current The current world encourages creativity.
The modern world encourages creativity. We need to know current English, not the language of Shakespeare.
We need to know modern English, not the language of Shakespeare. current = happening or existing now, but not likely to last for a long time: ‘How long has she been going out with her current boyfriend?’ ‘The current boom in long-haul travel has led to fierce competition among the major airlines.’ modern = used or existing in the period of history that we live in now, and not in an earlier period: ‘What do you think of modem architecture?’ ‘Even by modern standards, the pyramids are a remarkable piece of engineering.’ custom 1
I went there hoping to learn something about Indian culture and custom.
I went there hoping to learn something about Indian culture and customs. You talk about a country’s customs (WITH s ): ‘In Hong Kong I learned a lot about Chinese customs. See also Language Note at MANNER 2
He has a custom of coughing before he speaks.
He has a habit of coughing before he speaks. It’s very difficult for people to change their customs.
It’s very difficult for people to change their habits. See Language Note at MANNER 3
Will I have to pay custom duty?
Will I have to pay customs duty? customs (WITH s) = the place where your bags are examined when you enter a country: ‘We got held up at the customs while they went through our suitcases.’ customs duty (WITH s ) =taxes that you have to pay to bring certain goods into a country: ‘The customs duty on electrical goods is twenty percent of the retail price.’
