2 NOVEMBER 1985, Page 27

Hopefully not presently

Sir: In the course of his most recent review (Books, 26 October) Brian Martin writes: `What sentiments to lift the morale of that presently beleagured (sic) profession' (namely, the present-day teaching profes- sion).

Is the use of the word 'presently' in this context coming the way of the expression `hopefully'? Hopefully not.

James Shorrocks

Progressive English Group, 126 Boundary Road, St John's Wood, London NW8