really now

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really now" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to express surprise, disbelief, or to prompt someone to reconsider what they have just said. Example: "You expect me to believe that you finished the project in one day? Really now?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Really now, evil?

The New York Times

"Really, now," he said.

The New York Times

It's really now".

The New York Times

I mean, really now".

The New York Times

"The time is really now".

The New York Times - Sports

IS IT really now or never?

The Economist

"It's just an ordeal, really, now.

The Guardian - Books

First, that's a really "now" blue, Tim.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's really now or never on Broadway.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Now" is really "now-then", and "then" is really "then-now".

SEP

"You can really now zoom in on single cells and watch the electrical activity emerging".

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "really now", as it can come across as sarcastic in some situations.

Common error

Avoid using "really now" excessively in formal or academic writing, as it can make your tone sound too informal or conversational. Opt for more direct and assertive phrasing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really now" primarily functions as an interjection or discourse marker. It's used to express surprise, disbelief, or to invite further explanation. As Ludwig highlights, it can also soften disagreement. Similar expressions such as "seriously" and "is that so" serve a similar purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

14%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "really now" is a common phrase used to express surprise, disbelief, or to prompt someone to reconsider a statement. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal settings. When writing, consider if a more direct or formal expression would better suit the context. Alternatives like "seriously" or "is that so" can convey similar meanings. This phrase is a useful tool for engaging in conversations, but use it judiciously to avoid sounding sarcastic or insincere.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seriously

A more direct and emphatic way to express disbelief or seek confirmation.

is that so

A more neutral and less confrontational way to express mild surprise or interest.

are you serious

A question that directly challenges the truthfulness or reasonableness of a statement.

you don't say

A slightly sarcastic or ironic way to express disbelief or feigned surprise.

how about that

Expressing mild surprise or interest in something that has been said or revealed.

I never

An abbreviated form of "I never would have thought", expressing surprise or disbelief.

well, well

Used to express surprise, recognition, or a sense of discovery.

do tell

An invitation to elaborate, often implying mild skepticism or amusement.

indeed

A formal and understated way to acknowledge something, sometimes with a hint of surprise.

fancy that

An expression of mild surprise or amusement, often used in British English.

FAQs

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

"Really now" is typically used as a response to something someone has said, expressing mild surprise or disbelief. For example: "You expect me to believe that? "Really now"?"

What does "really now" imply?

"Really now" implies a degree of skepticism or surprise. It suggests that you find something questionable or unexpected.

Are there more formal alternatives to "really now"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "is that so?", "indeed", or a simple expression of surprise like "I find that surprising".

When is it inappropriate to use "really now"?

Avoid using "really now" in situations where directness and clarity are paramount, such as in legal documents or formal presentations. It can also be inappropriate if it's used in a genuinely hostile or aggressive manner.