now · adv
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. (12.7)
She's been a vegetarian for ten years now. (18.1)
any day/minute/time, etc. now
B2 used to say that something will happen very soon
Dictionary examples:
We're expecting our second child any day now. (29.4)
now and then
B2 If something happens now and then, it happens sometimes but not very often.
Dictionary examples:
I love chocolate, but I only eat it now and then. (16.3)
every now and then
C1 sometimes, but not often
Dictionary examples:
We still get together for lunch every now and then. (16.4)
now (AT PRESENT)
A1 at the present time
Dictionary examples:
My cat is now the boss. (0.0)
I am now a pizza expert. (0.0)
My phone is now my best friend. (0.0)
That's all for now. (8.3)
I'm used to it now. (10.1)
I thought you'd have finished by now. (10.5)
You should have mentioned it before now. (34.2)
She used to be a teacher, but now she works in publishing. (50.1)
now (IMMEDIATELY)
A2 immediately
Dictionary examples:
Turn off your phone now, before it starts singing! (0.0)
Do your homework now, or the dog will eat it! (0.0)
Put on your shoes now, or they'll hide from you! (0.0)
I can't do it right now. (9.1)
We're going home now. (13.4)
Shall we eat now or later? (18.4)
I don't want to wait until tomorrow, I want it now! (32.2)
just now
A2 a very short time ago
Dictionary examples:
I became a millionaire just now. Then I woke up. (0.0)
I saw a unicorn just now. It was eating my homework. (0.0)
I dropped my ice cream just now. Can I lick the floor? (0.0)
Who was that woman who was speaking just now? (10.6)
When I came in just now, everyone was laughing. (32.5)