What is present? Pronunciation and usage in English

present means . Learn how to pronounce and use present through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of present

presentadjective/noun/verb

/ˈprɛznt/
Definition & pronunciation of present

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "present" in English. It's a tricky one because it's often mispronounced! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and correct pronunciation is:

  • /ˈprez.ənt/ (Stress on the first syllable - "preh-zent")

Let's break it down further:

  1. "pre": This sounds like "preh" (like in "prepare"). It's a short, quick "eh" sound.

  2. "sent": This sounds like "zent" (like the beginning of "Zen"). It's a short, almost silent "t" sound. It's not a hard "t" like in "top."

Here's a helpful analogy:

Think of it like the word "present" in Spanish – it's pronounced roughly the same way!

Common Mispronunciations and Why They're Wrong:

  • "prez-ent": This is very common. It adds a hard "t" sound where there shouldn't be one.
  • "pre-sent": Another common mistake, often adding an extra hyphen.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

  • Google Translate: Type "present" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. https://translate.google.com/
  • Forvo: This website has pronunciations from native speakers. https://forvo.com/word/present/
  • YouTube: Search YouTube for "how to pronounce present" – you’ll find many videos demonstrating the correct sound.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "present"?

Usage and examples with the word present in English

The word "present" is wonderfully versatile in English! It has several different meanings and uses. Here's a breakdown of how to use it, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (Thing):

  • A gift: This is the most common meaning. "I received a lovely present for my birthday."
  • The current time: "What time is it presently?" (Less common phrasing, but grammatically correct)
  • The state of being: "The present situation is challenging." (Referring to the current state of affairs)
  • The immediate surroundings: “He’s present in the room.” (Meaning he's physically there)
  • A particular window of time: "The present moment is all we have." (Referring to this very second)

2. As a Verb (To Give):

  • To give a gift: "She presented him with a bouquet of flowers." (Formal)
  • To introduce (someone or something): "The team presented the CEO to the board."
  • To display or show: "The museum presents a collection of ancient artifacts."
  • To offer or propose (an idea): “I present my arguments for why we should invest.” (Formal)
  • To be / exist (in the present tense): “I present myself as a diligent worker.” (Formal and somewhat archaic, but used in certain contexts).

3. As an Adjective (Currently):

  • Existing now: "The present day is very different from the past."
  • Current: "Let's discuss the present challenges facing the company."
  • Immediate: "I need a present solution to this problem."

Here’s a breakdown of how to use it in a sentence, with examples:

  • Giving a gift: "My grandmother presented me with a beautiful necklace."
  • Describing the current state: "The weather is presently sunny." (Less common - “currently” is more usual.)
  • Introducing someone: “The speaker presented the award to the athlete.”
  • Describing the time: “The present moment is precious.”
  • Offering an idea: “I present my proposal for the new marketing strategy.”

Tips & Nuances:

  • "Presently" vs. "Currently": "Presently" is a more formal and slightly archaic way to say "currently." "Currently" is far more common in everyday speech and writing.
  • Formal vs. Informal: “Presented” (past tense of “present”) is more formal than “gave.” Use “gave” for everyday situations.
  • Context is Key: The meaning of "present" changes depending on the context. Always pay attention to how it's used in the sentence.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to say with the word "present"? (e.g., are you giving a gift, talking about the current situation, etc.)

Synonyms for the word present

Idioms of the word present

all present and correct
used to say that all the things or people who should be there are now there
    present company excepted
    (informal)used after being rude or critical about somebody to say that the people you are talking to are not included in the criticism
    • The people in this office are so narrow-minded, present company excepted, of course.

    Practice with vocabulary present

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The project manager will ______ the quarterly performance report to the stakeholders tomorrow morning.
    2. Given the ______ market volatility, investors are advised to exercise caution.
    3. During the negotiation, the union decided to ______ a new set of demands to the management.
    4. All department heads are expected to ______ the mandatory strategic planning workshop.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

    1. When you address the board, you should ______ your ideas clearly and concisely. a) deliver b) provide c) articulate d) present

    2. The company's ______ challenges require innovative solutions from all employees. a) current b) existing c) contemporary d) present

    3. The consultant was asked to ______ a comprehensive analysis of the market trends. a) provide b) submit c) present d) suggest

    4. The research team aims to ______ the long-term impact of climate change on coastal regions through their findings. a) illustrate b) expose c) highlight d) reveal

    5. She received a thoughtful ______ from her colleagues to celebrate her promotion. a) donation b) award c) keepsake d) gift

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Original: The team needs to give a comprehensive report on their quarterly performance to the management. Rewrite (using "present"):

    2. Original: Our organization is currently facing several complex challenges that require immediate attention. Rewrite (using "present"):

    3. Original: The marketing department needs to showcase the new product features effectively to potential clients. Rewrite (do NOT use "present"):

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. present
    2. present
    3. propose
    4. attend

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. a, c, d
    2. a, b, d
    3. a, b, c
    4. a, c, d
    5. d

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The team needs to present a comprehensive report on their quarterly performance to the management.
    2. The present challenges facing our organization require immediate attention.
    3. The marketing department needs to demonstrate the new product features effectively to potential clients.

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