English Profile

now · adverb

/naʊ/Full view

now (AT PRESENT)

A1 at the present time

Dictionary examples:

I'm used to it now.

She used to be a teacher, but now she works in publishing.

I thought you'd have finished by now.

You should have mentioned it before now.

That's all for now.

Learner example:

I am now vegetarian! (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Slovak)

now (IMMEDIATELY)

A2 immediately

Dictionary examples:

We're going home now.

Shall we eat now or later?

I don't want to wait until tomorrow, I want it now!

I can't do it right now.

Learner example:

Please, buy it right now. (Key English Test; A2; Spanish)

now (LENGTH OF TIME)

B2 used to show the length of time that something has been happening, from the time it began until the present

Dictionary examples:

I've lived in Cambridge for two years now.

She's been a vegetarian for ten years now.

now and then

B2 If something happens now and then, it happens sometimes but not very often.

Dictionary example:

I love chocolate, but I only eat it now and then.

Learner example:

If you really love to have a snack now and then, try to eat fruit and vegetables, instead of sweets. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

any day/minute/time, etc. now

B2 used to say that something will happen very soon

Dictionary example:

We're expecting our second child any day now.

Learner example:

The evil creatures who were bound to come out of the dark [w]ould see Carla any minute now. (First Certificate in English; B2; Dutch)

every now and then

C1 sometimes, but not often

Dictionary example:

We still meet up every now and then.

Learner example:

Each day choose 10 new words and learn them by heart. In a week you will have learned 70 new words, and in a year 3640, a lot of words. Please, do not forget to repeat them every now and then. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Danish)

just now

A2 a very short time ago

Dictionary examples:

When I came in just now, everyone was laughing.

Who was that woman who was speaking just now?

Learner example:

I [was] watch[ing] a badminton competition just now. (Key English Test; A2; Chinese)

now · conjunction

/naʊ/

now

B2 as a result of a new situation

Dictionary examples:

Now that I've got a car I can visit her more often.

You should help in the house more, now you're older.

She's enjoying the job now that she's got more responsibility.

Learner example:

Now I am in England for fu[r]ther studies, I would be very grateful to you if you will give me the oppo[r]tunity to join your club. (First Certificate in English; B2; Danish)