Present vs. Presented — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 17, 2024
"Present" refers to showing or offering something, while "presented" is the past tense of "present," indicating something was shown or offered in the past.
Difference Between Present and Presented
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Key Differences
"Present" is a verb used to describe the act of showing, offering, or giving something to someone, typically in a formal or ceremonial manner. For example, you might present an award to a winner at a ceremony. The word "presented," on the other hand, is the past tense and past participle form of "present." It refers to an action that has already taken place. For instance, the award was presented to the winner yesterday.
In the context of tense, "present" is used for actions happening now or in the future. For example, "I will present my findings tomorrow." Conversely, "presented" is used for actions that occurred in the past. For instance, "I presented my findings yesterday."
"Present" can also function as an adjective meaning current or existing now, as in "the present situation." "Presented" does not have this adjectival usage; it strictly functions as a verb in the past tense.
"Present" as a noun can mean a gift or the current time, while "presented" does not have these noun forms. The context in which these words are used can significantly alter their meaning and grammatical role.
Comparison Chart
Function
Verb (show, offer) and Adjective (current)
Verb (past tense of "present")
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Tense
Present or future
Past
Usage Example
"I will present the award."
"I presented the award."
Additional Meaning
Noun (gift, current time)
None
Adjectival Use
Yes (e.g., "present situation")
No
Compare with Definitions
Present
To show or offer something for others to consider.
I will present my project to the class tomorrow.
Presented
Gave or awarded formally.
She presented the trophy to the champion last night.
Present
To give or award formally.
She will present the trophy to the winner.
Presented
Brought something to someone's attention.
The report was presented to the committee.
Present
To bring something to someone's attention.
He tried to present his case clearly.
Presented
Showed or offered something for others to consider.
He presented his findings at the conference.
Present
To appear in a particular place.
Please present yourself at the reception.
Presented
Appeared in a particular place.
He presented himself at the office early.
Present
The present (or here and now) is the time that is associated with the events perceived directly and in the first time, not as a recollection (perceived more than once) or a speculation (predicted, hypothesis, uncertain). It is a period of time between the past and the future, and can vary in meaning from being an instant to a day or longer.
Presented
To make a gift or award of
Presented the medal to the winner.
Present
A moment or period in time perceptible as intermediate between past and future; now.
Presented
To make a gift to
Presented the winner with a medal.
Present
The present tense.
Presented
To offer for observation, examination, or consideration; show or display
The detective presented his badge.
Present
A verb form in the present tense.
Presented
To offer (a play, for example) for public entertainment.
Present
Presents(Law) The document or instrument in question
Be it known by these presents.
Presented
To afford or furnish
The situation presented us with a chance to improve our knowledge.
Present
Pres·ent (prĕzənt) Something presented; a gift.
Presented
To turn or position in the direction of another
Presented his face to the camera.
Present
Pre·sent (prĭ-zĕnt) The position of a rifle or other weapon when presented.
Presented
(Immunology) To display (an antigen) on the cell surface. Used especially of cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells, where the displayed antigen activates T cells as part of an immune response.
Present
Existing or happening now; current
The present leader.
Present trends.
Presented
To represent or depict in a certain manner
The movie presents bankers as greedy and coldhearted.
Present
Being at hand or in attendance
Thirty guests were present at the ceremony.
Presented
To introduce, especially with formal ceremony.
Present
Existing in something specified
Oxygen is present in the bloodstream.
Presented
To introduce (a young woman) to society with conventional ceremony.
Present
Now being considered; actually here or involved
The present subject.
Present company excepted.
Presented
To hold, carry, or point (a weapon) in a particular manner as a salutation or sign of honor, usually along the center axis of the body.
Present
(Grammar) Designating a verb tense or form that expresses current time.
Presented
(Ecclesiastical) To recommend (a cleric) for a benefice.
Present
(Archaic) Readily available; immediate.
Presented
To make a presentation.
Present
(Obsolete) Alert to circumstances; attentive.
Presented
To be evident or manifest. Used of a disease or condition
How Lyme disease presents in its later stages.
Present
To make a gift or award of
Presented the medal to the winner.
Presented
To exhibit symptoms or signs during a medical examination
The patient presented with headache and heel pain.
Present
To make a gift to
Presented the winner with a medal.
Presented
Pres·ent (prĕzənt) Something presented; a gift.
Present
To offer for observation, examination, or consideration; show or display
The detective presented his badge.
Presented
Pre·sent (prĭ-zĕnt) The position of a rifle or other weapon when presented.
Present
To offer (a play, for example) for public entertainment.
Presented
Having a specified presentation, or a presentation with specified properties.
Present
To afford or furnish
The situation presented us with a chance to improve our knowledge.
