I
noun
1
BAD : In the present she is involved in a project at the Housing Research Institute.
GOOD : At present she is involved in a project at the Housing Research Institute.
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at present or at the present time (NOT in the present): 'I'm afraid that we're out of stock at present.'
Compare: 'In future, don't keep the customers waiting.'
2
DUBIOUS : At present I'm trying to improve my English.
GOOD : At the moment I'm trying to improve my English.
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At present is used mainly in formal styles: 'At present there is insufficient evidence for the police to press charges.'
In other styles use at the moment, just now or right now : 'Alan is in bed with flu at the moment.' 'Mrs Blake is too busy to see anyone just now.'
II
verb
1
BAD : They decided to present a tiny kitten to their son.
GOOD : They decided to give their son a tiny kitten.
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present (verb) = give something (to someone) during an official ceremony or meeting: 'The company's vice-president will now present the prize for the Best Salesperson of the Year.' 'Before leaving London, Mr Bush was presented with a petition from the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.'
2
BAD : Before leaving the examination room we had to present our answer papers.
GOOD : Before leaving the examination room we had to hand in our answer papers.
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See PASS UP