current

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a noun

   Happening or existing now; belonging to the present time.

   Grammar: Usually used before a noun: current situation, current job. Not used after a linking verb in this sense.

   Patterns

   • current situation
   • current job
   • current events
   • current price

   What is the current situation in the region?

   She is happy in her current job.

   The current price of the ticket is too high for me.

2. 2adjectivebefore a noun

   Accepted or in general use at the present time; up to date.

   Grammar: Often describes words, ideas, or methods that are still used now.

   Patterns

   • current thinking
   • current practice
   • current word

   The word 'selfie' is current among young people.

   Current teaching methods focus on student participation.

   This custom is no longer current in modern society.

3. 3nouncountable

   A continuous flow of water, air, or electricity in a particular direction.

   Grammar: Countable when referring to a specific flow: a current, the current. Also used in compounds like electric current.

   Patterns

   • ocean current
   • electric current
   • air current
   • against the current

   The swimmers were pulled out to sea by a strong current.

   Electric current flows through the wire when the switch is on.

   Warm air currents rise above the city.

4. 4nouncountable

   A general tendency or course of events, especially in opinion or fashion.

   Grammar: Often used in phrases like 'the current of opinion' or 'against the current'.

   Patterns

   • current of opinion
   • against the current
   • with the current

   There is a growing current of opinion against the new law.

   He always swims against the current of popular thinking.

Common combinations

current situation

We need to discuss the current situation before making a decision.

current events

She keeps up with current events by reading the news.

electric current

The electric current was cut off during the storm.

ocean current

The ocean current carries warm water north.

against the current

He swam against the current to reach the shore.

Synonyms and how they differ

present

Present means existing or happening now, often in contrast to past or future; current is more common before nouns like 'situation' or 'job'.

contemporary

Contemporary means belonging to the same time period or modern; current simply means now.

flow

Flow is a general word for movement of liquid or gas; current is used for a steady, directed flow, especially in water or electricity.

stream

Stream often refers to a small river or a continuous flow; current emphasizes direction and force.

Opposites

Word family

currently adverb

At the present time.

currency noun

The money used in a country, or the state of being current.

currentness noun

The quality of being current; rare.

Commonly confused: current or currant? current or currant?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “current”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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