around now

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around now" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to refer to a point of time or period that is close to the time of speaking or writing. For example, "I've been feeling under the weather around now".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's still around now.

The New Yorker

And it starts around now.

The New York Times

"I'm turning around now," I said.

The New York Times

She usually does it around now.

The New Yorker

MVP! MVP!" sometime around now.

The Guardian - Sport

People who are around now.

The Guardian

Dalton is flapping around now.

The Guardian - Sport

There's so much disinformation going around now.

The New York Times

You cannot turn the story around now.

The Guardian

I'm probably easier to be around now.

The Guardian - Music

No real bock beer around now.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to express more precision, replace "around now" with specific time references, such as "at 3 PM today".

Common error

Avoid using "around now" when referring to past events. This phrase is specific to the present or near future. For past events, use phrases like "at that time" or "back then".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around now" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating a time frame close to the present. Ludwig confirms its acceptability and common usage. It specifies the approximate timing of an action or event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "around now" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to reference the present time frame. As confirmed by Ludwig, its primary function is to act as an adverbial phrase, setting a temporal context. Predominantly found in journalistic content from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, its register remains neutral, making it suitable for various communication styles, excluding very formal or scientific contexts. To enhance clarity, replace "around now" with more precise time references when necessary. Ludwig's examples demonstrate the versatility and correctness of this phrase in modern English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

right now

Emphasizes immediacy and the exact current moment.

at the moment

Similar to "right now" but slightly less urgent.

currently

A direct synonym indicating the present time.

at this time

Emphasizes the current moment with a slightly more formal tone.

at present

Implies the current period, suitable for formal contexts.

these days

Refers to the present time period, more informal.

in this period

More specific about a defined duration in the present.

in recent times

Refers to a period leading up to the present.

in the present day

Highlights the current era, somewhat more emphatic.

in today's world

Highlights relevance to current global circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "around now" to refer to something happening close to the present time. For example, "The meeting should be starting "around now"."

What can I say instead of "around now"?

You can use alternatives like "currently", "at present", or "right now" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to use "around now" or "at this time"?

"At this time" is generally considered more formal than "around now". Use "at this time" in professional or official communications.

What's the difference between "around now" and "these days"?

"Around now" typically refers to something happening very close to the present, whereas "these days" refers to a more extended period in the present.