now was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "now was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that has changed over time (i.e. time past versus time present). For example, "The building was old and run down, but now was bustling with activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Now" was cancelled.

The New York Times

But now was different.

The New Yorker

Now was this self-indulgence?

University of California, Berkeley

Now, was I missing something?

The New Yorker

The question now was, why?

Stanford University

Danger, for now, was averted.

The New York Times - Sports

The fuse now was lit.

The New York Times

"Now" was the telling word.

The New York Times - Sports

Now was up 3%.

The Guardian

Now was now.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now was the moment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "now was" to clearly indicate a change in circumstances or a transition from a previous state. This helps to create a sense of narrative flow and temporal awareness in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "now was" to describe something that has always been the case. This phrase is best suited for situations where a change or transformation has occurred. Instead, use a simple past tense verb to describe a static condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "now was" functions as a temporal marker, often introducing a clause that contrasts a present state with a previous one. It indicates a shift in circumstances, perspective, or time, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "now was" is a versatile temporal marker used to indicate a change or transition from a prior state. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, most commonly in news and media. The phrase functions to highlight contrasts and shifts in time, making it a valuable tool for creating narrative flow. When using "now was", ensure it accurately reflects a change and isn't used in static descriptions. Alternatives include "at that point" or "the time had come", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. With a strong presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, "now was" is a reliable and effective phrase for conveying temporal shifts in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was now

Rephrases the sentence structure to emphasize the present moment.

things were now

Emphasizes the state of affairs in the present.

the time had come

Emphasizes the arrival of a specific moment or opportunity.

the moment arrived

Highlights the occurrence of a particular point in time.

the present became

Focuses on the transition to the current state.

at this point

Indicates a specific stage in a sequence of events.

the situation changed

Highlights the alteration of circumstances at that time.

the opportunity presented itself

Focuses on the availability of a chance at that time.

the era began

Highlights the start of a new period.

the stage was set

Describes the preparation for an event at that time.

FAQs

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

The phrase "now was" is used to describe a situation at a specific point in the past, often highlighting a change or realization. For example, "The problem then was funding, but "now was" finding qualified personnel".

What are some alternatives to "now was"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "at that point", "at that moment", "by then", or "subsequently". These alternatives can provide a similar sense of time and change.

Is it always necessary to include "now" when describing a past situation?

No, the inclusion of "now" emphasizes a change or contrast from a previous state. If there's no such contrast, a simple past tense verb might suffice.

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

"Then was" refers to a situation at a specific time in the past, while "now was" usually indicates a shift or change from that earlier situation to a later point in the past. They serve as contrasting temporal markers.