Until now

USAGE SUMMARY

'Until now' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been true up to this point in time but may be different in the future. For example, "We have been using the same process until now, but starting next week we will be trying out a new one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Until now," she said.

The New York Times

Until now, anyway.

The New York Times - Sports

Until now, almost nobody.

The Economist

Until now, of course.

BBC

Until now, no.

Independent

Until now, not much.

The Economist

Until now, though, neither has.

Independent

Until now I've "heard" everything.

The New York Times - Magazine

Until now, they have refused.

The New York Times

Until now, really".

The Guardian - Books

Until now, at least.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "until now" to introduce a contrast or change from a previous state or condition. It effectively highlights a shift in circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "until now" when referring to a continuous state with no expected change. It's best suited for situations where a new development is about to be introduced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "until now" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a time up to the present moment. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and can be used to introduce a change or contrast from the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "until now" functions as an adverbial phrase that signifies a transition or change occurring at the present moment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. It is used to mark a shift from a previous state, emphasizing that things are about to be different. Alternatives like "up to the present" or "hitherto" can be used, but "until now" maintains a neutral register suitable for most situations. To ensure accuracy, avoid using it in scenarios where a continuous state without change is implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Up to the present

Focuses on the duration leading to the current moment.

Up to this moment

Stresses the immediacy of the present.

Up until this point

Emphasizes a specific endpoint in time.

Hitherto

A more formal and somewhat archaic synonym.

To date

A more formal way of saying 'up to now'.

Heretofore

A formal synonym similar to "hitherto".

So far

Indicates a continuing process with potential for change.

Until this very day

Emphasizes the continuity leading to the present.

Previously

Highlights a contrast with the current situation.

As of late

Suggests a recent trend or change.

FAQs

How can I use "until now" in a sentence?

Use "until now" to indicate that something has been true or the case up to the present moment, but that this may change. For example, "We've always done it this way "until now"".

What are some alternatives to using "until now"?

You can use phrases like "up to the present", "hitherto", or "previously" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "until now" and "until then"?

"Until now" refers to the present moment, while "until then" refers to a specific point in the future. "Until then" implies waiting for a future event, whereas "until now" describes a change happening currently.

Can "until now" be used at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, "until now" can be placed at the beginning of a sentence to emphasize the shift in time or circumstance. For example, "Until now, we've only focused on local markets, but we're expanding internationally next year".