now1 adverbnow2 conjunction
nownow1 /naʊ/ ●●● S1 W1 adverb 
WORD ORIGINnow1
Origin:
Old English nuEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "I just went to see Jim." "So, now do you see why I'm worried about him?"
- Now who was Kathleen married to?
- Now, how many people want cake?
- Call me when you get home from school - don't forget now!
- Come on, Dave, if we don't leave now we'll be late.
- Don't cry, now, it'll be all right.
- From now on, the U.S. government will rely on a new method to measure economic growth.
- He used to coach high school basketball but now he's a realtor.
- If I'd been there, now, I would've made sure it got done right.
- It's not raining now, but they said it might rain later.
- Julie has moved to a new school and she's much happier now.
- Let's see, now, he would have been about seven then?
- Okay, now, watch me.
- Okay, now, who's next?
- Seattle is now one of the computer industry's major centers.
- Students are to be in their seats by 8:00 from now on.
- Time's up - stop writing now.
- We used to be good friends but I don't see very much of her now.
- Every manner of artistic expression, every experiment, however imaginative, however preposterous or outrageous, was now permissible.
- Item 9: is a rare brooch, I have never seen so complete a version until now.
- Right now we do not know the extent of that problem.
- The brewer must now extract these sugars by adding more hot water and so transfers the mash to a mash-tun.
- The mule may now devote all its attention to thwarting the farmer.
- The original owners could not sustain the necessary level of investment so the company has now been sold.
- This is how weightless I feel right now.
THESAURUS
at this time: · Where are you living now?· The population is much larger now than it used to be.
formal now – used when describing what a situation is like: · The firm currently employs 113 people.· Currently, the starting salary is around £20,000.
now – used when talking about a short period of time, after which the situation is likely to change: · I think she’s at lunch at the moment – can I ask her to call you back?· At the moment I’m working in a restaurant, but I’m hoping to go to college.
formal (also presently American English) now – used when you do not expect something that is true now to be permanent: · Many areas are inaccessible at present due to heavy snow.· The official currency is the crown, presently about 30 to the dollar.
now – used when a situation is likely to change, especially because an arrangement is only temporary: · You can stay here for the time being, until you find a flat.
Longman Language Activatornow, at this time at this moment or at this time: · If we leave now we'll be there before dark.· It's not raining now, but they said it might rain later.· He used to coach high school basketball but now he's a realtor.from now on (=starting from now): · Students are to be in their seats by 8:00 from now on.· From now on, the U.S. government will rely on a new method to measure economic growth.
if something is already happening or already true, it began to happen or be true before now: · He's only three and he's already reading.· "Should I tell Kay?" "She already knows."· The show has already started.· Don't buy any more toys for the kids -- they've got plenty already.· Was the apartment empty when you moved in or was it already furnished?
now - use this when you are describing what the situation is at this time: · The firm currently employs 113 people.· Currently, the most a senior nurse can earn is £16,000.· Ms. Kelly is currently assisting another customer. May I help you?
now - use this especially to say that something is happening now but you do not expect it to continue for a long time: · I'm working in a restaurant at the moment.· Miss Hellman is away from her desk at the moment - can I have her call you back?· The official currency is the crown, presently about 30 to the dollar.
formal if something is true at present or at the present time , it is true now but you do not expect it to be permanent: · The money available for public libraries will be less in future than at present.· We do not envisage any changes in the tax structure at the present time.
spoken at this moment or at this time: · I need a new car but right now I can't afford one.· She's in Amsterdam right now but she should be in Paris by tomorrow night.
British spoken at this exact moment - use this especially to say that you cannot do something immediately: · Sorry, I'm busy just now - can I call you later?
American at this particular time: · I have no further questions at this time, your honor.· "Do you have any health insurance?" "Not at this time."at this time of day/night/year etc: · What are you doing out at this time of night?· Gas prices always go up at this time of year.
now, not in the past use this when you are comparing the present situation with what happened in the past: · We used to be good friends but I don't see very much of her now.· Julie has moved to a new school and she's much happier now.
use this when you are describing how life is different now from the way it was in the past. These days is more common in spoken English: · It seems you're not allowed to smoke anywhere nowadays.· Children can't play in the street these days - the traffic's too bad.· Nowadays, you hardly ever seen anyone wearing a tie to work.
at the present time, especially when compared with the past: · Today, only a few of these beautiful animals survive.· Couples today are much more likely to marry in their 30s.· The cost to install solar panels has dropped from $20 a watt in 1980 to as little as $5 today.
use this to show that you are surprised and shocked that something still happens now: · It's not right, in this day and age, that people all over the world are still starving.· It's amazing that you can still find a house for under $100,000 in this day and age.
until now until now - use this when you are talking about a situation that will continue or develop after this time: · There haven't been any problems so far.· This is the hottest day we've had so far this summer.· We've raised twelve thousand dollars so far, and we expect to reach our goal by the end of next week.
use this to say that a situation which started in the past continues to exist now, especially when this is surprising: · He's been studying French for five years, and still can't speak the language.· Are you still going out with that guy you met at Heather's party?
use this in questions or negative statements, to talk or ask about things that you expected to happen before now: · Has the new washing machine arrived yet?· I haven't been to the new exhibit yet, but I hope to this weekend.· "Have you finished your homework?" "Not yet."
