# now

/ˈnaʊ/ (US) · /nˈaʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/now
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. at this moment

adverb · CEFR A1

at the present time or right away.

For teachers: at the current moment or in the immediate future.

- I am busy now, but I can help you in ten minutes.
- The software is now available for download, following several months of rigorous beta testing by the development team.

### 2. introducing a new point

adverb · CEFR B1

used to start a new sentence when you want to change the subject or give a warning.

For teachers: used as a discourse marker to introduce a new topic, a qualification, or a mild rebuke.

- Now, let's look at the next page of the book.
- Now, it is important to realize that these figures are only estimates and may change before the final report is published.

### 3. because of a new situation

conjunction · CEFR B1

used to explain that something is happening because a situation has changed.

For teachers: used to introduce a clause that explains a present situation or result; often functions as 'since' or 'because'.

- Now that the rain has stopped, we can go for a walk.
- Now that the merger is complete, the combined entity expects to see significant growth in the European market.

### 4. the present time

noun · CEFR B1

the time that is happening right at this moment.

For teachers: the present time or the immediate moment, often used after a preposition.

- Up until now, we haven't had any problems with the car.
- The philosopher argued that we should focus on the here and now rather than worrying about an uncertain future.

### 5. fashionable

adjective · CEFR C1 · Informal

very modern and popular at this time.

For teachers: currently fashionable or trendy; often used in media or marketing contexts.

- That style of jacket is very now.
- The magazine features all the most now designers who are shaping the aesthetic of the current decade.

## Examples

- I am busy right now but I can help you later.
- The manager needs the report on her desk now because the meeting starts in five minutes.
- While the long-term strategy remains unchanged, the immediate priority is to address the logistical bottlenecks that are affecting our supply chain now.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.