[Grammar] "today", "at present" and "in the present"

[magic dragon]

I'd appreciate it if someone would answer my question. Thank you in advance.


I'd like to know about the difference among "today", "at present" and "in the present".
A: At present we have various difficulties to cope up with. (from google)
B: Today we enjoy much longer lives, much better health in our old age, and much better recreational opportunities. (from google)
C: We live in the present, we dream of the future and we learn eternal truths from the past. (from google)


Let me explain the difference.

I think "at present" (as in A) is used for describing concrete current situations, but has
a relatively short span of time. With this phrase, personal matters are stated more often than with "today".
It's much the same as "at the (present)moment", "currently" and "right now".

I think "today" (as in B) is used for describing concrete current situations, and has a longer span of time than "at present".
It's much the same as "in the present day (period)".

I think "in the present" (as in C) is conceptual and sounds formal, and is used when it contrasts with "in the past" or "in the future".
Is my explanation right?

 

[jutfrank]

I more or less agree. This is how I might put it:

A is used to talk about a situation at this point in present time, where the situation is expected to be of a short duration of hours, days, weeks. Equivalent phrases are at this time, at the moment, at this time, right now.

B is used to talk about a situation in its historical context, where the situation is can extend over many years, decades, or even centuries. Equivalent phrases are nowadays, these days, in this day and age.

C is used to talk about the psychological concept of time flow.

 

[magic dragon]

Thank you jutfrank. I see your idea.
One more please.
D: We live in the present, not in the past nor in the future. (of my own making)
I hear British people use "in future" instead of "in the future".
Would they use "in future" in D?

 

[jutfrank]

No.

We only use in future when we mean from now on.

 

[magic dragon]

Thank you jutfrank.
Can I say you use "in future" when you mean "from now on", and "in the future" "at some future time"?　

 

[Tdol]

In BrE, yes.