Current vs Currant: What’s the difference?

Many words in English are commonly confused by both those learning the language and native speakers alike. Two such words are “current” and “currant”. These words are commonly confused due to their similar spelling and identical pronunciation. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the difference between “current” and “currant” and how to use them correctly in a sentence when speaking or writing.

Check out other easily confused words in English by visiting this page. Teachers and students can download this guide as a PDF file using the link at the bottom of the page.

Current

“Current” is an adjective that describes something that is happening now. It can also be used as a noun to describe the flow of water, air, or electricity in a particular direction. It can also describe the support, opinions or feelings of a homogeneous group of people (postmodified with an “of” prepositional phrase, for example “There is a current of support for the new immigration policy amongst politicians from across the divide,” or “There is a current of optimism in the team that has not been present before”).

How to use “current” in a sentence:

1. My current address is 123 Main Street.
2. The current situation is very challenging.
3. He is studying the current market trends.
4. There is a strong current in the river.
5. The electrical current in the circuit is too high.
6. There is a growing current of opinion in support of reintroducing the death penalty.

Currant

“Currant” is a noun that refers to a small, dried grape that is similar in appearance and taste to a raisin (another type of dried grape). The word can also be used as an adjective to describe anything related to or made with currants. The most common type of currants are black currants and red currants.

How to use “currant” in a sentence:

1. I added some currants to the muffin batter.
2. This recipe calls for currant jelly.
3. I prefer currants to raisins in my oatmeal cookies.
4. The currant harvest was very good this year.
5. I bought some dried currants to use in my granola.
6. The cake was decorated with currants.

Why are “current” and “currant” commonly confused?

The words “current” and “currant” are commonly confused because they have a similar spelling and as homophones, are pronunciation identically, leading many people to mix them up in writing or speech. Both are pronounced /ˈkɝː.ənt/ in American English or /ˈkʌr.ənt/ in British English.

Summary

current – an adjective to describe something that is happening now, or a noun referring flow of electricity, water, or air

currant – a noun referring to a small, dried grape

Do you know the difference between “current” and “currant”?

Fill in the blanks in the following activity with the correct form of the word (“current” or “currant”):

1. The _____ was too strong for the swimmer to cross.
2. The recipe calls for dried _____ in the filling.
3. I can’t swim against the _____.
4. The bakery is known for its delicious _____ scones.
5. The _____ situation in the country is unstable.
6. I made a jelly from fresh _____.
7. My _____ job is working in a library.
8. I prefer my raisins to _____ in my fruitcake.
9. There is a strong _____ in the market for electric cars.
10. She added some _____ to her oatmeal for breakfast.

Answers: 1. current, 2. currants, 3. current, 4. currant, 5. current, 6. currants, 7. current, 8. currants, 9. current, 10. currants.