what about now

USAGE SUMMARY

"what about now" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to express feelings of uncertainty, surprise, or curiosity. For example, "We've been talking about this for hours! What about now?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

So what about now?

The New Yorker

And what about now.

The New Yorker

What about... now?

The New York Times

O.K. — that was then; what about now?

The New York Times

Diminished then, but what about now?

The New York Times - Books

"What about now that you're back?

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

What about Jack Kerouac now?

The Guardian - Books

But what about Haiti now?

The New Yorker

But what about right now before we delete anything?

Yale University

What about the Flyers now?

The New York Times

Say what about the home now?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what about now" to transition from a discussion of the past or future to the present moment, prompting a reassessment or update.

Common error

While "what about now" is versatile, it can sound too informal or conversational in formal documents. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "how does the matter stand currently" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what about now" functions as an interrogative phrase, prompting a shift in focus from a previous topic or time frame to the current situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what about now" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to shift focus to the present moment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in News & Media contexts. While versatile, its informality should be considered in formal settings. Alternatives like "how does the matter stand currently" may be more appropriate in those contexts. This phrase effectively prompts reassessment and encourages action based on current circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what's the status as of today

Seeks an update on the current status.

what's the situation now

Focuses more directly on the current state of affairs.

where do we stand today

Asks about the current position or status.

how are things currently

Inquires about the present condition or state.

how does it stand now

Inquires about the present condition in relation to a previous one.

given the current situation

Sets the stage for a question based on the existing scenario.

what is happening now

Emphasizes ongoing events or occurrences.

considering the current circumstances

Frames the question within the context of existing conditions.

what's the present outlook

Highlights a focus on forecasts or expectations.

in light of recent events

Highlights the impact of new developments.

FAQs

How can I use "what about now" in a sentence?

Use "what about now" to shift the focus to the present, like, "We discussed the plan for next year, but "what about now"? What actions should we take immediately?"

What's a more formal way to say "what about now"?

For a formal setting, consider alternatives such as "how does the matter stand currently?", "what is the current status?", or "considering the present circumstances" instead of "what about now".

Is "what about now" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "what about now" might sound too informal for academic writing. In such contexts, consider alternatives like "what is the current perspective?", or "what are the present implications?"

How does the meaning of "what about now" differ from "what about then"?

"What about now" refers to the present situation, while "what about then" refers to a past situation. They both prompt consideration but at different points in time. "What about then" is asking to reflect at a moment in the past, while "what about now" requires a punctual, actual status.