it was now

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it was now' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase can be used to refer to a specific point in time that has already passed. For example, you could write: "I realized how much I had changed since I first started my job as it was now two years later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was now February.

The New Yorker

It was now 11.

Cornell University

It was now a play.

The New York Times

It was now eleven o'clock.

The New Yorker

It was now six-thirty.

The New Yorker

It was now or never.

The New York Times

It was now, officially, torture.

The New York Times

It was now after midnight.

The New York Times

It was now 5 years.

The New Yorker

At least it was now.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was now August.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "it was now", ensure that the context clearly establishes the prior state or situation, making the temporal transition more impactful for your audience.

Common error

Ensure the reader understands the specific timeframe being referenced when you use "it was now". Without clear context, the phrase can lose its impact or create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was now" primarily functions as a temporal marker, indicating a specific point in time or a transition within a sequence of events. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, aligning with its function to signal a temporal shift in narratives and explanations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was now" functions as a temporal marker to indicate a specific point in time or transition within a narrative. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general suitability across various contexts. While the phrase is widely used, especially in news and media, it's important to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity. Consider more formal alternatives like "the time had come" in academic or scientific writing. Overall, "it was now" is a versatile phrase to denote a shift in time, but attention to context and register ensures its most effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the time had come

Emphasizes the arrival of a significant moment or opportunity.

the moment arrived

Highlights the specific point in time when something happened.

it had become

Focuses on the transformation or change into a new state.

the situation was

Shifts the focus to the state of affairs at a particular time.

at that point

Indicates a specific juncture in time or a sequence of events.

by that time

Highlights a deadline or a point of completion.

as of then

Formally marks the beginning of a new condition or arrangement.

the state was

Highlights condition of something at a given moment.

things were such that

Emphasizes that a specific circumstance led to the present situation.

as things stood

Highlights condition or a situation, setting stage for subsequent events.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was now" to sound more formal?

To achieve a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "the time had come", "at that juncture", or "by that point" depending on the specific context. These phrases offer a more elevated and sophisticated way to indicate a shift in time.

Is "it was now" always the best choice, or are there times to avoid it?

"It was now" is suitable for many contexts, but avoid it when a more precise temporal marker is needed. For example, use specific dates or times when accuracy is crucial. For less precise alternatives, consider phrases like "the time had come" or "at that point".

What's the difference between "it was now" and "it is now"?

"It was now" refers to a specific time in the past, indicating a past state or condition. In contrast, "it is now" refers to the present moment. The choice depends on whether you are describing a past event or a current situation.

Can "it was now" be used in scientific writing?

Yes, but sparingly. While grammatically correct, "it was now" may sound less precise than more formal language typically preferred in scientific writing. Consider alternatives that provide specific temporal markers or describe the progression of a process more explicitly.