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These words are often used to describe an action that is occurring now, at this moment in time.

The word presently has come to be used more frequently to describe an action that is just about to happen rather than one that is happening at this moment.

The original meaning of presently was “at the present time; currently.” You will often hear British people use presently to refer to the current moment.

Some have said that this use disappeared from literary language in the 1600s. But it remains in literate speech and writing today.

Usage panels, however, discourage the use of presently and urge the use of currently to describe something in the current moment.

Example: He currently serves as head coach, but a decision will be made presently about who will occupy that position next year.