📝 Daily Short Practice
🎯 Vocabulary Goal
Learn useful chunks to talk about what is happening now or at this moment.
📚 Words & Phrases
| Word or phrase | Simple meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
at the moment |
right now, currently | I am busy at the moment, please call me later. |
|
right now |
exactly now, at this time | She is watching TV right now. |
|
just now |
a short time ago, a moment ago | He left the room just now. |
|
at present |
currently, for now | At present, we have no free tables. |
|
for the time being |
temporarily, for now | You can stay here for the time being. |
|
at this very moment |
right now, exactly at this time | At this very moment, he is speaking on the phone. |
🔍 See It in Context
Talking About What Is Happening Now
Anna is on the phone. She says, "I am busy at the moment. Can I call you back?" Her friend asks, "Are you free right now?" Anna replies, "No, just now I was cooking dinner. At present, I am cleaning the kitchen." Her friend says, "Okay, I will wait. You can relax for the time being." Anna smiles and says, "Thank you! At this very moment, I need a short break."
💡 Notice the Pattern
Difference between 'at the moment' and 'right now'
'At the moment' and 'right now' both mean now, but 'right now' is stronger and often means exactly this second.
- I can't talk at the moment because I am working.
- Look, the dog is sleeping right now.
💬 Useful Examples
- I'm studying English at the moment.
- She isn't home right now.
- They arrived just now.
- For the time being, we are closed.
✏️ Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks
1.
He is not available ____. (just now / for the time being / at the moment)
2.
We have no tickets ____. (at present / right now / just now)
3.
I saw her enter the room _____. (for the time being / just now / at the moment)
4.
You can keep the book _____. (at this very moment / right now / for the time being)
5.
He is eating lunch ____. (at the moment / at present / just now)
🔗 Exercise 2 – Matching
1.
at the moment
2.
just now
3.
for the time being
4.
at present
5.
at this very moment
✅ Exercise 3 – Multiple Choice
1.
Which phrase means 'temporarily for now'?
2.
If someone says 'just now', when did they do something?
3.
What is the best phrase to use when talking about exactly right now?
4.
Which phrase means 'currently, for now' and is more formal?
5.
Which phrase would you use to say something is happening exactly at this second?
📝 Use It Yourself
Say a sentence using 'at the moment'.
Example:
I am reading a book at the moment.
🎙️ Speaking Practice
Practice these sentences aloud.
Say:
I am busy at the moment.
Say:
She is watching TV right now.
Ask:
Are you free at the moment?
Say:
They arrived just now.
🔎 Answer Key
Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks
1. at the moment
2. at present
3. just now
4. for the time being
5. at the moment
Exercise 2 – Matching
1. b – currently, right now
2. c – a short time ago
3. d – temporarily, for now
4. e – currently, for now
5. a – right now, exactly now
Exercise 3 – Multiple Choice
1. for the time being
2. a moment ago
3. right now
4. at present
5. at this very moment