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Anne
at the moment / at present
The meanings of the two phrases are quite similar in the dictionary. Can you tell me the difference if there is any ? Thanks
Feb 16, 2017 4:43 AM
Answers · 3
2
You may get different answers depending on who you ask. And most English speakers would probably say there's no difference at all.
To me, "at the moment" carries the implication that whatever you're talking about could potentially change *at any moment*, whereas "at present" doesn't have that as strongly.
But that's just my interpretation.
February 16, 2017
1
They both mean the same thing, however, I'd say that "at the moment" is a less formal and the more colloquial of the two. Good luck, Anne! If you have more specific questions, or want more one-on-one help, feel free to message me privately!
February 16, 2017
1
The two expressions mean the same, and for a lot of situations they are interchangeable. They usually differentiate themselves in usage.
Take for example," I am busy at the moment/ I am busy at present". The first sounds more natural, the second not so.
Another example:" This is the problem at present/ this is the problem at the moment." Both are okay, but maybe the first has a sense of urgency to it.
For all intents and purposes, there is no real difference.
February 16, 2017
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Anne
Language Skills
Chinese (Mandarin), English
Learning Language
English
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