1. Now (adverb): At the present moment or time.
2. Now (noun): The present moment or time.
3. Now (conjunction): Used to introduce a point or remark.
4. Now (adjective): Immediately, without delay.
5. Now (interjection): An expression used to draw attention.
"Now" represents the present moment or current time, serving as a pivotal reference point between the past and the future. In practical usage, it often emphasizes immediacy or urgency, indicating that something needs attention or action at the present time. Beyond temporal meanings, "now" functions as an interjection to redirect attention or signal a transition in conversation, and exploring these various applications can enhance your communication skills significantly.
"Now" is most commonly known as an adverb, referring to the present moment. However, it can also function as a noun, conjunction, adjective, or interjection. Its meaning can vary depending on the context in which it is used, making it a word with significant depth. Below, we will break down each definition of "now" to better understand its significance.
As an adverb, "now" indicates the present moment. This is its most frequently used form, commonly found in both casual speech and formal writing.
As a noun, "now" refers to a specific moment in time. This use is slightly less common but important when emphasizing the concept of time.
As a conjunction, "now" is used to introduce a new point or transition between ideas. This form is often found in speeches, essays, and argumentative writing.
As an adjective, "now" means immediate, emphasizing urgency or a lack of delay. It is frequently used in commands or instructions.
As an interjection, "now" is used to capture attention or introduce a remark, often carrying a sense of emphasis or urgency.
"Now" primarily functions as an adverb to modify verbs by indicating when an action occurs. It can also serve as a noun when referring to the present moment itself and as a conjunction to signal a transition between ideas. In colloquial speech, it's sometimes used as an interjection to grab attention or express exasperation.
The pronunciation of "now" is simple, consisting of a single syllable. It begins with the 'n' sound, similar to the 'n' in "nose." The second part of the word consists of the vowel sound 'ow,' pronounced like the 'ow' in "cow" or "how."
Together, "now" is pronounced in one smooth, continuous motion, with no breaks between the 'n' and the 'ow.' The emphasis is on this single syllable, making it an easy word to pronounce correctly in most contexts.
Phonetic Pronunciation: /naʊ/
Here are some common synonyms for "now." Each offers a slightly different nuance but generally conveys the same idea of immediacy or the present moment.
Antonyms for "now" emphasize times other than the present moment, often indicating the past or future.
Here are ten examples of how "now" can be used in various contexts.
Notice how its meaning and function change depending on its role in each sentence:
The word "now" is one of the most frequently used words in the English language. According to corpus studies and frequency dictionaries, it consistently ranks among the top 200 most common words in English. Google's Ngram Viewer shows that its usage has remained remarkably stable throughout written records, with a slight increase in usage during the 20th century, particularly in informal communication and digital contexts.
The word "now" has a few notable variants that adjust slightly for context but retain the core meaning:
Several related terms share a connection with "now" in terms of time and immediacy:
"Now" traces its roots to Old English "nu," which derived from Proto-Germanic *nu and ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *nū. The word appeared in Old English texts as early as 725 CE. In Middle English, it was spelled "nou" or "now." Throughout ancient texts, it maintained its core meaning of "at the present time," though it gained additional uses as a discourse marker in Middle English literature.
Here are some genuine derivatives and compounds formed with "now" that expand on their use in different contexts:
Though simple, "now" can sometimes be misspelled.
Here are the most common errors:
There are several idioms that convey similar meanings to "now," often indicating immediacy or urgency:
1. Is "now" only an adverb?
No, it can also function as a noun, conjunction, adjective, or interjection.
2. What is the opposite of "now"?
The opposite of "now" is "later" or "then."
3. How can "now" be used in literature?
"Now" is often used to set the present scene in literature or to indicate urgency.
4. What does "right now" mean?
"Right now" emphasizes something happening immediately, with no delay.
5. Is "nowadays" a variant of "now"?
Yes, "nowadays" refers to the present time, often compared to the past.
6. Can "now" be used to introduce an idea?
Yes, when used as a conjunction, "now" introduces new ideas or points.
7. Does "now" change meaning in different parts of speech?
The core meaning remains, but it adjusts depending on context.
8. Is "now" formal or informal?
"Now" is suitable for both formal and informal settings.
9. What is the phonetic pronunciation of "now"?
The phonetic spelling is /naʊ/.
10. Can "now" be pluralized?
No, "now" is not pluralized, as it refers to a single moment.
"Now" is a word that encapsulates the essence of the present moment. Its versatility makes it valuable in writing and speech. Use "now" to highlight the importance of the present and emphasize immediacy in your conversations or writing.
