now
1
at this moment or time
- I am cooking dinner now, but we can watch a movie after dinner.
- Keep it quiet, the children are sleeping now.
- My mom is shopping at the grocery store now.
- She is taking a shower now to freshen up after a long day.
- We are cleaning the house now, we have a party tonight.
2
immediately, without any delay
- You need to leave now if you want to catch the train.
- Call the doctor now; it’s an emergency.
- Now, we must make a decision before it's too late.
- Start the project now to meet the deadline.
- Come here now, and I'll show you how it’s done.
3
in light of the present situation or conditions
- Now I realize what you were trying to tell me.
- It is now clear that the proposal requires significant changes.
- Now, without their star player, the team will have to adjust its strategy.
- It is now evident that the original approach was flawed.
- Now I know why you were so excited yesterday.
Synonyms:
4
used to signal a shift in conversation or activity, introducing a new direction or focus
- Now, let’s talk about the upcoming event.
- We turn our attention to the financial report now.
- Now, onto the second item on our agenda.
- I want to focus on how we can improve team communication now.
- Now, let’s examine the next chapter in the book.
Synonyms:
5
used to pause or signal hesitation, often when considering something before responding or acting
- Let me think about that for a moment now.
- Should we proceed with the plan, now, or reconsider it?
- Now, I’m not sure if that’s the best idea.
- Let’s see now if we can come up with a solution.
- Now, if you ask me, I would suggest a different approach.
6
used to highlight a question, request, command, or instruction with urgency
- Now, tell me exactly what happened during the meeting.
- Now, listen carefully to the instructions before proceeding.
- Now, don’t forget to submit the report by the end of the day.
- Now, be sure to lock the door before you leave.
- Now, could you pass me the papers?
7
used at the end of a question to express surprise, doubt, or irony
- He finished the project on time, huh?Did he now?
- She thinks she can sing better than anyone in the class, really?Can she now?
- John says he’s never been to Paris.Has he now?
- The store is closing down soon, apparently.Is it now?
- Tom’s convinced he can beat me at chess.Does he now?
8
used to indicate something happening intermittently or alternately
- Now one player is leading, now another, keeping the game exciting.
- She was, now calm and composed, now filled with excitement.
- The weather changes quickly here: now sunny, now rainy, and sometimes even snowy.
- He was, now cheerful, now introspective, as if his moods kept shifting.
- Their opinions varied, now agreeing, now debating, depending on the topic.