Nowadays vs. Now — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 19, 2024
Nowadays refers to the present time period or current era, often implying a contrast with the past. Now indicates the immediate present moment, focusing on current actions or events.
Difference Between Nowadays and Now
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Nowadays signifies the current era or period, highlighting trends, behaviors, or conditions that are prevalent today. It often implies a comparison with how things were done or perceived in the past. Now, on the other hand, refers to the present moment or immediate timeframe. It is used to describe actions or situations happening at this very moment.
Nowadays is used to discuss broader trends or general states that are characteristic of the current time period. It can span a range of time, capturing changes or developments over recent years or decades. Now focuses on a specific, immediate point in time, often in the context of a direct action or event. It is precise and indicates something happening at this very instant.
In writing, nowadays often introduces discussions about modern lifestyles, habits, or societal changes. It is less formal and more conversational, frequently used to set up comparisons with the past. Now, however, is more versatile and widely applicable in various contexts, including formal writing and spoken language. It provides a sense of urgency or immediacy, useful in instructions or real-time descriptions. "Submit your assignment now."
Comparison Chart
Definition
Current era or time period
Immediate present moment
Usage Context
Describing general trends or conditions
Indicating specific, current actions or events
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Temporal Scope
Spans a broader timeframe
Focuses on the specific, immediate moment
Formality
Less formal, more conversational
Versatile, used in both formal and informal contexts
Example Sentence
"Nowadays, many people work remotely."
"She is reading a book now."
Compare with Definitions
Nowadays
At the present time or in the current period.
Nowadays, most people have smartphones.
Now
Immediately or right away.
Come here now.
Nowadays
In contrast to the past.
Nowadays, people are more health-conscious than before.
Now
At the present time
Goods now on sale.
The now aging dictator.
Nowadays
Referring to contemporary trends.
Nowadays, online shopping is very popular.
Now
At once; immediately
Stop now.
Nowadays
Characteristic of current times.
Nowadays, electric vehicles are gaining popularity.
Now
In the immediate past; very recently
Left the room just now.
Nowadays
"Nowadays" is a single by American rapper Lil Skies featuring American singer Landon Cube. It was released for digital download on December 17, 2017, as the second single from Skies' debut studio album Life of a Dark Rose.
Now
At this point in the series of events; then
The ship was now listing to port.
Nowadays
During the present time; now.
Now
At times; sometimes
Now hot, now cold.
Nowadays
At the present time; in the current era.
Cars nowadays are more efficient.
Now
Nowadays.
Nowadays
In these days; at the present time.
What men of spirit, nowadays,Come to give sober judgment of new plays?
Now
In these circumstances; as things are
Now we won't be able to stay.
Nowadays
The period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech;
That is enough for the present
He lives in the present with no thought of tomorrow
Now
Used to introduce a command, reproof, or request
Now pay attention.
Nowadays
In these times;
It is solely by their language that the upper classes nowadays are distinguished
We now rarely see horse-drawn vehicles on city streets
Today almost every home has television
Now
Used to indicate a change of subject or to preface a remark
Now, let's get down to work.
Nowadays
Describing modern lifestyles.
Nowadays, children spend a lot of time on social media.
Now
Seeing that; since. Often used with that
Now that spring is here, we can expect milder weather.
Now
The present time or moment
Wouldn't work up to now.
Now
Of the present time; current
Our now governor.
Now
(Slang) Currently fashionable; trendy
The now sound of this new rock band.
Now
Present; current.
Now
(informal) Fashionable; popular; up to date; current.
I think this band's sound is very now.
Now
At the time the will is written. Used in order to prevent any inheritance from being transferred to a person of a future marriage. Does not indicate the existence of a previous marriage.
Now wife.
Now
At the present time.
Now I am six.
Stop that now, Jimmy!
Now
(sentential) Used to introduce a point, a qualification of what has previously been said, a remonstration or a rebuke.
Now, we all want what is best for our children.
Now Jimmy, stop that.
Now
Differently from the immediate past; differently from a more remote past or a possible future; differently from all other times.
Now I am ready.
We all now want the latest toys for our children.
We all want what is now best for our children.
Now
At the time reached within a narration.
Now he remembered why he had come.
He now asked her whether she had made pudding.
The pudding was now ready to be served.
Now
Used to indicate a context of urgency.
