Other Ways to Say "Then current"

Updated 2026-10-03 · Other Ways to Say It editorial team

Quick answer: You asked for other ways to say then current, a phrase that often feels awkward in English. We provide clear alternatives to help you express timing or status more naturally. Choose from formal, professional, or casual options depending on your audience and context.

Formal Alternatives

At present: The committee will review the proposals at present before making a final decision.
Currently: The system is currently undergoing maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
For the time being: We will use the temporary storage solution for the time being.
At this time: At this time, we cannot confirm the final date of the event.
Presently: The manager is presently occupied with urgent client matters.
In the current phase: The project is proceeding smoothly in the current phase of development.
As of now: As of now, all safety protocols are strictly enforced on site.
At the present moment: At the present moment, inventory levels are lower than expected.
In the interim: Staff will work remotely in the interim while offices are renovated.
Under current circumstances: Under current circumstances, we must delay the launch until further notice.

Professional and Email Alternatives

Right now: Please send the report right now so we can review it before the meeting.
At this stage: At this stage, we need your feedback on the initial design concepts.
For now: For now, let us stick to the original budget plan we discussed.
At this point: At this point, it is best to pause the discussion and gather more data.
In the meantime: In the meantime, please proceed with the preliminary research tasks.
As things stand: As things stand, we have sufficient resources to complete the task.
For the moment: For the moment, please direct all inquiries to the support team.
Until further notice: The office will remain closed until further notice due to weather.

Casual Alternatives

At the moment: My phone is dead at the moment, so I will call you back soon.
Just now: I just saw your message just now and wanted to reply immediately.
These days: I have been eating healthier these days to feel more energetic.
Lately: Lately, I have been watching more classic movies on weekends.
Right this second: I cannot talk right this second because I am in a meeting.
Just at the moment: I do not have the cash just at the moment, sorry.
In this moment: Try to focus on the joy in this moment rather than the stress.
Right off the bat: Right off the bat, we noticed a glitch in the data stream.

Warm and Friendly Alternatives

At that moment: We realized the importance of teamwork at that moment.
Subsequently: The team reviewed the data and subsequently adjusted their strategy.
Afterward: She finished her presentation and afterward answered questions from the audience.
Following this: Following this announcement, several new opportunities arose for the staff.
Thereafter: The policy was updated and thereafter applied to all new accounts.
In the next step: In the next step, we will verify the information provided by the users.
Once that happens: Once that happens, the system will automatically send a confirmation email.
In due course: The results will be shared with the participants in due course.
At that point: At that point, it became clear that more resources were needed.
Later on: Later on, we will discuss how to improve the overall efficiency of the process.

When the Original Phrase Is Still Fine

Although 'then current' is rarely used in standard modern English, it may appear in specific technical or legal contexts describing a state at a particular past moment. If you are quoting a historical document or a specific regulatory text where precision about past timing is critical, retaining the original phrasing ensures accuracy. In most everyday situations, however, simpler alternatives like 'at that time' or 'then' will sound more natural to your readers.

How to Choose the Right Alternative

Selecting the best phrase depends on your audience and the desired tone. For formal reports, use 'at present' or 'currently' to maintain professionalism. In emails, 'right now' or 'for now' keeps communication clear and efficient. With friends, casual terms like 'lately' or 'at the moment' create a relaxed vibe. Always consider the context to ensure your message lands as intended without sounding stiff or overly casual.

Phrases to Avoid

Then current: This is grammatically incorrect; use currently or at present instead.
Current then: The word order is wrong; swap them to then current or use a proper transition.
Now then current: This is redundant and confusing; stick to now or currently.
Current time being: This mixes two idioms; use for the time being or at the current time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'then current' grammatically correct?

The phrase is grammatically structured but stylistically awkward in most modern contexts. It often confuses readers because 'then' implies a past time while 'current' implies now. Using clearer alternatives like 'at that time' or 'currently' usually improves readability and prevents misunderstanding in both formal and casual writing.

What is the best synonym for 'current' in emails?

The best synonym depends on your specific sentence structure. 'Right now' works well for immediate actions, while 'currently' suits ongoing processes. 'For the time being' is excellent for temporary situations. Choosing the right term ensures your email sounds professional yet approachable, helping colleagues understand the urgency and timeline of your request.

Can I use 'at present' in casual conversation?

While 'at present' is grammatically correct, it often sounds too formal for casual chats. Friends might find it stiff or overly serious. Instead, try 'right now' or 'at the moment' for a more natural flow. These alternatives keep the conversation relaxed and friendly, making your speech sound more authentic and less like a written document.

Why do writers avoid 'then current'?

Writers avoid it because it creates temporal confusion. The word 'then' points to the past, whereas 'current' points to the present. This contradiction forces readers to pause and decode the meaning. Using precise time markers like 'currently' for now or 'at that time' for the past ensures clarity and maintains a smooth reading experience for your audience.