use this about a situation which has existed until now, but which has started to change or will change in the future: · He hasn't gotten much time off from work up to now, so he's really looking forward to his vacation.· Until now, there has been no effective treatment for this disease.
from a time in the past until modern times: · These two companies have dominated the industry from the end of World War II until the present day.· The beauty of Yosemite has inspired artists from Bierstadt's time right up to the present day.
existing, happening, or relating to now the present situation is the one that exists now; your present job, address etc is the one that you have now: · Arnaud lived in Los Angeles before moving to his present home in New York.· He warned that the present situation could get much worse.
use this about things or situations that exist now, when you think they may be changed in the future: · The existing building is too small, and there are plans to replace it within the next five years.· Many people feel that the existing law discriminates against women.
use this about a situation or activity which is happening now, but which is not expected to continue for a long time: · In the current economic situation, switching careers may not be such a good idea.· Coca-Cola's current advertising campaigncurrent level/rate/price: · The aim is to reduce current pollution levels in the Black Sea.· According to one economist, at the current growth rate, China will have the largest economy in the world by 2030.
use this about social, economic, or political conditions and attitudes that exist now, when you are comparing them with those that existed in the past: · The first computers were extremely slow by today's standards.· The teenagers of today have a different attitude to sex.
a present-day situation, fact, idea etc is one that exists now rather than in the past: · Modern-day equipment has made mining much safer than it was.· There is no modern-day racing driver who could be compared with Fangio.· Prussia reached its zenith in 1795, encompassing most of northern Germany and present-day Poland.
belonging to the present time or most recent time and not to the past: · I don't like modern architecture at all.· The pyramids are a remarkable piece of engineering, even judged by modern standards.· The most compelling work in the modern British theater is being created in the smaller and non-profit theaters.
contemporary art, writing, thought, society etc is the type that exists, is accepted, or belongs to, the present time: · Contemporary Indian cinema has its roots in folk culture.· the declining importance of religion in contemporary societies
a story, subject, problem etc that is topical is interesting because it deals with something that is important at the moment: · It's an old story but it has a topical message.· In the 1970s, he recorded topical songs about Watergate and the Vietnam War.· The editor thinks that if an article isn't topical it isn't worth publishing.
someone who exists now and is a very similar type of person as someone who existed in the past: · Romer portrayed himself as a latter-day Robin Hood who took money and gave it to the underprivileged.
happening now, but likely to change for a short time, but not permanently - use this about a temporary arrangement or way of dealing with a situation: · Leave the groceries there for now - I'll put them away later.· For the time being he can stay here, but I want that dog out of here by the end of the week.
especially spoken use this to say that something is true or happening now, but may change soon: · For the moment the city seems quiet, but the fighting could start again at any time.· "How's your apartment?" "It's fine for the moment, but I'd rather live nearer town."· Assuming for the moment that you did get the job, where would you live?
American use this to say that something is true or happening now, but will probably change in the future: · As of now, there is no cure for multiple sclerosis.· My plan, as of now, is to graduate in May then start looking for a job in the fall.
formal · It is assumed, for the present, that the meeting will go ahead.· A reduction in interest rates seems highly unlikely for the present.
between now and some time in the future, for example until a situation changes: · Payday is not until next week, but if you need any money in the meanwhile, let me know.· You probably won't receive the contract until Thursday but I can fax you a copy in the meantime.meanwhile: · The flight will be announced soon. Meanwhile, please remain seated.
when something does not happen now use this to say that a situation that existed until recently does not exist now: · He no longer felt sure that he was right.+ adj: · The bridge had collapsed, and it was no longer possible to cross the river.
used when something has changed, especially suddenly: · Alex doesn't work here any more.· Do what you like. I don't care any more!· At one time doctors recommended red meat as part of a healthy diet but not any more.
use this to say that something happened in the past, but it does not happen now: · When I was younger I spent hours lying out in the sun but not now.· People used to respect teachers, but they don't now.
after a particular period of time has passed: after a week/several hours/a long time/a while etc after a period of time has passed: · After half an hour we got tired of waiting and went home.· At first I was very nervous, but after a while I began to feel more confident.after a week/a year etc of (doing) something: · The war ended after another six months of fighting.
: within a month/two weeks/a year etc less than a month etc after something happens, especially when this is an unusually short time: · He was bitten by a snake. Within three hours he was dead.· The fire alarm went off and within minutes the building had been cleared.within a month/a few days etc of doing something: · Within six years of joining the company he was Managing Director.within a short period/spaceBritish of time (= surprisingly quickly): · Within a short space of time, Gerry had managed to offend everyone in the group.
: in a minute/a few hours/a month etc a minute, a few hours after the present time: · She'll be here in a few minutes.· I'll see you again in a day or two.in an hour's time/a few minutes' etc time: · In a few weeks' time I'll be off to university.
: 24 hours/a week/six months/100 years from now at a future time 24 hours, six months etc from now: · A week from now we will be in Paris.· What do you think you'll be doing six months from now?· Four hundred years from now people will still be listening to Mozart .
starting to happen after now or after a particular time also from here on (out) American use this to talk about a new arrangement that is going to start now and then continue in the future: · You'll be working with me from now on.· From here on out I'll come to every meeting, I promise.· From now on Neil is responsible for publicity and marketing.
