but now when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but now when" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
For example, "I used to think that way, but now when I look back, I realize I was wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"But now when he cries, you hear the sorrow".

The New York Times

But now, when he saw me following, he stopped.

The New Yorker

But now, when Lin calls out for her — "Gin?

The New Yorker

But now when I throw them I am screaming.

The New Yorker

"But now, when it happens now, it's just overwhelming.

The Guardian

But now, when I go to my Facebook profile, I see myself again.

The New York Times

But now when it comes time to pay, everyone rushes to the bathroom".

The New York Times

But now, when I visit college classes, the women seem just as assertive as the men.

The New York Times

But now when he looks into a toilet, he calls: "Hey, my brother, he's down there.

The New York Times - Health

But now, when I feel I have something to say, no one wants to hear it.

The New Yorker

But now? "When I look back at the pictures, I wish I'd worn the first dress longer," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but now when" to clearly contrast a past situation with a present one, especially when describing a change in perspective or circumstances.

Common error

Be mindful not to use "but now when" in contexts where the "but" is unnecessary. Ensure the sentence genuinely benefits from the contrast it provides; otherwise, consider a simpler construction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but now when" acts as a temporal conjunction, linking two contrasting situations, one in the past and one in the present. As Ludwig indicates, it's a usable part of sentence construction, typically found to introduce a shift or change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but now when" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to contrast past and present situations. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correct usage, frequently appearing in news and media contexts. While versatile, consider alternatives for formal writing to enhance clarity or avoid potential redundancy. When using the phrase, ensure it effectively highlights a genuine shift or change to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however now when

Replaces "but" with "however", emphasizing contrast.

yet now when

Substitutes "but" with "yet", maintaining a sense of contrast and transition.

though now when

Uses "though" instead of "but", presenting a concession before the main clause.

now that when

Changes the conjunction to "now that", indicating a condition based on the current situation.

at this point when

Replaces "but now" with "at this point", highlighting a specific moment in time.

in the current situation when

Elaborates on "but now" to specify the present conditions influencing the following action.

in today's climate when

Specifies the current environment affecting the subsequent event.

under these circumstances when

Rephrases to emphasize the existing conditions.

given the current scenario when

Similar to "under these circumstances", providing more emphasis.

as things stand when

Indicates the current state of affairs influencing the following action.

FAQs

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

Use "but now when" to show a contrast between a past situation and the present. For example, "I used to dislike coffee, "but now when" I'm tired, it's my go-to drink."

What phrases are similar to "but now when"?

Similar phrases include "however now when", "yet now when", or "though now when", all indicating a contrast between past and present circumstances.

Is "but now when" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "but now when" may sometimes sound less formal. Consider alternatives like "however, currently when" or "yet, in the present situation when" for a more formal tone depending on the context.

Can I start a sentence with "but now when"?

Starting a sentence with "but now when" is grammatically correct, but can occasionally sound awkward. Ensure that the preceding context is clear and that the contrast is effectively highlighted, or revise for better flow.