Presents vs Present: Difference and Comparison

What is the difference between “presents” and “present” (presents vs present)?

The English dictionary defines the term “present” as relating to now, for the time being or current. As a transitive verb, the term “present” means to reveal or to show.

As a noun (plural presents), refers to a gift, especially one given during birthdays, graduations, weddings, Christmas, anniversaries, or other special occasions.

So, present can be used as an adjective to describe what is currently happening and as a noun (plural presents) it refers to a gift given to someone, especially on a special occasion.

Definition of Presents

The term “presents” is generally used in sentences to describe a gift given to someone. It’s the tangible items that are given to someone during special occasions.

Special occasions where presents are given to someone include anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, Christmas, graduations, and other special moments. Presents may come in small trinkets or they can be expensive items bought to surprise someone on a special occasion.

Special presents are usually wrapped in decorative paper or packages to complement the special moment.

In English, the terms “presents” and “gift” are synonyms, and they can used interchangeably in sentences.

Presents as a Verb

The term “presents” can be used as a verb. Although it’s spelt in the same way as the noun “presents” the verb “presents” is pronounced differently.

As a verb, presents has many meanings, which is often used by writers and speakers to mean;

To make a meaningful presentation.
To reveal or display something to the public like a play or movie.
And to give something to someone like a gift or an award.

Additionally, the word “presents” is used as a verb to mean to perform for an audience, to introduce someone, to bring someone’s attention, or to bring a charge against someone.

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Definition of Present

The English dictionary defines the term “present” as relating to now, for the time being or current. As a transitive verb, the term “present” means to reveal or to show.

As a noun, the word “present” refers to a gift or something of value given to someone. The word can also be used as a verb to mean giving or offering something to someone for consideration.

For example, a team member from a group can present an idea to their supervisor or present a proposal to a client.

Also, “present” can refer to a tense in grammar. The present tense is generally used to describe what is happening at the moment or that happens more often.

Presents vs Present: Difference between Presents and Present

The term “presents” is generally used in sentences to describe a gift given to someone. It’s the tangible items that are given to someone during special occasions.

The English dictionary defines the term “present” as relating to now, for the time being or current. As a transitive verb, the term “present” means to reveal or to show.

Presents can be used in sentences to mean;

To introduce, especially with a formal ceremony
To offer for observation, examination or consideration, to reveal or show
To introduce a young woman to society with a conventional ceremony
To make a presentation

Present can be used in sentences to mean;

Existing or happening now, current
Designating a verb tense or form that expresses the current time
Being in attendance or at hand
To offer for observation, examination, or consideration, to reveal or show
To offer a play or a movie for public entertainment

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Presents vs Present: When to Use Presents

As a noun (plural presents), refers to a gift, especially one given during birthdays, graduations, weddings, Christmas, anniversaries, or other special occasions.

In English, the terms “presents” and “gift” are synonyms and they can used interchangeably in sentences.

For example, “His uncle did not bring him any presents for his birthday”.

As a transitive verb, the term “present” means to reveal or to show. Also, as a verb, presents can mean to show, as when military personnel raise a rifle to prepare for a twenty-one-gun salute or when a political figure gives a statement regarding a policy.

When to Use Present

A common mistake most people often make is to use the term “present” as a verb instead of “give”.

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When to use presents as a noun in a sentence;

The sentences below show when to appropriately use present as a noun.

I need to purchase Christmas presents for my dad and decorate them before he gets home.
The anniversary presents were wrapped in gold paper and they were left in the back seat of the car.
The couple left their wedding present unwrapped on the table throughout the night.
My sister got ten presents for her birthday and she won’t just stop jumping around showing her excitement.
Michael was not happy with his friend after he got birthday presents he considered inferior.

Presents vs Present: Examples of Sentences with Presents and Present

Presents and present are used differently when making sentences. We will be looking at some examples of sentences where “presents” and “present” are used appropriately.

Examples of Sentences with Presents

Here are a few examples of sentences with presents.

I need to purchase Christmas presents for my dad and decorate them before he gets home.
The anniversary presents were wrapped in gold paper and they were left in the back seat of the car.
The couple left their wedding present unwrapped on the table throughout the night.
My sister got ten presents for her birthday and she won’t just stop jumping around showing her excitement.
Michael was not happy with his friend after he got birthday presents he considered inferior.
Maria received more birthday presents this year than she did last year.
He was expecting to get many presents from Santa at the Christmas party.
John had many lovely presents given to him at his wedding.
The family had a pretty Christmas tree with many presents on it.
The birthday she imagined was one with many presents and surprises.

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Examples of Sentences with Present

The following are examples of sentences with the term “present”.

The commissioner said he will be present at the meeting tomorrow.
The present situation of the city requires urgent attention from the state government.
The manager was present at the board meeting held yesterday.
Maria was present in the courtroom as a witness to testify against the defendant.
This present generation has no idea how a VHS tape or a Vinyl record works.
The present governor was once a senator for a period of four years.
I don’t see this team winning the national championship with their present performance.
Her ex-husband was present at her wedding which made her feel uncomfortable on what was supposed to be a happy moment.
With his present performance in school, I doubt he will be accepted at the university.

Conclusion

Presents and present may seem likely similar but they are used differently in sentences.

As a noun (plural presents), refers to a gift, especially one given during birthdays, graduations, weddings, Christmas, anniversaries, or other special occasions.

The term “presents” is generally used in sentences to describe a gift given to someone. It’s the tangible items that are given to someone during special occasions.

As a noun, the word “present” refers to a gift or something of value given to someone.

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References

WritingExplaned: Presents vs. Presence: What’s the Difference?

Presents vs Present: Difference and Comparison