now

USAGE SUMMARY

"now" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when stressing the importance of a current action or event. For example: "Now is the time to act if we want to make a change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Now," he said.

The New York Times

Go now.

The New York Times

Now he is back.

The New York Times

But why now?

The New York Times

I now regret it completely.

The New York Times

Now I love it".

The New York Times - Sports

And now?

The New York Times - Sports

Not so now.

The New York Times - Arts

"The British government is working with others in the world to bring peace to Gaza and we do now have a tentative ceasefire which we all hope will hold".

The Guardian

I believe that we have now obtained the balance between what in an ideal world we would like to do and what we can afford to do".

The Guardian

And now it's about giving something back".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "now" to signal a shift in narration or a change in circumstance.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "now" in formal essays or reports. It can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Instead, vary your sentence structure using phrases like "currently" or "at present".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "now" is as an adverb of time, indicating the present moment or a specific point in time. Ludwig's examples show its role in setting the temporal context within sentences. It can also function as a conjunction, introducing a clause with a sense of causality or reason.

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, "now" is a versatile adverb and conjunction that signifies the present time or a change in circumstance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The analysis of example sentences shows that "now" is very common, particularly in News & Media contexts, emphasizing immediacy or signaling transitions. When writing, use "now" to emphasize present actions but avoid overuse in formal settings to maintain sophistication. Alternatives such as "at present" or "immediately" can provide variety. With a high expert rating and frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, "now" remains a crucial element in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

right now

Reinforces the immediacy of the action.

at this moment

Emphasizes the specific point in time.

at present

Highlights the current state or situation.

currently

Focuses on the ongoing nature of an event or activity.

immediately

Stresses the urgency and lack of delay.

in this instance

Highlights a specific occasion or case.

at this stage

Indicates a particular point in a process or development.

in the present day

Emphasizes the contemporary period.

in today's climate

Highlights aspects of the current situation.

at this juncture

Formal way of indicating a significant point in time.

FAQs

How can I use "now" in a sentence?

"Now" can be used to indicate the present time, a change from the past, or to emphasize urgency. For example, "I am ready "now"" shows a present state, while "Now, listen carefully!" stresses immediacy.

What are some alternatives to the word "now"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "immediately", "at present", "currently", or "right now".

Is it correct to start a sentence with "now"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "now", especially to indicate a transition or emphasize a point. For example: "Now, consider this alternative approach."

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

"Now" refers to the present time, while "then" refers to a specific time in the past or future. For example: "I am happy "now", but I was sad then."