Now

adverbs of time interjections now pro-adverbs

'Now' is common among native speakers. In this lesson, we are going to learn all about it.

'Now' is an adverb and it is used pretty much in daily speaking. In this lesson, we will discuss how to learn and use it.

Functions of 'Now'

adverb

'Now' as an Adverb

'Now' can only be an adverb. Below, we are going to see the kinds of adverbs it can be:

Use

'Now' as an Adverb of Time

'Now' can be adverbs of time. Below, we are going to learn all about it:

When something is happening in the present moment:

I want to talk to her now.

The governor is walking up the altar now.

When we want to informally show that something annoyed us, we use 'now':

Now she wants to talk to me.

Now I've got to buy a new pair of shoes.

When speaking, we use 'now' to get someone's attention before we change the subject:

Now, I want you all to turn to page 71.

Now, gather around and meet our new guest.

Position in a Sentence

Since 'now' is an adverb, it is used to modify verb, adjectives, or adverbs, so it mainly comes after them. However, it is possible to have an adverb of time at the beginning of a sentence. Look below:

Now, I'm ready to move on to the next level.

Hannah and Fredrick are going shopping now.

Warning!

Please note that whenever we have 'now' at the beginning of a sentence, we must always add a comma after it.

Idioms and Expressions with 'Now'

We have several idioms with 'now'. Below, we are going to learn all about it:

Every now and then: This one means 'sometimes'. Look:

Every now and then, my ex texts me.

Richie takes a walk outside every now and then.

Now for someone/something: When we want to put time for something/someone we love, we use this:

And now for some movies.

Now, now: This one is used to show that we do not agree with something:

Now now, that was a terrible book.

Now what?: We use this one to show that we are bothered because someone keeps interrupting us or asks questions. Look:

A : I know but..

B : Now what?

Now or never: When someone only has one opportunity, we use this:

It's now or never for me to become a singer.

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