Now refers to the present time and can also mean immediately.

The idea

Place now at the beginning or end of a clause, or in other natural positions: Now she lives here; she lives here now. It can contrast with before.

Examples

  • I am busy now.
  • The shop is open now.
  • Can we start now?
  • She lives here now.
  • We need to leave now.
  • He worked at home before but works at a school now.

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Watch out

Now refers to the present or immediate time; later refers to a time after the present.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the word for the present time. At this present moment, I am busy ___. (now / yesterday)

    Show answer or example answer

    now

    Now identifies the present time.

  2. Ask to begin immediately. Can we start immediately? Can we start ___? (now / later)

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    now

    Now asks for an immediate start.

  3. Choose the word for a time after the present. I cannot go at present, but I can go after this time: ___. (later / now)

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    later

    Later refers to a time after the present.

Use it today

Describe what you are doing now and something you will do later.