can now

USAGE SUMMARY

"can now" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about something that was previously not possible, but with a change of circumstances, it is now possible. For example: "With the new law passed, companies can now pay their workers on a bi-weekly basis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They can now relax.

The Economist

I can now.

Independent

You can now.

The New York Times - Sports

Suppliers can now be anywhere.

The Economist

"I can now inform you.

The New York Times

"I can now admit it.

The New York Times

I can now say.

Yale University

They can now file again.

The New York Times

"Because we can now.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That can now end.

The Washington Post

SpectrumSampler can now be parallelized.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can now" to clearly indicate a change in circumstances that has created a new possibility or ability. For example, "With the updated software, users "can now" access the feature."

Common error

Avoid using "can now" when the 'now' is already implied. For example, instead of "You "can now" submit your application online now", simply say "You "can now" submit your application online" or "You can submit your application online now."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can now" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating present possibility or capability. It signifies that an action or state is currently permissible or achievable, often due to a recent change or enabling circumstance. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

17%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can now" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to indicate present possibility or capability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it adheres to standard grammar rules and is widely used across various contexts, including news, academia, and wikis. The phrase is particularly useful for informing audiences about new opportunities arising from changed circumstances. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, overuse in redundant contexts should be avoided. Related phrases like "are now able to" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. In essence, "can now" is a clear and effective way to communicate current capabilities or permissions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are now able to

Emphasizes the ability or capacity to do something at the present time.

are currently in a position to

Highlights the present circumstances that enable a particular action.

are presently equipped to

Focuses on having the necessary tools or resources to accomplish something.

can at this point

Emphasizes a specific moment in time when something becomes possible.

are now permitted to

Highlights the granting of permission or authorization.

can from this moment forward

Stresses the beginning of a new opportunity or allowance.

can henceforth

A more formal way of indicating that something is now permissible or possible.

may now

Indicates permission or possibility in a more formal tone.

are now authorized to

Specifically highlights the granting of official authorization.

it is now within our power to

Emphasizes the control or capability to achieve something.

FAQs

How to use "can now" in a sentence?

"Can now" indicates that something is possible or permissible at the present time, often after a change or new development. For instance, "Students "can now access" the library's online resources from home".

What can I say instead of "can now"?

You can use alternatives like "are now able to", "are currently in a position to", or "are presently equipped to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can now" or "now can"?

"Can now" is the correct and standard English construction. "Now can" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts.

What's the difference between "can now" and "could now"?

"Can now" refers to a present possibility, while "could now" implies a conditional or past possibility. For example, "We "can now" proceed with the project" indicates current ability, whereas "We could now proceed if we had the funding" suggests a conditional possibility.