now
noun
Definitions of now noun
- Uncountable
the current moment or period of time.
This isn't the right moment to discuss it with him.
I had expected you to have finished by this point.
You should have brought that up earlier than now.
Phrases of now noun
- from now on
Starting from this moment and continuing indefinitely into the future.
• From now on, I will study harder.
adverb
Definitions of now adverb
time
- A1
at the current time; not in the past or future.
She was a teacher in the past, but she is working in publishing now.
I might want to eat something later, but I am not hungry at the moment.
These days, most people own a smartphone.
- A2
without any delay; immediately.
I don't want to wait until tomorrow; I want it immediately!
I need you to start working now.
- B2
from a specific time in the past until the present.
She has been a vegetarian for ten years up until now.
I have been working here since then, and still now.
used to indicate a new situation or event in a story or account of past events.
It was getting dark, and we were all tired by then.
Their relationship was starting to worsen now as time passed.
used to describe a situation that results from something someone has just said or done.
Oh, yes, now I understand who you are referring to.
Now that's the case, we must come up with a solution.
speech
used in statements and questions to introduce what you are about to say or to emphasize it.
Now, where did I put my hat?
There was a knock on the door. Now, Jan knew her mother had said she would visit, so she assumed it was her.
Hurry up, now, or you'll miss your bus!
Phrases of now adverb
- now for ...
used to introduce the next topic or subject to be discussed
• Now for our marketing strategy for next quarter.
- any minute/moment/second/time now
Very soon; at any moment.
• We expect him to arrive any minute now.
conjunction
Phrases of now conjunction
- now (that)...
This phrase is used to introduce an explanation or a reason for a new situation.
• Now that I have a car, I don't get as much exercise as I used to.
Idioms
- now then
Used to get someone's attention, often before asking a question or making a suggestion.
• Now then, shouldn't we start discussing the budget?
- It's now or never
This phrase is used to indicate that an action must be taken immediately, especially because there will not be another opportunity.
• I have to decide whether to accept this job now; it's now or never.
- Now you're talking
Used to express approval or encouragement when someone makes a suggestion or offer that is a significant improvement over a previous one.
• "We should increase the budget by twenty percent." "Now you're talking, that's a great idea."
- now, now
Used to comfort someone who is upset or to gently warn someone to stop doing something.
• Now, now, stop complaining, let's work together to find a solution.
- it's now or never
This phrase is used to indicate that an action must be taken immediately, especially because there will not be another opportunity.
• The company is offering a limited-time discount; if you don't buy now, you'll miss out—it's really 'now or never'.
- (every) now and then/again
Occurring or appearing from time to time; not frequently.
• They go to concerts together every now and then.
- now you're talking
This phrase is used to express approval or agreement when someone has made a suggestion or offer that is considered better than a previous one.
• "We should double the budget." "Now you're talking! That's the way to solve the problem."