now going on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "now going on" is not correct in standard written English.
It is often used informally to indicate that something is currently happening or in progress. Example: "The meeting is now going on, so please take your seats quietly."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The process of Africanization is now going on in Tanganyika.

The New Yorker

But the rhino carnage now going on is different; in its scale, it is something quite new.

Independent

"The idea was to prevent what's now going on on this smaller property," Mr. Kwartler said.

The New York Times

Same old Tory values! some stabbing now going on!

BBC

We're now going on day six of basically living under siege.

Forbes

"I think that you could actually save money by eliminating the duplication now going on," Johnson observed.

Science Magazine

"Social marketing of contraceptives is now going on in 60 or 70 countries.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Now go on, give us one of your big numbers.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Why not mark everything as read right now? Go on!

BBC

Pull the hose out from one end, the new hose can now go on.

WikiHow

Now go on with the story.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "now going on" in speech or informal writing, ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what is 'going on' to prevent misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "now going on" in academic papers, business reports, or official communications. Its informality can undermine the credibility of your writing. Instead, choose more precise and formal options.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "now going on" functions as a present continuous construction, indicating an action or event that is currently happening. However, it's considered non-standard in formal English. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use across diverse contexts, though it is advised to use a more appropriate alternative in certain situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "now going on" is a present continuous construction used to describe ongoing events. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it's not considered grammatically correct in standard written English. Although the phrase appears in various contexts, including news and media, it's generally recommended to use more formal alternatives like "currently in progress" or "taking place now" to maintain clarity and professionalism. When writing, carefully consider the context and audience to determine the most appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

currently in progress

Replaces "now going on" with a more formal and grammatically standard phrase indicating an ongoing action.

presently underway

Similar to "now going on" but uses a more sophisticated vocabulary to describe something happening now.

happening at the moment

Replaces the original phrase with a more explicit and straightforward expression of current activity.

taking place now

Offers a clear and simple alternative to indicate that an event is occurring in the present.

in full swing

Indicates that an activity is not only happening but is also at its peak or most active phase.

in progress

A shorter, more direct way to say that something is currently happening or being done.

unfolding now

Suggests that an event is developing or being revealed as it happens.

being carried out

Focuses on the execution or performance of an action that is currently taking place.

ongoing at present

Combines "ongoing" with "at present" to emphasize the continuous nature of the activity right now.

currently being done

Emphasizes the active and current state of something being performed or executed.

FAQs

What does "now going on" mean?

The phrase "now going on" typically indicates that something is currently happening or in progress. However, it is not considered standard English and may be better replaced with alternatives like "currently in progress" or "taking place now".

How can I use "now going on" in a sentence?

While not grammatically ideal, "now going on" can be used informally to describe something happening at the moment. For example, "The discussion is now going on." However, consider using "currently underway" for a more polished sentence.

Which is correct, "now going on" or "currently going on"?

"Currently going on" is slightly more formal and acceptable than "now going on", though both are less preferred compared to phrases like "currently in progress" or "presently underway". The latter are more grammatically sound.

What are some formal alternatives to "now going on"?

For formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "currently in progress", "presently underway", or "taking place now". These options provide clarity and maintain a professional tone.