: from tomorrow/next week etc use this to say that a new rule or arrangement will start at a particular time and will continue from then: · As of the first of July, all back seat passengers must wear seat belts.· The new timetable will come into effect from January 2003.· Starting today Miss Carey will be in charge of the Sales Department.
after a particular time or date: · I'm busy right now. Could you come back sometime after 4 o'clock?· After 1800, more and more people worked in factories.just after (=a short time after): · If they left just after twelve, they should be here soon.
used when a situation starts to exist after something happens, especially if the situation is caused by what has happened: · He found out that I had lied to him, and after that he never trusted me again.· The company started a big new advertising campaign, and business really improved after that.· I'm going to help you for the first two weeks, but after that you'll be working on your own.
use this to talk about something that starts to happen at a time in the past or future, and continues from that time: · The latest sunrise of the winter is Friday; from then on, the dark winter mornings get brighter earlier .· He went to his first football game when he was four, and from then on he was crazy about it.
formal after that - used especially in written instructions, rules, or agreements: · The plants should be watered every day for the first week and twice a week thereafter.· On retirement each employee will receive a lump sum of £10,000 and a regular annual pension thereafter.
also gone British: past 3 o'clock/midnight etc use this when someone is late for something, or when something happens at a later time than it should happen or usually happens: · When we got home it was gone midnight.· We have to get you home. It's past your bedtime.
at a specific time in the future: an hour/10 years/2 weeks etc from now an hour, 10 years etc from the time when you are speaking: · The package should arrive a few days from now.· There may be no rainforest left 30 years from now.· A couple of months from now, you'll probably have forgotten all about him.
at a time in the future, that you have just mentioned: · I should be finished work by noon. Would you like to get together then?until then: · School starts in September, and until then I'll be staying with friends.· They're sending the results next week, so I won't know anything until then.by then: · Tell him he has two weeks to finish the job. If he's not finished by then, he's fired.
: 6 months/4 days/a week etc away/off if something that you know will happen is 6 months, 4 days, a week etc away or off , it will happen after 6 months, 4 days, a week etc have passed: · The next general elections are still two years away.· Mary was desperately looking forward to her retirement, which was less than a year off.· The wedding was more than a year away but she had already bought a dress for it.· The exams are still a few weeks off -- you've got plenty of time to prepare for them.
spoken say this when something will happen at a particular time in the future: · Come Monday, we'll be in our new house.· A mild winter is nice, but it means that come summer you're going to have a bug problem.
the time after now the time, especially a fairly long time, after now: · Ellen's finishing college soon but she doesn't really have any plans for the future.· As for the future, Tucker said she intends to take a well-deserved break before deciding what to do next.of the future (=that will exist in the future): · The car of the future may run on solar-powered batteries.
in the future - used especially when you know you will have problems or difficulties in the future: the day/week/months ahead: · David had his breakfast and thought about the day ahead.· Unemployment in the region is expected to grow in the months ahead.lie ahead: · The government faces some difficult decisions in the months which lie ahead.ahead of: · I know there are some big problems ahead of us, but I'm sure we can overcome them.
: generations/years/a long time to come for a long time in and affecting many people in the future: · In years to come, people will look back on the 20th century as a turning point in history.· Nuclear power stations will still be needed for a long time to come.
to not have happened yet but going to happen in the future, especially soon in the future: · The best is still to come -- there's chocolate ice cream for dessert.· The worst of the storm was still to come.
use this to say that something will always happen in the future, starting from now: · From now on, I'm not letting anyone borrow my car.· From now on, you kids will have to make your own lunch.· From now on, homeowners will have to get a city permit if they want to build an addition onto their homes.
British starting from now - use this especially to tell someone that they must do something starting from now: · In future, I expect you to be at work no later than 9.15.· In future, prisoners must serve at least half of their sentence before qualifying for any type of early release.
use this to talk about what will happen over a period from now until a long, short etc time in the future: · We don't know what will happen in the long term.· Aid to these countries is bound to run into billions of dollars in the long term.· Analysts say the reports could have a major impact on the stock market in the short term.
when something happened a short time ago · Sorry, she just left for home. Can I take a message?· The war had just ended, and the country's economy was in ruins.· You've had your hair cut, haven't you? I've just noticed.· I just heard the news! Congratulations!
especially British a very short time ago: · It's noon, and she's only just got up.· I've only just passed my driving test, so I'm still a little nervous.
also a moment ago especially British spoken a very short time ago - use this especially when a situation has changed: · She was here a minute ago.· There was a phone call for you a second ago, but I didn't know where you were.· What did I do with my glasses? I had them in my hand a moment ago.
also just this minute British spoken a very short time ago - use this especially when you are answering someone who is looking for someone else: · "Have you seen Carl?'' "I just this minute hung up on him.''· She just now left, so she should be home by six.· Didn't I just this minute tell you to tidy your room!· Sandy was on the Internet just now, that's why the phone was busy.
also hardly/scarcely British spoken use this to say that something had just happened when something else happened: · I had scarcely opened the door when the dog came running in.· She had barely slept 10 minutes before she was woken up again.· The class had barely started when the fire bell rang.· Hardly had King finished speaking when a shot was fired by someone in the crowd.
at a later time not now, or not at the time you are talking about, but some time after this: · Sorry, I'm busy right now - I'll speak to you later.· We heard later that he had gone back to Japan.a month/two weeks/three years etc later: · She became ill in 1993, and died two years later.much later (=a long time after that time): · I didn't find out the truth until much later.later that day/month/year etc: · Later that afternoon, Anna came to see me.later in the day/month/year etc: · We are developing a training course to run later in the year.
at a later time during the same period or activity: · Label the pipes you will be working on to avoid confusion later on.· Later on, I'll be interviewing the Prime Minister, but first here is a summary of the news.
use this to say how far ahead in the future something will happen: in a minute/24 hours/a week etc: · I'll be back in a couple of days.· The doctor would like to see you again in two weeks.in an hour's time/a few minutes' time etc: · Just think, in a few hours' time we'll be in Seattle.