Presented
Simple past tense and past participle of present
Present
To turn or position in the direction of another
Presented his face to the camera.
Presented
Given formally or officially
Present
(Immunology) To display (an antigen) on the cell surface. Used especially of cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells, where the displayed antigen activates T cells as part of an immune response.
Presented
Introduced someone formally.
He presented his colleague to the board.
Present
To represent or depict in a certain manner
The movie presents bankers as greedy and coldhearted.
Present
To introduce, especially with formal ceremony.
Present
To introduce (a young woman) to society with conventional ceremony.
Present
To hold, carry, or point (a weapon) in a particular manner as a salutation or sign of honor, usually along the center axis of the body.
Present
(Ecclesiastical) To recommend (a cleric) for a benefice.
Present
To make a presentation.
Present
To be evident or manifest. Used of a disease or condition
How Lyme disease presents in its later stages.
Present
To exhibit symptoms or signs during a medical examination
The patient presented with headache and heel pain.
Present
Relating to now, for the time being; current.
The barbaric practice continues to the present day.
The present manager has been here longer than the last one.
Up to the present day.
The present manager has been here longer than the last one.
Up to the present day.
Present
Located in the immediate vicinity.
Is there a doctor present?
Several people were present when the event took place.
Present
(obsolete) Having an immediate effect (of a medicine, poison etc.); fast-acting.
Present
(obsolete) Not delayed; immediate; instant.
Present
(dated) Ready; quick in emergency.
A present wit
Present
(obsolete) Favorably attentive; propitious.
Present
Relating to something a person is referring to in the very context, with a deictic use similar to the demonstrative adjective this.
In the present study,
The present article,
The present results.
Present
Attentive; alert; focused.
Sorry, I was distracted just now, I'll try to be more present from now on.
Present
The current moment or period of time.
Present
(grammar) The present tense.
Present
A gift, especially one given for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, or any other special occasions.
Present
(military) The position of a soldier in presenting arms.
To stand at present
Present
To bring (someone) into the presence of (a person); to introduce formally.
To present an envoy to the king
Present
(transitive) To nominate (a member of the clergy) for an ecclesiastical benefice; to offer to the bishop or ordinary as a candidate for institution.
Present
(transitive) To offer (a problem, complaint) to a court or other authority for consideration.
Present
To charge (a person) with a crime or accusation; to bring before court.
Present
(reflexive) To come forward, appear in a particular place or before a particular person, especially formally.
Present
(transitive) To put (something) forward in order for it to be seen; to show, exhibit.
Present
(transitive) To make clear to one's mind or intelligence; to put forward for consideration.
Present
(transitive) To put on, stage (a play etc.).
The theater is proud to present the Fearless Fliers.
Present
To point (a firearm) at something, to hold (a weapon) in a position ready to fire.
Present
(reflexive) To offer oneself for mental consideration; to occur to the mind.
Well, one idea does present itself.
Present
To come to the attention of medical staff, especially with a specific symptom.
The patient presented with insomnia.
Present
To appear (in a specific way) for delivery (of a fetus); to appear first at the mouth of the uterus during childbirth.
Present
To appear or represent oneself (as having a certain gender).
At that time, Elbe was presenting as a man.
Present
(transitive) To act as presenter on (a radio, television programme etc.).
Present
(transitive) To give a gift or presentation to (someone).
She was presented with an honorary degree for her services to entertainment.
Present
(transitive) To give (a gift or presentation) to someone; to bestow.
Present
(transitive) To deliver (something abstract) as though as a gift; to offer.
I presented my compliments to Lady Featherstoneshaw.
Present
(transitive) To hand over (a bill etc.) to be paid.
Present
To display one's female genitalia in a way that signals to others that one is ready for copulation. Also referred to as lordosis behaviour.
Present
(fandom slang) In omegaverse fiction, to have one's secondary sex (alpha, omega, or beta) become apparent, typically at puberty.
Present
Being at hand, within reach or call, within certain contemplated limits; - opposed to absent.
These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
Present
Now existing, or in process; begun but not ended; now in view, or under consideration; being at this time; not past or future; as, the present session of Congress; the present state of affairs; the present instance.
I'll bring thee to the present business
Present
Not delayed; immediate; instant; coincident.
An ambassador . . . desires a present audience.
Present
Ready; quick in emergency; as a present wit.
Present
Favorably attentive; propitious.
To find a god so present to my prayer.
Present
Present time; the time being; time in progress now, or at the moment contemplated; as, at this present.
Past and present, wound in one.
Present
Present letters or instrument, as a deed of conveyance, a lease, letter of attorney, or other writing; as in the phrase, " Know all men by these presents," that is, by the writing itself, " per has literas praesentes; " - in this sense, rarely used in the singular.
