Here are two time expressions which are similar but not the same:
- We’re having a break AT PRESENT
- They should be arriving PRESENTLY
In sentence (1), we are on break at the moment while in sentence (2), they should soon be here. Therefore, AT PRESENT means now / at the moment but PRESENTLY means soon / in a few minutes.
Some other examples:
- Sandra can’t come to the phone AT PRESENT because she’s in a meeting
- If you can wait, she’ll be with you PRESENTLY
