Cool MateAs we speak vs Currently
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
As we speak
Top 2,000 (common)
Currently
Top 1,000 (very common)B1adverb
Most common: Currently
| As we speak | Currently | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //əz wi spiːk//🇺🇸 //əz wi spik// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkʌrəntli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkɜːrəntli/"]/ |
| Meaning | Right now, at this moment. | right now |
| Example | As we speak, the new project is being finalized. | The hourly charge is currently £35. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | B1 |
| Part of speech | adverb | |
| Collocations | as we speak, happening as we speak, discussing as we speak, sharing as we speak | currently available, currently working, currently experiencing |
| Antonyms | - | previously, formerly |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'as we spoke' which refers to the past., Used in inappropriate contexts where timing isn't relevant. | Using 'currently' in a past context, which is incorrect., Confusing 'currently' with 'actually' or 'really.', Overusing 'currently' when 'now' would suffice. |
| Usage notes | Used to indicate that something is happening at the current time. Common in conversation but may be less formal in writing. | Use this when talking about situations happening at the present time. Avoid in very formal contexts; instead, use 'at present.' |
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Frequently asked questions: As we speak vs Currently
What's the difference between As we speak and Currently?
As we speak: Right now, at this moment. Currently: right now
Which is more common: As we speak and Currently?
Currently is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
As we speak: As we speak, the new project is being finalized. Currently: The hourly charge is currently £35.
Can I use As we speak and Currently interchangeably?
Not always. As we speak and Currently are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.