in the present vs at present

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

I’d appreciate it if someone would answer my question. Thanks in advance.

A: I’m very busy at present. Can I call you later?

B: You should live in the present not bound by the past.

I’d like to know the general difference between “at present” and “in the present”.

“At present” just seems to mean “at the present time” and to concern something personal and concrete and real, while “in the present” sounds a little official and impersonal and seems to mean the period of now, not of past nor future.
Am I right?

2

–agree.
For example, “At present, children under 14 are not permitted in bars” or “Membership at present stands at about 5,000” describe the current situation in a certain area\point to a concrete fact.
As to ‘in the present’ sounding “a little official and impersonal” –not so true for me.
“He lives in the present” means to me the person practices a realistic approach to things and not carried away with past recollections or futile dreams about future.

3

Thank you Eugene. I see very much.