As of Now: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
October 27, 2023

The phrase "as of now" refers to the current or present moment when the statement is made. It is used to indicate that the information being provided is accurate up to the point of speaking, but it may be subject to change in the future.

In short:

"As of now" typically means at this present moment or the current situation.

What Does “As of Now” Mean?

The phrase captures the essence of the present moment, emphasizing that the situation or information is current but could change in the future.

  • It means that something is true or applicable at the time the statement is made. For example, "As of now, the meeting is scheduled for 3 PM."
  • This phrase is often used to provide real-time updates or to clarify the status of an event, project, or situation. It's a way to say, "This is what we know right now.
  • It implies a sense of immediacy and is commonly used in both casual and formal settings. For instance, a boss might say, "As of now, we are ahead of schedule," to update team members on a project's progress.
  • While "as of now" focuses on the present, it leaves room for future changes.
  • Synonyms for "as of now" include "at this moment," "currently," "right now," and "at present."

Where Does “As of Now” Come From?

The word "as" originates from Old English "alswā," which means "in the same way that." It serves various grammatical roles, including as a conjunction or preposition, to indicate similarity, manner, or degree. The word "as" sets up a condition or state, "of" establishes a relationship, and "now" specifies that the time is the present. While the phrase itself may not have a singular, documented origin as an idiom, the etymology of its constituent words provides a rich backdrop that helps us understand its current usage and meaning.

10 Examples of “As of Now” in Sentences

Below are examples that demonstrate the use of "as of now" in various sentences:

  • As of now, the final decision has been made, and that is it.
  • As of now, he has the skills and qualifications to go places in the industry.
  • As of now, because of the new policy, all employees will work from home.
  • Cooking is not my strong suit, but as of now, I am learning to make new recipes.
  • As of now, the unexpected offer came out of nowhere, leaving her thrilled.
  • We are in a time crunch, but as of now, the project is still on schedule.
  • There are no updates as of now.
  • As of now, the team is complete.
  • The system is functioning well as of now.
  • As of now, the meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m.

These examples showcase the versatility and usefulness of the phrase in various contexts.

Examples of “As of Now” in Pop Culture

The phrase "as of now" is used to indicate that something is true or accurate at the present moment. It is often used to provide updates or to clarify information.

Here are some examples of the phrase being used in pop culture:

  • "These three women were never in the same room together? Get your client ready to testify, because as of now, this is all on her." - Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999-)
  • "Listen, Browning... or whatever it is. You're lucky. As of now, you know more about me than I do about you." - The Fugitive (1963-1967)
  • "And as of now, Brother Sherman, the Devil has been winning hands down." - 1776 (1972)
  • "As of now, I could say it is changing. Because I don't think things are as they used to be five years ago ..." - In Search of Gender Justice: Rights and Relationships in Matrilineal Malawi by Jessica Johnson

These examples demonstrate the versatility of "as of now" in various pop culture contexts, highlighting its role in emphasizing the current moment or situation.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say “As of Now"

There are several synonyms for "as of now" that can be used interchangeably depending on the context of the conversation or writing.

Some of these synonyms include:

  • Currently
  • At this moment
  • Presently
  • Right now
  • At present

Each of these synonyms serves to emphasize the current time or situation in a similar way to "as of now."

10 Frequently Asked Questions About “As of Now”

  • What does “as of now” mean?

“As of Now” refers to the current time or situation, emphasizing the importance of the present moment.

  • When is it appropriate to use “as of now”?

It is appropriate to use “as of now” in various contexts, both formal and informal, to highlight the current time or situation.

  • Can “as of now” be used in formal writing?

Yes, “as of now” can be used in formal writing to emphasize timeliness and current relevance.

  • Is “as of now” used in other languages?

Yes, similar phrases to “as of now” are used in many languages to emphasize the current time or situation.

  • How can “as of now” be replaced in a sentence?

“As of Now” can be replaced with phrases like “currently,” “at this moment,” “presently,” or “right now.”

  • Is “as of now” a formal or informal phrase?

“As of Now” is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • Can “as of now” be used in academic writing?

Yes, “as of now” can be used in academic writing to denote the current state of research or findings.

  • What is the opposite of “as of now”?

The opposite of “as of now” could be phrases like “in the future,” or “at a later time.”

  • Is “as of now” used in legal contexts?

Yes, “as of now” is used in legal contexts to refer to the current status or situation.

  • Can “as of now” be used to start a sentence?

Yes, “as of now” can be used to start a sentence to emphasize the current time or situation at the beginning of a statement.

Final Thoughts About “As of Now”

Understanding the idiom "as of now" is crucial for effective communication.The phrase occupies a unique space in language, enabling individuals to express urgency effectively and succinctly.

  • It is versatile, fitting seamlessly into various contexts and levels of formality.
  • It helps in making statements clear and time-bound.
  • It is globally understood among English speakers, enhancing effective communication.

Understanding and using "as of now" correctly can contribute to more precise and effective communication. It's a small phrase, but it carries the weight of immediacy and relevance, making it a valuable addition to language and expression.

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