Now vs. Then: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 11, 2024
"Now" refers to the current moment or present time, while "Then" indicates a past time or a time different from the present.
Key Differences
'Now' is used to describe the present moment or current situation, emphasizing immediacy. 'Then' is used to refer to a specific time in the past or a time contrasting with the present.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
In storytelling, 'now' often sets the scene in the current timeline, providing a sense of immediacy. 'Then' is used to reference past events or to compare past circumstances with current ones.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
'Now' is effective in highlighting the current state or conditions, especially in contrast to the past. 'Then' is used to depict situations, conditions, or events that occurred in the past, providing a comparison to the present.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
'Now' is commonly used in instructions to indicate the next immediate step. 'Then' is used to indicate the subsequent action or event following the current one.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
As an adverb, 'now' can also mean 'in that case' or 'therefore,' while 'then' can be used to mean 'in that case' in conditional sentences.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Time Reference
Refers to the present moment
Refers to a past time or different time
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Jan 11, 2024
Narrative Role
Sets current scenes or conditions
References past events or contrasts
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Jan 11, 2024
Usage in Context
“Now, we must decide” (immediate)
“Then, we went home” (past action)
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Jan 11, 2024
Conditional Use
“If so, now…” (current consequence)
“If so, then…” (subsequent consequence)
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Jan 11, 2024
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Now and Then Definitions
Now
Used to introduce a point or idea.
Now, consider the impact of social media.
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Dec 19, 2023
Now
At this point in a sequence or argument.
Now turn the knob clockwise to open.
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Dec 19, 2023
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Then
Referring to a particular past time.
Then, in the 1990s, technology rapidly evolved.
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Dec 19, 2023
Then
At that time
I was still in school then. Come at noon.
I'll be ready then.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Then
Next in time, space, or order; immediately afterward
Watched the late movie and then went to bed.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Now
At this point in the series of events; then
The ship was now listing to port.
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Dec 13, 2023
Then
In addition; moreover; besides
It costs $20, and then there's the sales tax to pay.
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Dec 13, 2023
Then
Used after but to qualify or balance a preceding statement
The star was nervous, but then who isn't on the first night of a new play.
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Dec 13, 2023
Now
Used to indicate a change of subject or to preface a remark
Now, let's get down to work.
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Dec 13, 2023
Now
Seeing that; since. Often used with that
Now that spring is here, we can expect milder weather.
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Dec 13, 2023
Then
(temporal location) Soon afterward.
He fixed it, then left.
Turn left, then right, then right again, then keep going until you reach the service station.
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Dec 13, 2023
Now
(Slang) Currently fashionable; trendy
The now sound of this new rock band.
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Dec 13, 2023
Then
(sequence) Next in order of place.
There are three green ones, then a blue one.
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Dec 13, 2023
Now
(informal) Fashionable; popular; up to date; current.
I think this band's sound is very now.
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Dec 13, 2023
Then
(conjunctive) In that case.
If it’s locked, then we’ll need the key.
Is it 12 o'clock already? Then it's time for me to leave.
You don't like potatoes? What do you want me to cook, then?
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
Then
(sequence) At the same time; on the other hand.
That’s a nice shirt, but then, so is the other one.
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Dec 13, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
Now
Used to indicate a context of urgency.
Now listen, we must do something about this.
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Dec 13, 2023
Now
(obsolete) As 'but now': Very recently; not long ago; up to the present.
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Dec 13, 2023
Then
At that time (referring to a time specified, either past or future).
And the Canaanite was then in the land.
Now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
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!
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Dec 13, 2023
Then
Soon afterward, or immediately; next; afterward.
First be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
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Dec 13, 2023
Now
Sometimes; occasionally.
His face fit his roles: now smiling, now earnest, now glowering, now raging.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Then
At another time; later; again.
One while the master is not aware of what is done, and then in other cases it may fall out to be own act.
But that opinion, I trust, by then this following argument hath been well read, will be left for one of the mysteries of an indulgent Antichrist.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Now
Indicates a signal to begin.
Now! Fire all we've got while the enemy is in reach!
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Then
In that case; in consequence; as a consequence; therefore; for this reason.
If all this be so, then man has a natural freedom.
Now, then, be all thy weighty cares away.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Now
(uncountable) The present time.
Now is the right time.
There is no better time than now.
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Dec 13, 2023
Then
That time; that moment;
We will arrive before then
We were friends from then on
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Dec 13, 2023
Now
The state of not paying attention to the future or the past.
She is living in the now.
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Dec 13, 2023
Then
Subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors);
Then he left
Go left first, then right
First came lightning, then thunder
We watched the late movie and then went to bed
And so home and to bed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Then
In that case or as a consequence;
If he didn't take it, then who did?
Keep it then if you want to
The case, then, is closed
You've made up your mind then?
Then you'll be rich
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Then
At that time;
I was young then
Prices were lower back then
Science as it was then taught
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Now
Very lately; not long ago.
They that but now, for honor and for plate,Made the sea blush with blood, resign their hate.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Now
The present time or moment; the present.
Nothing is there to come, and nothing past;But an eternal now does ever last.
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Dec 13, 2023
Now
The momentary present;
Now is a good time to do it
It worked up to right now
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Dec 13, 2023
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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
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
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Dec 13, 2023
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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Now
(prefatory or transitional) indicates a change of subject or activity;
Now the next problem is...
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Dec 13, 2023
Now
Used to preface a command or reproof or request;
Now hear this!
Now pay attention
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Dec 13, 2023
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!
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Now
At the present time or moment.
Now is the best time to start a new hobby.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 19, 2023
Now
Under the current circumstances.
Now, we must be more careful than ever.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is 'now' always about the immediate moment?
Generally, yes, 'now' refers to the immediate or very recent time.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Can 'now' be used to change subjects?
Yes, 'now' can introduce a new subject or topic in a conversation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Can "now" be used in the past tense?
No, "now" is inherently tied to the present and cannot be used in the past tense.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
How do you use "back then" in a sentence?
"Back then" is an informal expression used to refer to a point in the past, often to emphasize the difference between the past and the present (e.g., Back then, life was simpler).
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
What is the contracted form of "then"?
The contracted form of "then" is "'n" or "'n'", used in informal speech (e.g., I'll see you 'n' catch up).
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
How does 'then' convey time in storytelling?
In storytelling, 'then' refers to events or situations in the past.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Can "then" be used to compare two different times?
Yes, "then" is often used to contrast the past or a previous situation with the present (e.g., I used to live there, but now I live here).
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
What does 'now' imply in a conversation?
'Now' implies discussing the current moment or situation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Can 'then' be used to sequence events?
Yes, 'then' is often used to sequence events or actions in time.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Can "now" be used to refer to the future?
No, "now" specifically denotes the present, not the future. For the future, you would use words like "soon" or "later."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Is "now" a noun, verb, or adverb?
"Now" is primarily an adverb, used to modify verbs or other adverbs.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
What is the difference between "then" and "than"?
"Then" refers to time or sequence, while "than" is used in comparisons (e.g., "I'll do it now" vs. "She is taller than he is").
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Can "then" be used as a conjunction?
Yes, "then" can function as a conjunction to introduce a consequence or result (e.g., If it rains, then we'll stay inside).
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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