The word 'now' means 'at this time, very soon, or these days'. It can be used as a conjunction or a discourse marker.

'Now' is usually used with a present tense verb when we wish to talk about a present situation. Also, when we want to show that it is different from a past situation.

"Doctor, now I feel better", the patient said.

Carol and Jim are studying in separate classes now.

Mahen now works as a computer programmer.

It is now four-thirty.

You can now watch television.

I've lost my bunch of keys. What do I do now?

'Now' is used with a present perfect verb to talk about an on-going situation.

How long have you been learning Tamil now?

She has now completed 20 years as a teacher.

They have known each other for one year now.

'Now' is used to emphasise the period since something happened.

It has been six months now, since we met in July this year.

'Now' is used to show a new situation.

Now that the rain has ceased, you can go home.

Now that you are here, let's discuss this issue.

'Now' can show a pause in speech.

A: How many kittens were there?

B: Now, let me think...

Now, what do wish to know?

Well now, what's the problem?

Now, what was I telling you...

'Now' is frequently combined with 'right, just' or 'not'.

Right now I'm very busy. Please call me later.

Rani left office just now.

A: Can you go through this essay?

B: Not now.

'Now' is also combined with prepositions such as: "before, up to, until, by, for".

Until now, you had never told me a lie.

Up to now, the sales are good.

It's 5 p.m. Father should be home by now.

That's enough for now. If I want more money I'll ask you later.

'Now' is used in certain set phrases.

A: When is she coming?

B: She should be here any minute now.

A: When is he expected?

B: Any day now.

A: When will the show begin?

B: Any time now.

Note: All the above phrases mean "very soon".

From now on, you have to attend school at 7 a.m. (To indicate a change in the schedule.)

Now what? I can't open this door! (To show annoyance or frustration.)

I can't wait till tomorrow. I want it now. (immediately)

And now for what we are going to do tomorrow. (introducing a new subject)

It's now or never is an idiomatic expression used when you must do something immediately.

Every now and then we meet at the YMCA. (not very often)

Now then, what's all this commotion about? (to draw attention)

Now you're talking is an expression used when someone makes a suggestion.

Now, now please don't cry baby! (you wish to make someone happy)

Now that you have a car, you don't have to travel by train. (new situation)

'Nowadays' should be written as one word. It means 'at the present time'.

Nowadays, I travel by bus because my car has broken down.

Activity

Use 'now' in the correct place.

1. She left her old job and she works for another company.

2. What are you doing?

3. What's the matter?

4. The baby is asleep, you can go to office.

*****

Key

1. ........ now she works for.....

2. ........ doing now?

3. Now, what's.......

4. ......... now the baby........

*****