now is

USAGE SUMMARY

"now is" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the present moment, for example: "Now is the time to take action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tightening now is unwarranted.

The Economist

Now is that time.

The New York Times

Now is year ten.

The New York Times

Now is the time.

The New York Times

Now is their moment.

The New York Times

Now is fine.

The New York Times

Now is the worst.

The New York Times

It now is.

The Economist

"Now is that debatable?

The New York Times

Now is our chance.

The New York Times

Now is its chance.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing urgency, "now is" can be particularly effective. For instance, "Now is our chance" conveys a stronger sense of immediacy than "This is our chance."

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "now is" in close proximity. It can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "currently" or rephrasing to improve flow and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "now is" primarily functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting the subject to a descriptor or predicate nominative that defines the present state or time. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it is used to assert the current condition or opportunity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "now is" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to emphasize the present moment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent occurrence across varied sources, notably in news and media. While simple, it conveys immediacy and often calls for action. To avoid repetition, synonyms like "currently is" or "at present is" can be used. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for diverse communication styles, from formal reports to casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at this moment is

Replaces "now" with "at this moment", emphasizing the immediacy of the situation.

currently is

Substitutes "now" with "currently", focusing on the present ongoing state.

at present is

Uses "at present" instead of "now", giving a slightly more formal tone.

as it stands is

Replaces "now is" with a phrase that suggests the current situation or condition.

in the present is

Emphasizes the present timeframe more explicitly than "now is".

right now is

Adds emphasis to the immediacy of the situation with the addition of "right".

at this time is

Substitutes "now" with "at this time", offering a slightly more formal alternative.

things are currently

Shifts the focus to the state of affairs, replacing "now is" with a broader descriptor of the current situation.

as of now is

Specifies that the statement is true from the present moment forward.

the situation is presently

Changes the structure to focus on describing the situation, using "presently" to indicate the current time.

FAQs

How can I use "now is" in a sentence?

"Now is" is used to indicate the current moment or state. For example, "Now is the time to start planning your future."

What can I say instead of "now is"?

You can use alternatives like "currently is", "at present is", or "at this moment is" depending on the context.

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "now is". It's a common way to emphasize the present moment or situation.

What's the difference between "now is" and "currently is"?

"Now is" and "currently is" are quite similar, but "now is" can sometimes carry a stronger sense of immediacy or urgency, while "currently is" simply describes the present situation.