now
A1Universal (used in all registers from informal to formal, though certain discourse functions are more common in speech).
Definition
Meaning
At the present time or moment; at this point in time.
Used to introduce a statement, command, or transition, often for emphasis, immediacy, or to signal a change in topic or focus. Can also imply 'given the current circumstances' or 'in these conditions'.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a temporal adverb, but functions as a discourse marker, interjection, and even a noun (e.g., 'the now'). Its meaning shifts from purely temporal ('now' vs 'then') to logical/consequential ('now that you mention it').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The discourse functions (e.g., 'Now, listen here...') are equally common. The adjectival use 'the now president' is more formal and found in both.
Connotations
Identical. Can imply urgency, transition, or mild reprimand depending on intonation.
Frequency
Equally high-frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[S] + [V] + now (temporal adjunct)Now + [imperative clause]Now + [that-clause] (reason)Now, + [declarative clause] (discourse marker)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “here and now”
- “now or never”
- “now you're talking”
- “any day now”
- “(every) now and again/then”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"As of now, the project is on hold." Used in reports and meetings to signal a current status or immediate action.
Academic
"The theory, now widely discredited, was once dominant." Used to frame historical perspective or current scholarly consensus.
Everyday
"I'm busy right now." "Now, what was I saying?" Extremely common for stating current activity or managing conversation.
Technical
In computing/logic: 'now' can be a function returning the current system timestamp. "The script executes now()."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Rare/archaic) 'To now' is not a standard verb.
American English
- (Rare/archaic) 'To now' is not a standard verb.
adverb
British English
- I must dash now.
- Now, that wasn't so hard, was it?
American English
- We need to leave now.
- Now, let's get down to business.
adjective
British English
- The now chairman addressed the board.
- She is focused on the now moment in mindfulness.
American English
- The now former CEO gave an interview.
- He's all about living in the now.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I am eating lunch now.
- What time is it now?
- She lives in London now.
- Right now, I can't talk, I'm in a meeting.
- We have lived here for ten years now.
- Now, let's look at the next picture.
- Now that the rain has stopped, we can go out.
- The technology, now obsolete, was revolutionary in its day.
- He should have arrived by now.
- The hitherto obscure theory is now gaining mainstream acceptance.
- Now, whether this constitutes a breach of contract is a separate matter.
- Her influence on the now-global movement cannot be overstated.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'NOW' as the middle of the word 'kNOWledge' – what you know *at this moment*.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A MOVING OBJECT/WE ARE MOVING THROUGH TIME: 'Now' is the immediate location. CHANGE IS MOTION: 'Now' marks a point of transition or new direction.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid overtranslating discourse marker 'now' as 'сейчас'. In phrases like 'Now, this is important...' it's often just 'Итак,...' or 'Что касается...'.
- Don't confuse 'just now' (a moment ago) with 'right now' (in this moment).
- The phrase 'for now' (на сейчас, пока что) is often missed, leading to overly permanent statements.
Common Mistakes
- Using present continuous without 'now' when immediacy is key (e.g., 'I do it' vs 'I'm doing it now').
- Punctuation: 'Now then' is often written as 'Now, then...' in dialogue.
- Overusing 'now' as a filler word in speech, similar to 'like' or 'you know'.
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'Now, this is a serious allegation,' the word 'now' primarily functions as:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Nowadays' refers to the current period or era in a general sense, often contrasting with the past. 'Now' is more immediate, referring to the present moment or current situation.
Yes, very commonly. E.g., 'I'm leaving now.' This positions it as a temporal adjunct, emphasizing the immediacy of the action.
'Right now' means at this very moment. In British English, 'just now' typically means 'a very short time ago' (e.g., 'He left just now'). In American English, 'just now' can also mean 'at this moment', especially under pressure.
As a temporal adverb, it is neutral and used in all registers. Its use as a discourse marker ('Now, to address your point...') is common in spoken and moderately formal contexts, but might be replaced by 'therefore' or 'furthermore' in very formal writing.
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Numbers and Time
A1 · 50 words · Numbers, dates, days and expressions of time.
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