except now

USAGE SUMMARY

"except now" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation that is currently different than what was previously the case. For example: "We usually go out for dinner on Saturday nights, except now with the current restrictions in place, we are staying at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Well, except now.

The New York Times

Except now perhaps.

Independent

Except now they're movies".

The Guardian - Film

Except, now we're grownups.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Except now his master is different.

The New York Times

Except now he wants to sell it".

The New Yorker

Except now that has changed, too.

The New York Times

Except now make that 2020.

The Guardian

Except now, apparently, they're not.

The Guardian

Except now it's pronounced "Four".

The Guardian - Film

Except now it's coming back.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "except now" to introduce a contrast or shift in circumstances, ensuring it logically follows the previous statement and clarifies the new situation.

Common error

Avoid using "except now" if there isn't a clear preceding statement that it's contrasting. Make sure the previous context is well-established for the phrase to be effective.

Linguistic Context

"Except now" functions as a conjunction phrase, typically used to introduce a contrasting element or a shift in the narrative. As Ludwig examples show, it connects a previous statement with a new, often unexpected, development. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "except now" is a common and grammatically sound conjunction phrase used to introduce a contrast or shift in circumstances. As Ludwig examples from various News & Media sources illustrate, it serves to update the listener or reader on a current deviation from a previously understood situation. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. When using "except now", ensure there's a clear preceding statement to provide context for the contrast. Alternatives like ""but now"" or ""however now"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Its frequency and authoritative sources contribute to its reliability in written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but now

Emphasizes a contrast with the current situation.

however, now

Adds a degree of formality and explicit contrast.

yet now

Highlights a surprising change in circumstances.

as of now

Focuses on the current moment as the point of change.

in the present

Formal alternative emphasizing the current timeframe.

currently

Simple and direct way to indicate the present state.

at this point

Highlights a specific moment where a change occurs.

things are different now

Expresses a more significant shift in circumstances.

the situation has changed

General statement about altered circumstances.

nowadays

Implies a change over a longer period, leading to the present.

FAQs

How to use "except now" in a sentence?

Use "except now" to introduce a contrasting element or a change in circumstances to a previously stated fact. For example, "I used to enjoy going to the movies, "except now" it's too expensive".

What can I say instead of "except now"?

You can use alternatives like "but now", "however now", or "as of now" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "except now" and "except then"?

"Except now" refers to a contrast with the current situation, while "except then" refers to a contrast with a past situation. The choice depends on whether you are contrasting with the present or the past.

Is "except now" grammatically correct?

Yes, "except now" is grammatically correct and commonly used to introduce a change or contrast with a previous statement. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.