: 24 hours/a week/100 years etc from now 24 hours, a week etc after this time: · Three weeks from now the exams will be over.· A hundred years from now there may be no rainforest left.
use this to talk about something that happened in the past, and to say how much later than a particular time or point it happened: after two days/a week etc: · After a few minutes, she fell asleep.· After ten days, their supplies of water were running low.after a while/a bit (=after some time): · After a while, we got tired of waiting and went home.
formal after the time or event that you are talking about: · The decision was subsequently reversed on appeal.· He was savagely attacked and sustained severe injuries from which he subsequently died.
not regularly sometimes, but not very often and not regularly: · I only smoke every now and then, at a party or when we go out to eat.· Every so often the silence was broken by the sound of gunfire.
if you do something on and off or off and on during a long period, you do it for short periods but not regularly: · I've been trying to learn Spanish on and off for the past five years.· "Are you still going out with Bill?" "Off and on."
repeatedly starting and stopping, but not regularly and never for more than a short time: · Unfortunately our research has only continued in fits and starts.advance/grow/progress etc in fits and starts: · The disease progressed in fits and starts for at least two decades.· American military technology has advanced by fits and starts.
happening repeatedly but not continuously: · There will be intermittent thunderstorms throughout the day.· After two days of intermittent fighting, order was finally restored.
happening repeatedly over a fairly long time but not regularly and only for short periods within that time: · Our advertising campaigns have been too sporadic to have had a lot of success.· Since then he has been on sporadic drinking binges.sporadic fighting/violence/shots/outbreaks etc: · There was rioting and sporadic fighting in the city as rival gangs clashed.· sporadic outbreaks of disease
if something happens in waves , a short period of activity is followed by a pause, and then there is another short period of activity and another pause, and it continues in this way: · The recruitment of new staff has been proceeding in waves.· Pain and nausea swept over him in waves.
sometimes on some occasions, but not always: · Sometimes I drive to work and sometimes I walk.· Traffic noise is sometimes a problem.· The journey takes about an hour, sometimes even longer.· Injuries of this type sometimes take a long time to heal.
use this to talk about something that only happens a few times, and does not happen often: · Occasionally we go out to restaurants, but mostly we eat at home.· Kay's moods sometimes made life difficult, and occasionally impossible.very occasionally (=not at all often): · He lives in Australia now, so we only see him very occasionally.
at fairly regular periods but not often: · Every so often, Frank looked up at me and smiled.· The silence was broken every so often by the sound of guns in the distance.
sometimes but not at all often: · It would be nice if we could see each other once in a while.· Teaching art can be fairly dull, but once in a while I come across a talent that really excites me.every once in a while (=fairly rarely): · Every once in a while he disappears for days on end.
if something happens at times , it happens on particular occasions but it is not normal or typical of what usually happens: · In a job like this, you're bound to feel a little stressed at times.· At times even the most talented athletes lose their motivation.
use this to talk about something that sometimes happens that is different from what happens most of the time: · I wear hats now and again, but they don't really suit me.· Now and then she would check on the baby sleeping in the next room.every now and again/every now and then: · Every now and again a passenger would pass through the carriage on the way to the bathroom.
sometimes, but not at all regularly and not very often: · This is the kind of problem that we all have from time to time.· From time to time a helicopter flew by, but mostly the sky remained clear.
especially spoken for short periods, but not continuously or regularly, over a long period of time: · We've been going out together for five years, off and on. · I worked in bars on and off for two years before I decided to go back to college.
for a limited time only · The library is temporarily closed for repairs.· Well, I suppose she can stay here temporarily, while she's looking for an apartment.
from now until a time in the future, especially when you do not know exactly when in the future: · For the moment, I'm quite happy in the job I'm doing.· Such popular programmes will go on being broadcast on Channel 3 - for now.· "The negotiations are continuing for the moment," a spokesman said.
for a short period of time from now, but not permanently: · For the time being, Mrs Gilman's classes will be taken by other teachers.· Although the government aims to encourage private enterprise, around one third of the economy will remain under state control, for the time being.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
There’s nothing I can do about this right now (=exactly now). Please try to be more careful from now on (=starting from now). the now-defunct nuclear reactor Let’s settle the matter here and now. If he left immediately, he’d catch the 7.30 train. I want to think about it. Can I leave it for now? You have two hours to complete the test, starting now.
There’s nothing I can do about this right now (=exactly now). Please try to be more careful from now on (=starting from now). especially British English (=at the present time) There are a lot of bargains in the shops just now.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES There are a lot of bargains in the shops just now. (=used to say that you will see or speak to someone again soon)
spoken (=you have the opportunity to do something now)· You’re not working so now’s your chance to write a book.
the now-defunct nuclear reactor Let’s settle the matter here and now. If he left immediately, he’d catch the 7.30 train. I want to think about it. Can I leave it for now? (=used for saying that you had not thought of something until someone else mentioned it)· I’ve never been to his house either, now that you mention it.
