Currant or Current?

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What Is the Difference between "Currant" and "Current"?

"Currant" and "Current" are easy to confuse. "Currant" and "current" are easy to confuse because they sound so similar (i.e., they are nearly homonyms).

• "Currant" is a small, dried, dark red, seedless grapes (like a raisin).
• I love scones with currants.
• "Current" is a flow of water, air, or electricity.
• The current is dangerous when the tide is running.
• "Current" means happening in the present.
• Give me an update on the current situation.

Currant

The noun "currant" refers to a dried, dark red, seedless grapes. The name currant comes from the ancient city of Corinth. Currants are also known as Zante currants, Corinth raisins, or Corinthian raisins.

Example sentences with "currant":

• The currant is one of the oldest known raisins.
• Currants are often used in scones, currant buns, Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, and mincemeat.

Current

As a noun, "a current" is a flow of water, air, or electricity that moves in a definite direction, usually in a swift manner. As an adjective, "current" means happening in the present or in general use. (The adverb form is "currently.")

The adjective "current" is often seen in the following phrases:

• current affairs
• current events
• current debt
• current gain

Example sentences with "current":

• In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock. (US President Thomas Jefferson)
(Here, "current" describes a flow of water.)
• We - the current generation - have a moral responsibility to make the world better for future generations. (Philanthropist Priscilla Chan)
(Here, "current" means present.)

Ready for the Test?