exam writing, currently is the safer, unambiguous choice for "now". For a fuller definition, see the Cambridge Dictionary entry for ‘currently’.
Comparison Table
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| currently | adverb | now, at this moment or period; always means "now" | He is currently working from home. |
| presently | adverb | traditionally: soon, shortly; also increasingly used to mean "now" | The doctor will see you presently. |
Using Currently
Currently is unambiguous and always describes what is happening now, at this present time. It is a safe, formal choice in reports, CVs, and academic writing.
She is currently the head of marketing.
We are currently reviewing all applications.
The bridge is currently closed for repairs.
He currently lives in Manchester but grew up in Leeds.
Using Presently
In traditional and British usage, presently means "soon" or "shortly", referring to the near future, not right now. In American and increasingly informal usage, it is also used to mean "currently".
I will join you presently; I just need five more minutes.
Dinner will be served presently.
The manager will speak to you presently.
(American, meaning "now"): He is presently serving as the company's CFO.
Memory Trick
Think of the phrase "presently, all will be revealed" from old-fashioned storytelling — it always meant "soon", not "now". If in doubt about meaning "now", play it safe and use currently, which never causes confusion.
Common Mistakes
✗ He is presently the manager of this branch.
✓ He is currently the manager of this branch.
In formal or British-style writing, currently avoids ambiguity.
✗ I will be with you currently.
✓ I will be with you presently.
Currently never means "soon" — for that meaning, use presently or shortly.
Tips to Avoid Confusion
- If you mean "right now", the safest, unambiguous word is always currently.
- If you mean "soon, shortly" (traditional British sense), use presently.
- In American English, presently is often used for "now" too — watch the context if reading US texts.
- In exams (IELTS, Cambridge), prefer currently for "now" to avoid ambiguity with examiners trained in British usage.
For more on related grammar, see adverbs. Also confusing: Already vs Yet, Altogether vs All Together, Amount vs Number. Browse all confusing word pairs →
Quick Check: Currently or Presently?
4 fill-in-the-blank questions — choose the correct word for each sentence.
1. “She is ___ working on a new novel.” (right now)
2. “Please wait here; the doctor will call you ___.” (soon)
3. “The company is ___ based in three countries.” (now)
4. “All will be explained ___.” (shortly)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between currently and presently?
Currently always means "now, at this moment": "She is currently the manager." Presently traditionally means "soon, shortly": "He will arrive presently." However, presently is increasingly used, especially in American English, to mean "currently" as well, which can cause ambiguity.
Is it wrong to use presently to mean 'now'?
It is not strictly wrong — this usage is common and accepted in American English and increasingly in general usage. However, traditional British style guides still prefer presently to mean "soon", so using currently for "now" avoids any ambiguity in formal or exam writing.
Which word is safer to use in formal writing?
Currently is safer for expressing "now", because it has only one accepted meaning. Presently can be ambiguous, since some readers will interpret it as "soon" and others as "now", depending on their dialect and background.
Can presently mean both 'now' and 'soon' in the same text?
It's best avoided, but technically the meaning must be judged from context each time. To prevent confusion, professional writers often use currently for "now" and shortly or soon for future meaning, reserving presently for more literary or old-fashioned contexts.
Where does the traditional meaning of presently come from?
Historically, "presently" meant "in the present time approaching", i.e., very soon, similar to "directly". This sense survives in classic literature and formal British English: "He will be with you presently."
Is 'currently' ever used to mean the near future?
No. Currently only ever refers to the present moment or an ongoing present situation, never the future. If you mean something will happen soon, use presently (in its traditional sense), soon, or shortly.
What is a natural American English example using presently to mean 'now'?
"She is presently employed as a senior analyst at the firm." In American business and legal English, this us of presently meaning "currently" is very common and considered standard.
How do dictionaries treat the two meanings of presently?
Most major dictionaries, including British and American ones, now list both meanings of presently ("soon" and "now"), noting that the "now" sense is more common in North American English, while the "soon" sense remains more common in British English.
What other words can replace presently to avoid confusion?
To mean "soon", you can use shortly, soon, or in a moment. To mean "now", you can use currently, at present, or at the moment. Choosing one of these more specific words often communicates your meaning more clearly than presently.
How can I remember currently vs presently?
Currently always relates to the current moment — think of an electrical current, always flowing now. Presently, in its older sense, related to something approaching in the near future — think of a gift about to be presented. When in doubt about "now", use currently.