What is now? Pronunciation and usage in English

now means . Learn how to pronounce and use now through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of now

nowadverb

/naʊ/
Definition & pronunciation of now

The word "now" in English is pronounced noo.

It's a very straightforward pronunciation! Here's a breakdown:

  • no: Like the word "no" meaning "not".
  • oo: Like the sound you make when saying "moon" or "blue".

You can hear it pronounced perfectly on websites like:

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Usage and examples with the word now in English

Let's break down how to use the word "now" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word! Here's a breakdown of its common uses, with examples:

1. Indicating the Present Moment (Most Common)

  • Meaning: Simply to say "at this moment," "right now," or "currently."
  • Examples:
    • "I'm eating dinner now." (I'm eating dinner at this very moment.)
    • "She's talking on the phone now." (She's talking on the phone right now.)
    • "Are you ready now?" (Are you ready at this time?)

2. Introducing an Action or Event (Often with "Here")

  • Meaning: To introduce something that is happening or starting. Often used with "here" to emphasize immediacy.
  • Examples:
    • "Now, let’s begin the presentation." (Let’s begin immediately.)
    • "Now, here’s the important information." (Here’s the information right now.)
    • "Now, the fun starts!" (The fun is starting immediately.)

3. Transitioning to a New Topic or Stage

  • Meaning: To signal a shift in conversation, telling someone that you're moving on to a different subject.
  • Examples:
    • "I was going to tell you about my trip, but now I need to talk about something else." (I’m shifting the topic.)
    • “We finished the first chapter. Now, let’s move on to the second.” (Moving to the next step.)

4. Expressing Urgency or Immediacy

  • Meaning: To emphasize that something should be done immediately.
  • Examples:
    • "Now, hurry! The train is leaving." (Do it immediately.)
    • "Now, tell me what happened!" (Tell me right away.)

5. Referring Back to a Previous Time

  • Meaning: Can sometimes indicate a shift in time, acknowledging something that happened before. This is less common but still used.
  • Examples:
    • "I was working on the report, and now I'm taking a break." (Before I was working, I'm now taking a break - contrasting the two activities.)

6. In Phrases

  • “Now and then”: Occasionally, sometimes. ("I go to the movies now and then.")
  • “Now or never”: Either do it immediately, or don't do it at all. ("If you want the job, it’s now or never!")
  • “Now you’re talking!”: Expressing agreement or enthusiasm. (“That’s a great idea – now you’re talking!”)

Tips for Using "Now" Effectively:

  • Don't overuse it: Too much "now" can sound repetitive and unnatural. Sometimes it's better to just state the fact directly.
  • Vary your language: Use synonyms like "currently," "at the moment," "immediately," or “right now” to avoid monotony.
  • Context is key: The best way to understand how “now” is used is to listen to native English speakers and observe how they use it in different situations.

Could you tell me:

  • What specifically are you interested in knowing about using "now"? (e.g., "How do I use it in formal writing?" or "Can you give me more examples of it in conversation?")

Idioms of the word now

(every) now and again/then
from time to time; occasionally
  • Every now and again she checked to see if he was still asleep.
now for somebody/something
used when turning to a fresh activity or subject
  • And now for some travel news.
now, now
used to show in a mild way that you do not approve of something
  • Now, now, that's enough noise.
now… now…
at one time… at another time…
  • Her moods kept changing—now happy, now sad.
(it’s) now or never
this is the only opportunity somebody will have to do something
    now then
    used to show in a mild way that you do not approve of something
      used when making a suggestion or an offer
      • Now then, who wants to come for a walk?
      now what?
      used when you are annoyed because somebody is always asking questions or interrupting you
      • ‘Yes, but Dad…’ ‘Now what?’
      used to say that you do not know what to do next in a particular situation

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