Certain sets of words in the English language tend to confuse people. I have found the following to be among them:
CURRENTLY / PRESENTLY
The preferred definition for presently is soon or in a short while. Thus, it would be quite proper for the butler to state:
“Mrs. Hogbottom is currently otherwise engaged, but she has asked me to inform you that she will be with you presently.”
Of course, when used to refer to something in existence now, the adjectives current and present are basically interchangeable. For example, the phrases the current state of affairs and the present state of affairs carry the same meaning. However, since the adverb presently may be presumed to mean soon, it would seem advisable to use the word currently, instead, to mean at present.
CORRECT: The teachers are currently [now] attending a staff meeting.
CORRECT: The teachers will be attending a staff meeting presently [soon].
© 2023 Ann Henry. All Rights Reserved.