Now listen, we must do something about this.
Now
(obsolete) As 'but now': Very recently; not long ago; up to the present.
Now
Used to address a switching side, or sharp change in attitude from before. (In this usage, now is usually emphasized).
Now, you want to protect me. An hour ago, you were mercilessly bullying me!
Now
Sometimes; occasionally.
His face fit his roles: now smiling, now earnest, now glowering, now raging.
Now
Since, because, in light of the fact; often with that.
Now all the children have grown up and left, the house is very quiet.
Now that my sister has gotten rid of their cat, we can go to her house this coming Thanksgiving.
We can play football now that the rain has stopped.
Now that you mention it, I am kind of hungry.
Now that we're all here, let's start the meeting.
Now
Indicates a signal to begin.
Now! Fire all we've got while the enemy is in reach!
Now
(uncountable) The present time.
Now is the right time.
There is no better time than now.
Now
The state of not paying attention to the future or the past.
She is living in the now.
Now
A particular instant in time, as perceived at that instant.
Now
At the present time; at this moment; at the time of speaking; instantly; as, I will write now.
I have a patient now living, at an advanced age, who discharged blood from his lungs thirty years ago.
Now
Very lately; not long ago.
They that but now, for honor and for plate,Made the sea blush with blood, resign their hate.
Now
At a time contemporaneous with something spoken of or contemplated; at a particular time referred to.
The ship was now in the midst of the sea.
Now
In present circumstances; things being as they are; - hence, used as a connective particle, to introduce an inference or an explanation.
How shall any man distinguish now betwixt a parasite and a man of honor?
Why should he live, now nature bankrupt is?
Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now, Barabbas was a robber.
The other great and undoing mischief which befalls men is, by their being misrepresented. Now, by calling evil good, a man is misrepresented to others in the way of slander.
Now
Existing at the present time; present.
Now
The present time or moment; the present.
Nothing is there to come, and nothing past;But an eternal now does ever last.
Now
The momentary present;
Now is a good time to do it
It worked up to right now
Now
At the present moment;
Goods now on sale
The now-aging dictator
They are now abroad
He is busy at present writing a new novel
It could happen any time now
Now
In these times;
It is solely by their language that the upper classes nowadays are distinguished
We now rarely see horse-drawn vehicles on city streets
Today almost every home has television
Now
In the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events;
President Kennedy now calls in the National Guard
Washington now decides to cross the Delaware
The ship is now listing to port
Now
(prefatory or transitional) indicates a change of subject or activity;
Now the next problem is...
Now
Used to preface a command or reproof or request;
Now hear this!
Now pay attention
Now
Without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening;
He answered immediately
Found an answer straightaway
An official accused of dishonesty should be suspended forthwith
Come here now!
Now
In the immediate past;
Told me just now
Now
At this very moment.
I am watching TV now.
Now
Referring to the current situation.
Now is the time to act.
Now
Presently or currently.
The store is open now.
Now
Indicating a specific point in time.
He is speaking now.
Common Curiosities
What does nowadays mean?
Nowadays refers to the present time period, often implying a comparison with the past.
Is nowadays formal?
No, nowadays is less formal and more conversational.
What is the emphasis of now?
Now emphasizes the immediate present moment.
Does nowadays imply a change over time?
Yes, it often implies a contrast with how things were in the past.
How do you use now in a command?
"Please sit down now."
How is now used in a sentence?
Now indicates the immediate present moment, e.g., "We need to leave now."
Can now and nowadays be used interchangeably?
No, now refers to the immediate present, while nowadays refers to the current era or time period.
What’s an example of using nowadays?
"Nowadays, people are more concerned about environmental issues."
Is now more versatile than nowadays?
Yes, now is more versatile and used in a wider range of contexts.
Can nowadays describe technological advancements?
Yes, e.g., "Nowadays, technology evolves rapidly."
How does nowadays relate to modern life?
It often describes aspects or trends of contemporary life, e.g., "Nowadays, remote work is common."
Is nowadays suitable for academic writing?
It can be used, but it is more common in informal or conversational contexts.
What is the focus of nowadays?
The focus of nowadays is on current trends or general conditions.
Does now specify a precise time?
Yes, it specifies the exact present moment.
Can now indicate urgency?
Yes, now can indicate urgency or immediacy.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