You have two hours to complete the test, starting now. (=used to tell a group of people to all say or do something at the same time) Right men. All together now ... push!
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSVERB Right men. All together now ... push!· This now looks powerful but Black can defend.· Earlier she had powdered her face so that it now looked smooth.· We now look forward to entertaining you this Summer at the Grand.· Now look down and to your right.· The pup must now look after itself.· We are now looking forward to doing the same in the online world.
· Start treating people fairly. Right now.· Well, buddy, censor those thoughts right now and start thinking about sleek, contemporary sportswear.· We want them to see how they are powerful people right now.· Jody is not thinking about Jess's problems right now.· These are tough times right now when it comes to work.
· This point may now seem obvious or even trite.· People who had been peers now seemed to avoid them.· The quivering net of light from the river seemed now to have set the whole room trembling.· The tracers coming at me now seemed as thick as raindrops.· It now seems that Britain's upturn started as long as a year ago.· The capitalism that now seems irresistible could, with just a few missteps, have vanished.· Some major companies now seem, however, capable of finding ways around the obstacles.· The centre-right candidate, Mr Fernando Collor now seems assured of the other place.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► now you’re talking► now’s the time (for somebody) to do something► what is it now?/now what?► now you tell me!► three weeks/two years etc now► (every) now and then/now and againPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► come, come/come now► now hear this!► now you’re talking
1at the present time at this time: - But any day now, his two agents should be arriving from Aden.
- For the black and white believers who gathered at Azusa Street, the answer was simple: any day now.
- His task force is set to deliver its report any day now.
- It should be 239-any minute now.
- The chip set is currently in pre-production; high volume production is due to begin any day now.
- The right guy would come along any minute now.
- They said they were sending along at once, so they should be here any minute now.
- This bloody border war could flare up any day now.
- But the gentleman will not take no for an answer, and even tried to push past me just now.
- Her own eyes were a muddy green, and just now they were spitting fire, like a little cat.
- I myself had started something of a relationship with her just now.
- Maybe the maids would have left some of the rooms open, if there was nobody staying in them just now.
- That betraying look in her eyes in the cloakroom just now must have told him he'd won again.
- The man, whose helping hand he had just now been the recipient of, was immediately behind him.
- When I was in Marcus just now he was normal.
- Now then, you'll be eighty-four in August - is that right?
- Back in you go for now then.
- Well now, do you agree or not?
- Buffalo is better now on offense than they have been.
- But things were much better now.
- Even though he could foresee the problem then, we can see it equally well now.
- He and I get along very well now.
- I know Steven's method of working very well now.
- Q: Your album is doing incredibly well now, and your career is on the upswing.
- The clients expect and understand that quite well now, because it's been happening for about two or three years.
- Um, yeah, yeah, I actually started getting kind of sick but I am feeling better now.
- Okay, now for the main point behind this meeting.
- And now, live from New York, it's "Saturday Night!"
- But open-bridging is a big business and now accounts for borrowing of about £430 million a year.
- It was once a farmhouse, and now the outbuildings are being converted into self-catering accommodation.
- Only one vine grew and now it has one squash, all of three inches in diameter, and about ten flowers.
- She became a pilot and now flies jumbo jets between Bali, Hawaii and Los Angeles.
- The alleged victim failed to appear in court, and now the case is on appeal in a federal court.
- These old men had taught us a lesson, and now the rest of us had to carry on.
- They had run out of % el and now drifted here and there with the tides.
- Unfortunately the label came detached from the image and now we don't know who painted it!
- It's now now; it's not then any more.
- Me, me, me, only thought about now now now.
- "Tell me a story." "Not now, Daddy's working."
- People used to respect teachers, but they don't now.
- When I was younger I spent hours lying out in the sun but not now.
- A man quite simply can not now father a baby unless his wife is fully and deliberately agreeable.
- And if not now, when?
- Before 1914, one could talk like that without sounding false or ridiculous, but not now.
- But not now and they don't understand.
- Groin kicks are not now allowed, so the old requirement of a narrow stance has relaxed somewhat.
- Ironically, that bookmaker, who traded from Easter Road, is not now active in the field.
- Milosevic could not now, after such a reverse, order such actions.
- Once the sound would have made her nervous, but not now.
- And now what about these phone calls?
- And now what is she doing?
- Fine, he was persuaded, and he was doing everything possible to achieve the goals. Now what?
- He knew now what he wanted.
- Heart disease, then major cardiac surgery and now what is being described as pneumonia have kept him from work.
- I could see now what it was about Barry that kept me standing there.
- Liam Murphy was now what could be called in any circumstances a rich man.
- Not the same at all now what's happened has happened.
- Twoflower, I thought, it's now or never.
- The eagle glided through the sky, now rising, now swooping.
- Come, Sarah, don't cry.
- A 500 rouble note would come into circulation in the near future.
- But there was no light in the eyes of the girl that came home to me that night.
- I got into Edinburgh and before I came up I took a year off and worked and travelled.
- Something out there asking to come in?
- The answers come from a variety of professionals who deal with human development and sexuality.
- The owners say they came up with the idea first.
- Watching him, Riven felt the return of bonhomie and contemplated touching Madra's hair next time she came round.