Present
A present tense, or the form of the verb denoting the present tense.
Present
Anything presented or given; a gift; a donative; as, a Christmas present.
Present
The position of a soldier in presenting arms; as, to stand at present.
Present
To bring or introduce into the presence of some one, especially of a superior; to introduce formally; to offer for acquaintance; as, to present an envoy to the king; (with the reciprocal pronoun) to come into the presence of a superior.
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the lord.
Present
To exhibit or offer to view or notice; to lay before one's perception or cognizance; to set forth; to present a fine appearance.
Lectorides's memory is ever . . . presenting him with the thoughts of other persons.
Present
To pass over, esp. in a ceremonious manner; to give in charge or possession; to deliver; to make over.
So ladies in romance assist their knight,Present the spear, and arm him for the fight.
Present
To make a gift of; to bestow; to give, generally in a formal or ceremonious manner; to grant; to confer.
My last, least offering, I present thee now.
Present
Hence: To endow; to bestow a gift upon; to favor, as with a donation; also, to court by gifts.
Octavia presented the poet for him admirable elegy on her son Marcellus.
Present
To present; to personate.
Present
To nominate to an ecclesiastical benefice; to offer to the bishop or ordinary as a candidate for institution.
The patron of a church may present his clerk to a parsonage or vicarage; that is, may offer him to the bishop of the diocese to be instituted.
Present
To nominate for support at a public school or other institution .
Present
To appear at the mouth of the uterus so as to be perceptible to the finger in vaginal examination; - said of a part of an infant during labor.
Present
The period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech;
That is enough for the present
He lives in the present with no thought of tomorrow
Present
Something presented as a gift;
His tie was a present from his wife
Present
A verb tense that expresses actions or states at the time of speaking
Present
Show or demonstrate something to an interested audience;
She shows her dogs frequently
We will demo the new software in Washington
Present
Bring forward and present to the mind;
We presented the arguments to him
We cannot represent this knowledge to our formal reason
Present
Perform (a play), especially on a stage;
We are going to stage `Othello'
Present
Hand over formally
Present
Introduce;
This poses an interesting question
Present
Give, especially as a reward;
Bestow honors and prizes at graduation
Present
Give as a present; make a gift of;
What will you give her for her birthday?
Present
Deliver (a speech, oration, or idea);
The commencement speaker presented a forceful speech that impressed the students
Present
Cause to come to know personally;
Permit me to acquaint you with my son
Introduce the new neighbors to the community
Present
Represent in a painting, drawing, sculpture, or verbally;
The father is portrayed as a good-looking man in this painting
Present
Present somebody with something, usually to accuse or criticize;
We confronted him with the evidence
He was faced with all the evidence and could no longer deny his actions
An enormous dilemma faces us
Present
Formally present a debutante, a representative of a country, etc.
Present
Recognize with a gesture prescribed by a miltary regulation; assume a prescribed position;
When the officers show up, the soldiers have to salute
Present
Temporal sense; intermediate between past and future; now existing or happening or in consideration;
The present leader
Articles for present use
The present topic
The present system
Present observations
Time past
His youth is past
This past Thursday
The past year
Present
Spatial sense; being or existing in a specified place;
The murderer is present in this room
Present at the wedding
Present at the creation
Present
To introduce someone formally.
Let me present our guest speaker.
Common Curiosities
How do you use "presented" in a sentence?
e.g., She presented her research findings last week.
How do you use "present" in a sentence?
e.g., I will present the new plan at the meeting.
Can "present" be a noun?
Yes, "present" can mean a gift or the current time.
Is "present" an adjective?
Yes, it can describe something current or existing now.
What is the difference between "present" and "presented"?
"Present" is the base form of the verb and can also be an adjective or noun, while "presented" is the past tense of the verb "present."
Does "presented" only refer to formal settings?
No, it can be used in any past context where something was shown or offered.
What tense is "presented"?
"Presented" is in the past tense.
Is "presented" ever used as a noun?
No, "presented" is strictly the past tense of the verb "present."
Can "present" be used in future tense?
Yes, e.g., "I will present my proposal tomorrow."
Can "present" mean to introduce someone?
Yes, it can mean to introduce someone formally.
Can "present" refer to being in a place?
Yes, it can describe someone’s attendance, e.g., "All students must be present."
What are some synonyms for "present" (verb)?
Show, offer, give, introduce.
What are some synonyms for "presented"?
Showed, offered, gave, introduced.
What is an example of "present" as an adjective?
e.g., The present condition of the building needs assessment.
How do you use "present" to mean a gift?
e.g., I bought a birthday present for my friend.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
