Currently vs. Current: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Updated on November 8, 2023
"Currently" refers to something happening at the present time, whereas "current" describes something ongoing or existing now.
Key Differences
"Currently" is an adverb describing an action or state that is happening at the moment of speaking or writing. It implies that the situation is temporary and may change. "Current," on the other hand, is an adjective that describes something that exists in the present and is subject to relevance or flow, like a current trend or a river's current.
The use of "currently" is specific to timing and is used to indicate that the action or state is in progress at the present time. For example, saying "She is currently working" specifies that the work is ongoing right now. "Current," however, may not necessarily refer to movement or progress, but to something's existing state, such as "the current temperature."
In technology, "current" refers to the flow of electricity through a conductor, highlighting its nature as an adjective describing a particular kind of flow. There is no analogous use of "currently" in this context since it does not relate to the description of a type of flow but to the timing of an action or state.
"Currently" serves to modify verbs and describes the timing of actions, conditions, or events. It answers the question "when?" with respect to the verb it modifies. Contrastingly, "current" modifies nouns to denote their present or most recent state or position, answering the question "which one?"
While "currently" is always used to discuss time, "current" can be used in various contexts, not just temporal. For instance, "current events" relate to recent news, but a "strong current" in the ocean has no temporal implication, instead describing the strength of the ocean's flow at any given time.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adverb
Adjective
Function
Describes when an action is taking place
Describes the existing state of a noun
Usage
To indicate ongoing action or state in present time
To describe something as of now or pertaining to the present
Example Context
Timing of an event or action
State of affairs, electricity, or trends
Temporal Flexibility
Refers strictly to the present moment
Can describe the ongoing nature beyond the immediate moment
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Currently and Current Definitions
Currently
At this moment.
She is currently on a conference call.
Current
Belonging to the present time.
The current year has been full of unexpected events.
Currently
As of now or at the present time.
Currently, I am not accepting any new projects.
Current
Most recent or latest.
Check the current edition of the book.
Currently
In the process of happening.
The law is currently being reviewed.
Current
A flow of water, air, or electricity.
The strong current swept the swimmer out to sea.
Currently
During the present period.
Currently, the shop is closed for renovations.
Current
In general acceptance or use.
The current terminology in the industry is evolving.
Currently
Used to describe a temporary state.
I am currently living in New York.
Current
Prevalent or widespread.
The current trend is towards more casual office attire.
Currently
Belonging to the present time; present-day
Current events.
Current leaders.
My current address.
Current
Belonging to the present time; present-day
Current events.
Current leaders.
My current address.
Currently
Being in progress now
Current negotiations.
Current
Being in progress now
Current negotiations.
FAQs
What is the meaning of current?
Current describes something that is happening now or is the most recent.
Is currently a time-related term?
Yes, it specifically relates to time.
Can current be used as a noun?
Yes, as in “an ocean current,” it describes a flow of water.
What does currently mean?
Currently means at the present time or moment.
Does current always refer to electricity?
No, it can refer to trends, periods, or flows of water and air.
Is currently ever used as an adjective?
No, it is always an adverb.
Is current used in scientific contexts?
Yes, especially referring to electrical or natural flows.
Does currently have synonyms?
Yes, such as "presently" or "at the moment."
Can currently be used to describe past events?
No, currently is only used for present or ongoing actions.
How does currently modify a sentence?
It modifies the verb to specify when the action is occurring.
Can current refer to popularity?
Yes, as in “a current bestseller.”
Does current always imply something positive?
No, it's neutral and only indicates present status.
Is currently used in continuous tenses?
Yes, it is often used with present continuous tense.
Can current describe something ongoing?
Yes, but it's more about state than duration.
What's the difference between current affairs and currently?
Current affairs are recent events, while currently describes an ongoing action.
Can currently be used with past tense?
No, it cannot.
Can currently be replaced with "now"?
Often, yes, but "currently" can sound more formal.
Can current be used in a historical context?
Yes, to describe the state of something at a specific past time.
Is currently used in future tense?
No, it is not used for future events.
Are current events always in the news?
Generally, yes, they refer to recent news topics.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