- When the company came back inside, their mood was entirely changed.
- Even now I find it hard to believe Brenda's story.
- Her only hope is an operation, but even then she may not get well.
- And, even then, Morris played footsie with prominent Republicans, such as Sen.
- Athletes are stronger now but he'd be strong even now.
- But even then we had entirely different ways of looking at things.
- I'd only been aware of one war in the past on television, though even then distantly.
- I can hear them even now, Harry, even as I try to concentrate on writing this letter.
- I have to quiz him about everything and even then he won't tell the whole truth.
- I knew even then that I inherited a history which defined who I was.
- It has fueled tension, misery and bloodshed even now after the Cold War has ended.
- A volcano erupts because a terrible creature is imprisoned in the mountain and every now and then struggles to get free.
- Although it would be nice to see some one apart from Strach get annoyed on the pitch every now and then.
- But every now and then some patient managed to break through the mental barrier erected by training, habit, and self-defence.
- Eventually she could play in the next room with you calling out to her or checking on her every now and then.
- He sort of slips the surly bonds of fact every now and then.
- I get right sick, every now and then, at the bad news.
- The answer is to drop back to conscious competence every now and again to check things out and eradicate the bad habits.
- The dailies would clock him every now and then, leaving his flat and cowering under a flash of camera light.
- You need to live in the here and now and stop worrying about the future.
- Attention is needed not only for the here and now but for planning the future.
- But Symington is never troubled by the here and now.
- By definition, they are concerned only with the here and now.
- He believed in the here and now.
- What had mattered was the here and now.
- What is important is the here and now.
- You feel guilty in the here and now about things that happened in the past which you can not correct.
- You worry in the here and now about things in the future which may never happen.
- "Have you seen Carl?'' "I just this minute hung up on him.''
- Didn't I just this minute tell you to tidy your room!
- He's in the shower just now.
- I'm not sure what show it is. I just now turned the TV on.
- Sandy was on the Internet just now, that's why the phone was busy.
- She just now left, so she should be home by six.
- Sorry, I'm busy just now - can I call you later?
- But the gentleman will not take no for an answer, and even tried to push past me just now.
- Her own eyes were a muddy green, and just now they were spitting fire, like a little cat.
- I myself had started something of a relationship with her just now.
- Maybe the maids would have left some of the rooms open, if there was nobody staying in them just now.
- That betraying look in her eyes in the cloakroom just now must have told him he'd won again.
- The man, whose helping hand he had just now been the recipient of, was immediately behind him.
- When I was in Marcus just now he was normal.
- Don't look now - here comes Kristen.
- And underneath it all was a sour feeling that at any minute the very pillars of life could collapse.
- At any minute Penumbra's killers could burst in here and carry you off.
- His clothes look as if they are re-tailored daily to accommodate any minute fluctuations in weight.
- I was expecting her any minute.
- Linda is due to arrive any minute.
- The police could arrive at any minute!
- The right guy would come along any minute now.
- They said they were sending along at once, so they should be here any minute now.
- Conquering your weight problem is probably the most important thing in your life right now.
- He's up there right now.
- I wonder what the rest of the 300, 000 Bay Area telecommuters are doing right now.
- It seemed at turns to be happening right now and ages ago.
- King is king of the fiction paperback bestseller list right now.
- Yet right now it is possible to raise the debt limit with a simple majority vote in both houses.
- As in any second language situation, the grammatical code which is relied on is the one which is already known.
- At any second, they would begin to breathe.
- He had been ready to go at any second.
- The barriers are so low you feel you could plunge off at any second.
- The casualties of the greatest battle in history would be as nothing, before the carnage that might start at any second.
- The room was unnaturally still about her, but the stillness might shatter at any second.
- They were both breathing fast, and Polly's legs threatened to give way at any second.
- We would be at the hot spot any second now.
- But now that she came to think of it she had never been out to any sort of meal with John.
- Come to think of it, Columbia wouldn't have been around if it hadn't been for the blues.
- Come to think of it, even Hillary Rodham Clinton could learn something from Alexander about how to invest her money.
- Come to think of it, he'd seemed rather a decent chap, some one it might be worth getting to know.
- Come to think of it, they might want to hang on to those packing crates.
- So did Mom, come to think of it.
- You never know, come to think of it.
- Any ray of light, emitted anywhere in the universe at any time, will arrive at the omega point.
- As a result, at any time, just the tips of the twigs of any evolutionary tree are on view.
- Electricity was in the air, because the Soviet troops could step in at any time.
- He told me to call him up, or better yet come by and visit his office any time.
- I never describe the bar, so I can use any bar any time without screwing up my contract.
- Like the shares of a listed company, investors can trade them at any time through a stockbroker.
- Mr Bacon was not there at any time.
- Those humans could be back any time.
- And now what about these phone calls?
- And now what is she doing?
- Fine, he was persuaded, and he was doing everything possible to achieve the goals. Now what?
- He knew now what he wanted.
- Heart disease, then major cardiac surgery and now what is being described as pneumonia have kept him from work.
- I could see now what it was about Barry that kept me standing there.
- Liam Murphy was now what could be called in any circumstances a rich man.
