but now

USAGE SUMMARY

"but now" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a contrast between the present situation and something occurring before. For example: "The room was dark, but now it is full of light."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But now he would.

The New Yorker

"But now I'm here".

The New York Times

But now we're here.

The New Yorker

But now, yes".

Independent

But now comes James.

The New York Times - Sports

But now (Art.

The New York Times

But now he's going.

Independent

But now?" He sighed.

The New Yorker

But now it's delayed.

The Economist

"But now I know".

The New York Times

But now I do.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but now" to clearly signal a change or contrast in time or situation. It's effective for highlighting how things have evolved.

Common error

Avoid using "but now" repeatedly in a short span. Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "but now" is to act as a conjunctive phrase, linking two contrasting ideas or situations. It highlights a shift or change between a past state and the present. This is supported by Ludwig's examples which consistently show this contrasting function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but now" is a grammatically correct and frequently used conjunctive phrase that serves to contrast a past state with the present. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase effectively signals a change or transition. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. While its function is straightforward, varying your sentence structure with synonyms such as "however, currently" can enhance writing quality. Using "but now" ensures clarity when highlighting shifts in time or circumstance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, currently

Replaces "but now" with a stronger emphasis on the present state while maintaining the contrast.

yet presently

Similar to "but now", with a slightly more formal tone.

nonetheless, at present

Emphasizes the contrast and the current situation.

even so, things have changed

Highlights the transformation that has occurred.

in contrast, today

Directly points out the difference compared to the past.

on the other hand, now

Presents a different perspective in the present time.

conversely, as it stands

Introduces an opposite situation in the current context.

by comparison, currently

Draws a comparison to emphasize the present situation.

that being said, today

Acknowledges a previous point but shifts focus to the present.

nevertheless, things are different

Acknowledges a previous state but emphasizes that the current state is altered.

FAQs

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

Use "but now" to contrast a past state or action with the present situation. For example, "I used to dislike coffee, but now I can't start my day without it."

What are some alternatives to "but now"?

You can use alternatives like "however currently", "yet presently", or "nonetheless at present" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to include a comma before "but now"?

Yes, a comma typically precedes "but" when it connects two independent clauses. For example, "I didn't like it before, but now I do."

What is the difference between "but now" and "but then"?

"But now" contrasts something with the present, while "but then" usually contrasts something with a past time. For example, "I'm happy now, but then I was miserable" (past) versus "I was miserable before, but now I'm happy" (present).