Do we really need “presently”?

Add comment June 20th, 2008

A long time ago, the word “presently” meant “instantly.” Pretty soon it evolved into “soon.” Now it can mean “now.”

Most usage experts frown on “presently” as “now.”

John B. Bremner, in “Words on Words,” had the best solution:

“Because ‘presently’ means both ‘now’ and ’soon,’ why not say ‘now’ when you mean ‘now,’ and ’soon’ when you mean ’soon’?”

Hard to argue with that, but some people just seem to be drawn to words and phrases that appear to be more impressive, such as “prior to” instead of “before,” “following” for “after” and even “currently” for “now.”

Sometimes there are legitimate style reasons for such choices, but usually they are ill-advised.