They now live in the city centre. There’s nothing I can do about this right now (=exactly now).by now Sonia should have been home by now. Do you think she’s OK?up to now/until now Until now, doctors have been able to do very little to treat this disease. Please try to be more careful from now on (=starting from now).for now (=for a short time) Just leave your shoes on the back porch for now.just now especially British English (=at the present time) There are a lot of bargains in the shops just now.2immediately immediately: The bell has rung – stop writing now. If we leave now, we’ll be there before dark.3realizing used when you know or understand something because of something you have just seen, just been told etc: Having met the rest of the family, she now saw where he got his temper from.4three weeks/two years etc now used to say how long ago something started: They’ve been going out together for a long time now. It’s been over five years now since I started working here. It’s now a month since we bought the car and it’s broken down three times already.5(every) now and then/now and again sometimes: I hear from him every now and then.SPOKEN PHRASES6a)used when getting someone’s attention before continuing what you are saying or changing the subject: Now, let’s move on to the question of payment. b)used at the beginning of a sentence when asking for information: Now, what did you say your name was? c)used when pausing when you are thinking what to say next: Now, let’s see, oh yes – they wanted to know what time you’ll be back on Friday. d)used to say that if the situation was different, something different would happen: Now if I’d been in charge there’s no way I’d have let them use the van. e)used to make someone calm, or comfort them when they are angry, upset etc: Come on now, don’t cry. f)used when telling or reminding someone to do something: Now hurry up! I haven’t got all day. Don’t forget now, you have a dental appointment Thursday afternoon.7any day/minute etc now very soon: The guests will arrive any minute now.8just now a moment ago: Was that you singing just now?9now then used to get someone’s attention before telling them to do something or asking them a question: Now then, what seems to be the problem here? Now then, try to sit up and have some of this soup.10well now used when giving an opinion or asking someone to tell you something: Well now, what’s all this I hear about you getting married?11now for something used when saying what you are going to do next: Thanks, Norma, and now for a look at tomorrow’s weather.12and now used when introducing the next activity, performer etc: And now, live from New York, it’s David Letterman!13now now a)used to make someone calm or comfort them when they are angry, upset etc: Now now, don’t worry. Everything will be okay. b)especially British English used when telling someone not to behave badly: Now now, leave your sister alone.14not now used to tell someone that you do not want to talk to them or do something now, because you are busy, tired etc: ‘Tell me a story.’ ‘Not now, Daddy’s working.’15now what? used when an attempt to do something has failed and you do not know what to do next: Kate tried each of the keys, but none of them fit. ‘Now what?’ she thought.16now you’re talking used to tell someone that you agree very much with what they are saying: ‘Feel like going out for a beer?’ ‘Now you’re talking.’17it’s now or never used to say that if someone does not do something now, they will not get another chance to do it: Quite suddenly, her mind was made up. It was now or never.18now’s the time (for somebody) to do something used to say that someone should do something now, because it is the right time to do it: Now’s the time to buy a car, while the interest rates are low.19what is it now?/now what? used when you are annoyed because someone keeps interrupting you or asking you things: ‘Mom, can you come here for a minute?’ ‘What is it now?’20now you tell me! used when you are annoyed or amused because someone has just told you something they should have told you before: ‘You didn’t need to make anything for dinner – Dad’s bringing home pizza.’ ‘Oh, now you tell me!’21now ... now ... literary used to say that at one moment someone or something does one thing and immediately after, they do something else: The eagle glided through the sky, now rising, now falling.THESAURUSnow at this time: · Where are you living now?· The population is much larger now than it used to be.currently formal now – used when describing what a situation is like: · The firm currently employs 113 people.· Currently, the starting salary is around £20,000.at the moment now – used when talking about a short period of time, after which the situation is likely to change: · I think she’s at lunch at the moment – can I ask her to call you back?· At the moment I’m working in a restaurant, but I’m hoping to go to college.at present/at the present time formal (also presently American English) now – used when you do not expect something that is true now to be permanent: · Many areas are inaccessible at present due to heavy snow.· The official currency is the crown, presently about 30 to the dollar.for the time being now – used when a situation is likely to change, especially because an arrangement is only temporary: · You can stay here for the time being, until you find a flat.now1 adverbnow2 conjunction
nownow2 ●●● S1 W3 (also ˈnow that) conjunction EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- My oldest son and I are getting along better now that he's getting ready to go to college.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES the now-defunct nuclear reactor Let’s settle the matter here and now. If he left immediately, he’d catch the 7.30 train. I want to think about it. Can I leave it for now? You have two hours to complete the test, starting now.
(=used to say that you will see or speak to someone again soon)
spoken (=you have the opportunity to do something now)· You’re not working so now’s your chance to write a book.
the now-defunct nuclear reactor Let’s settle the matter here and now. If he left immediately, he’d catch the 7.30 train. I want to think about it. Can I leave it for now? (=used for saying that you had not thought of something until someone else mentioned it)· I’ve never been to his house either, now that you mention it.
You have two hours to complete the test, starting now. (=used to tell a group of people to all say or do something at the same time) Right men. All together now ... push!
Right men. All together now ... push!PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► come, come/come now► now hear this!► now you’re talking
because of something or as a result of something: - Come, Sarah, don't cry.
- A 500 rouble note would come into circulation in the near future.
- But there was no light in the eyes of the girl that came home to me that night.
- I got into Edinburgh and before I came up I took a year off and worked and travelled.
- Something out there asking to come in?
- The answers come from a variety of professionals who deal with human development and sexuality.
- The owners say they came up with the idea first.
