now

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/naʊ/
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At the present time or beginning at this moment.
Practice using now in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • You can go now.
  • We have to leave now.
  • And now the bus is late!
  • He can read without help now.
  • She was afraid at first, but she's calm now.

Similar words

again
since
at this point
well
because
by this time
right away
at present
currently
immediately

Meanings

At the present time

adverb
time
neutral
At the time of speaking or writing.

Examples

  • I live in London now.
  • Are you busy now?
  • She is working now.
  • We don't need it now.
  • It's raining now.

Similar words

at present
currently

From this moment

adverb
time
neutral
Beginning at this moment or very soon after it.

Examples

  • The film starts now.
  • We have to leave now.
  • Do it now, please.
  • You can go now.
  • From now on, I'll walk to school.

Similar words

immediately
right away

At this stage

adverb
time
neutral
At this point in a developing situation, after a change.

Examples

  • She was afraid at first, but she's calm now.
  • I understand the question now.
  • The shop is closed now.
  • We know the answer now.
  • He can read without help now.

Similar words

by this time
at this point

Drawing attention

adverb
conversation
neutral
Used to introduce a new point or ask someone to pay attention.

Examples

  • Now, listen carefully.
  • Now, where were we?
  • Now, let's look at the map.
  • Now, I have one more question.
  • Now, please open your books.

Similar words

well

Impatience or surprise

adverb
conversation
informal
Used to show impatience, mild annoyance, or surprise about what is happening.

Examples

  • What do you want now?
  • Oh, what happened now?
  • Who is calling now?
  • And now the bus is late!
  • What are they asking for now?

Similar words

again

Because things have changed

conjunction
time
neutral
Used with 'that' to explain a situation made possible by something that has happened.

Examples

  • Now that you're here, we can start.
  • Now that it's stopped raining, let's go out.
  • We can eat now that Dad is home.
  • Now that I know her name, I can write to her.
  • Now that school is over, the children can play.

Similar words

since
because

Etymology

From Old English nū, related to Dutch nu and German nun.

FAQ

What does now mean?

Usually, at the present time.

Can now mean immediately?

Yes. 'Leave now' means leave without waiting.

What does 'from now on' mean?

Starting at this moment and continuing afterward.

Why do speakers begin with now?

It draws attention to a new point.

Can now sound annoyed?

Yes. 'What do you want now?' can show impatience.

What does 'now that' mean?

It introduces a reason based on something that has happened.

Comments & contributions

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