now */*/*/

UK [naʊ] / US adverb, conjunction

Summary:

Now is used in the following ways: - as an adverb: We'd better leave now to get there on time. ♦ Now, what shall we do next? - as a conjunction, often with "that": Now that I'm married, I don't go out in the evenings so much.

1) the present time at the present time

He is now 48 years old.

She's been very ill, but she's much better now.

by/before now:

The meeting should have finished by now.

I've never been to a formal dinner party before now, and I'm not quite sure how to behave.

from now on (= starting from the present time):

Nancy will be working full-time from now on.

as of now:

The rule will take effect as of now.

for now (= from now until some future time):

Prices will remain unchanged for now.

Goodbye for now.

up to now/until now:

Until now, we've had very mild weather this winter.

right now:

Right now I'm not interested in dating – I need to spend some time alone.

not now:

"Can I ask you a question?" "Not now – I'm busy."

now is the time/moment:

Now is the time to look forward, make plans for the future, and work together.

2) immediately immediately, or very soon

If everyone else has finished in the bathroom, I'll have my shower now.

right now:

"Can you call me back?" "No, I need to talk to you right now."

3) up to the present used for saying how long it is since something happened or started

It's three years now since I moved south from Scotland.

The farm workers have been there for about two weeks now.

4) as a result of something

a) used when you are saying that something happens as a result of something else

Having inherited the money, she knew that things would now be much better.

now (that):

Now that the war is over, there is a lot more food in the shops.

Now I'm back here, I can hardly walk down a street without seeing someone I know.

b) used when you are saying that you understand something as a result of what you have been told or what has happened

Now I see why she didn't want to go with me – she was interested in George.

5) at that time used in stories to mean at a particular time in the story

We ran down the road and past the house, which was now hidden in the darkness.

6) spoken used for emphasis used for giving emphasis to a request, order, or comment

Now come on, tell me what's been happening.

Don't forget now – phone me tomorrow.

Now that's what I like about Harry – he's always cheerful.

7) spoken used for getting someone's attention or introducing information

a) used when you want to get people's attention or to show that you are going to talk about something new

Now, listen everybody.

Now, about next week's programme – we've had to make a few changes.

now then:

Now then, are there any more questions?

b) used for introducing information that you think someone needs to know in order to understand the story that you are telling

He was 20 when he moved to the city. Now, you have to remember that was 30 years ago.

8) spoken used when pausing used when you pause before deciding what to say next

Now, let me think.

•

any day/moment etc now — very soon

I'm expecting the package any day now.

He'll be coming home any minute now.

(every) now and then/again — sometimes, but not regularly or often

Now and then I receive letters from my former students.

She comes to London every now and again.

now ... now — literary used for saying that someone or something does one thing and then does something different, especially while they are doing something else

She was reading the report carefully, now smiling, now frowning.

what is it now? — spoken used for asking someone what they want after they have already asked you about other things. This expression shows that you are getting annoyed

What is it now? I'm trying to work.

- it's now or never

- just now

- now for

- now now

- now you tell me