- Watching him, Riven felt the return of bonhomie and contemplated touching Madra's hair next time she came round.
- When the company came back inside, their mood was entirely changed.
- Even now I find it hard to believe Brenda's story.
- Her only hope is an operation, but even then she may not get well.
- And, even then, Morris played footsie with prominent Republicans, such as Sen.
- Athletes are stronger now but he'd be strong even now.
- But even then we had entirely different ways of looking at things.
- I'd only been aware of one war in the past on television, though even then distantly.
- I can hear them even now, Harry, even as I try to concentrate on writing this letter.
- I have to quiz him about everything and even then he won't tell the whole truth.
- I knew even then that I inherited a history which defined who I was.
- It has fueled tension, misery and bloodshed even now after the Cold War has ended.
- A volcano erupts because a terrible creature is imprisoned in the mountain and every now and then struggles to get free.
- Although it would be nice to see some one apart from Strach get annoyed on the pitch every now and then.
- But every now and then some patient managed to break through the mental barrier erected by training, habit, and self-defence.
- Eventually she could play in the next room with you calling out to her or checking on her every now and then.
- He sort of slips the surly bonds of fact every now and then.
- I get right sick, every now and then, at the bad news.
- The answer is to drop back to conscious competence every now and again to check things out and eradicate the bad habits.
- The dailies would clock him every now and then, leaving his flat and cowering under a flash of camera light.
- You need to live in the here and now and stop worrying about the future.
- Attention is needed not only for the here and now but for planning the future.
- But Symington is never troubled by the here and now.
- By definition, they are concerned only with the here and now.
- He believed in the here and now.
- What had mattered was the here and now.
- What is important is the here and now.
- You feel guilty in the here and now about things that happened in the past which you can not correct.
- You worry in the here and now about things in the future which may never happen.
- "Have you seen Carl?'' "I just this minute hung up on him.''
- Didn't I just this minute tell you to tidy your room!
- He's in the shower just now.
- I'm not sure what show it is. I just now turned the TV on.
- Sandy was on the Internet just now, that's why the phone was busy.
- She just now left, so she should be home by six.
- Sorry, I'm busy just now - can I call you later?
- But the gentleman will not take no for an answer, and even tried to push past me just now.
- Her own eyes were a muddy green, and just now they were spitting fire, like a little cat.
- I myself had started something of a relationship with her just now.
- Maybe the maids would have left some of the rooms open, if there was nobody staying in them just now.
- That betraying look in her eyes in the cloakroom just now must have told him he'd won again.
- The man, whose helping hand he had just now been the recipient of, was immediately behind him.
- When I was in Marcus just now he was normal.
- Don't look now - here comes Kristen.
- And underneath it all was a sour feeling that at any minute the very pillars of life could collapse.
- At any minute Penumbra's killers could burst in here and carry you off.
- His clothes look as if they are re-tailored daily to accommodate any minute fluctuations in weight.
- I was expecting her any minute.
- Linda is due to arrive any minute.
- The police could arrive at any minute!
- The right guy would come along any minute now.
- They said they were sending along at once, so they should be here any minute now.
- Conquering your weight problem is probably the most important thing in your life right now.
- He's up there right now.
- I wonder what the rest of the 300, 000 Bay Area telecommuters are doing right now.
- It seemed at turns to be happening right now and ages ago.
- King is king of the fiction paperback bestseller list right now.
- Yet right now it is possible to raise the debt limit with a simple majority vote in both houses.
- As in any second language situation, the grammatical code which is relied on is the one which is already known.
- At any second, they would begin to breathe.
- He had been ready to go at any second.
- The barriers are so low you feel you could plunge off at any second.
- The casualties of the greatest battle in history would be as nothing, before the carnage that might start at any second.
- The room was unnaturally still about her, but the stillness might shatter at any second.
- They were both breathing fast, and Polly's legs threatened to give way at any second.
- We would be at the hot spot any second now.
- But now that she came to think of it she had never been out to any sort of meal with John.
- Come to think of it, Columbia wouldn't have been around if it hadn't been for the blues.
- Come to think of it, even Hillary Rodham Clinton could learn something from Alexander about how to invest her money.
- Come to think of it, he'd seemed rather a decent chap, some one it might be worth getting to know.
- Come to think of it, they might want to hang on to those packing crates.
- So did Mom, come to think of it.
- You never know, come to think of it.
- Any ray of light, emitted anywhere in the universe at any time, will arrive at the omega point.
- As a result, at any time, just the tips of the twigs of any evolutionary tree are on view.
- Electricity was in the air, because the Soviet troops could step in at any time.
- He told me to call him up, or better yet come by and visit his office any time.
- I never describe the bar, so I can use any bar any time without screwing up my contract.
- Like the shares of a listed company, investors can trade them at any time through a stockbroker.
- Mr Bacon was not there at any time.
- Those humans could be back any time.
- And now what about these phone calls?
- And now what is she doing?
- Fine, he was persuaded, and he was doing everything possible to achieve the goals. Now what?
- He knew now what he wanted.
- Heart disease, then major cardiac surgery and now what is being described as pneumonia have kept him from work.
- I could see now what it was about Barry that kept me standing there.
- Liam Murphy was now what could be called in any circumstances a rich man.
Now that we know each other a little better, we get along fine. I’m going to relax now the school year is over. Now that I think of it, I acted the same way when I was his age.