now*/*/*/

[naʊ]

grammar word summary: Now can be: ■ an adverb: We'd better leave now. ■ a conjunction, often with ‘that': Now that I'm married, I don't go out so much.

1) at the present time

He is now 48 years old.[/ex]

She's been very ill, but she's much better now.[/ex]

The meeting should have finished by now.[/ex]

Nancy will be working full-time from now on (= starting now).[/ex]

Prices will remain unchanged for now (= from now until some future time).[/ex]

‘Can I ask you a question?' ‘ Not now – I'm busy.'[/ex]

2) immediately, or very soon

If everyone else has finished in the bathroom, I'll have my shower now.[/ex]

‘Can you call me back?' ‘No, I need to talk to you right now.'[/ex]

3) used when you are saying that something happens as a result of something else

Now I understand why she was so upset.[/ex]

Now that the war is over, there is a lot more food in the shops.[/ex]

4) spoken

used when you want to get people's attention, or when you are going to talk about something new

Now, listen everybody.[/ex]

Now then, are there any more questions?[/ex]

•

( every ) now and then/again — sometimes, but not regularly or often[/ex]

Now and then I receive letters from my former students.[/ex]

just now — 1) a very short time ago[/ex]

'When did you see him?' 'Just now.'[/ex]

— 2) Britishat the present time

Mrs Collins is busy just now.[/ex]