now
Adverb:
- At the present time: Refers to the current moment or period.
- Immediately, without delay: Indicates that something should happen or be done right away.
- In the immediate past: Refers to a very recent time.
- Used to introduce a statement, command, or to get attention: Functions as a discourse marker to signal a change of topic or to emphasize a point.
- Under the present circumstances: Given the current situation.
Noun:
- The present time or moment: Refers to the current instant.
Adverb:
- I am busy now. (Indicating the present moment.)
- Do your homework now. (Indicating immediately, without delay.)
- She was here just now. (Indicating the immediate past.)
- Now, listen carefully. (Introducing a command or getting attention.)
- Now that you mention it, I remember. (Referring to the present circumstances.)
Noun:
- The time for action is now. (Referring to the present moment.)
"Now and then" / "Now and again": Occasionally, from time to time.
- I like to visit that café now and then.
"Now, now": Used to express mild disapproval, caution, or comfort.
- Now, now, don't be upset.
"Now that": Because, since (used to introduce a reason based on a current situation).
- Now that the rain has stopped, we can go out.
"Any time now": Very soon, imminently.
- The bus should arrive any time now.
"As of now" / "Effective now": Starting from this moment.
- The new policy is in effect as of now.
Nowadays (adv): In these present times, in contrast to the past.
- People nowadays rely heavily on technology.
Nowhere (adv): Not in or to any place.
- He was nowhere to be found.
Nowhere (n): A place that is remote, uninteresting, or non-existent.
- The town was in the middle of nowhere.
- At present: Currently.
- Immediately: Instantly, right away.
- Currently: At this time.
- Presently: Soon, or (in some usage) at the present time.
Here and now: At this very moment and place; the present reality.
- We need to deal with the problem here and now.
For now: Temporarily, until a later time.
- This solution will work for now.
Up to now / Until now: Up until the present moment.
- Up to now, everything has gone according to plan.
Now or never: A final chance to do something.
- It's now or never if you want to apply for that job.
(Every) now and again: Same as "now and then"; occasionally.
- He checks his phone every now and again.
Now you're talking: An expression of approval or agreement with what has just been said.
- "Let's order pizza." "Now you're talking!"
- in the immediate past
- told me just now
- (prefatory or transitional) indicates a change of subject or activity
- Now the next problem is...
- without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
- he answered immediately
- found an answer straightaway
- an official accused of dishonesty should be suspended forthwith
- Come here now!
- at the present moment
- goods now on sale
- the now-aging dictator
- they are now abroad
- he is busy at present writing a new novel
- it could happen any time now
- used to preface a command or reproof or request
- now hear this!
- now pay attention
- in these times
- it is solely by their language that the upper classes nowadays are distinguished- Nancy Mitford
- we now rarely see horse-drawn vehicles on city streets
- today almost every home has television
- in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
- President Kennedy now calls in the National Guard
- Washington now decides to cross the Delaware
- the ship is now listing to port
- the momentary present
- Now is a good time to do it
- it worked up to right now