present
You use present in front of a noun to show that you are talking about something that exists now, rather than about something in the past or future.
When did you start working in your present job?
The present system has many faults.
You also use present in front of a noun to show that you are talking about the person who has a job, role, or title now, rather than someone who had it in the past or will have it in the future.
The present director of the company is a woman.
Who is the present team captain?
When present is used after be, it has a different meaning. If someone is present at an event, they are there.
Several reporters were present at the event.
He was not present at the birth of his child.
Be careful
Don't use any preposition except at in sentences like these. Don't say, for example ‘Several reporters were present in the event’.
Don't use any preposition except at in sentences like these. Don't say, for example ‘Several reporters were present in the event’.
If it is clear what event you are talking about, you can just say that someone is present.
The Prime Minister and his wife were present.
You can also use present with this meaning immediately after a noun.
There was a photographer present.
He should not have said that with so many children present.