So, you’re not doing something; not right now, at any rate. Do you say you are “not currently” or “currently not” doing something? You don’t want to let a simple mistake make you sound uninformed, so your concern is understandable.
In this post, we’ll tell you which choice is correct, and why.
Not Currently or Currently Not – Which Is Correct?
Both “not currently” and “currently not” are correct. The different wording does not change the meaning, so either phrase is usable. English speakers perceive both phrases to mean the same thing. Because of this, there is no argument supporting one over the other.
Languages often have multiple ways to say the same thing. “Currently not” and “not currently” are such alternate sayings. Flipping the words around does not change the meaning, so either phrase can be used. Because of this, it’s just a matter of personal preference.
Consider the following examples:
- I am not currently at home.
- I am currently not at home.
The meaning of these sentences is the same, despite the different wording. Because of this, it doesn’t matter which phrase you use. Both are correct, so it’s a matter of opinion. You can use whichever wording sounds best to you.
Not Currently
“Not currently” means “not at this time” or “not right now”. If you are not doing something at this moment, you are “not currently” doing it. This wording is usable in any such situation. It’s fitting to describe anything that is not true or happening at a particular moment.
Consider the following examples:
- I’m not currently asleep, which means I’m awake.
- John is not currently available, as he is sick.
These sentences state what someone is not doing at a particular time. Moreover, you can replace “not currently” with “currently not” and the meaning will be the same. So, “not currently” is not an objectively superior choice. It’s just one of two choices.
Currently Not
“Currently not” means “not at this moment” or “not at this time”. You are “currently not” doing something if you aren’t doing it right this moment. So, it’s usable in any situation like that.
Consider these examples:
- I’m currently not interested in buying a car.
- Ivan is absent, so he is currently not at school.
These sentences state what someone is not doing at some moment in time. However, the order of the words “currently not” doesn’t matter. Removing “not” is what changes the meaning of the phrase, not the order itself.
This means “currently not” means the same thing as “not currently”. The order of the words has no bearing. Both are correct. “Currently not” is just one way to say it, but it’s not objectively better than “not currently”.
Conclusion
“Currently not” and “not currently” have no difference besides word order. They mean the same thing, and you can use either phrase. Neither choice is better than the other, so it’s a matter of personal opinion.
Both phrases are common, and neither is grammatically incorrect. So, just use whichever choice you feel sounds best.
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
