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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"
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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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used to preface a command or reproof or request;
"now hear this!"
"now pay attention"
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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"
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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!"
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(prefatory or transitional) indicates a change of subject or activity;
"Now the next problem is..."
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in the immediate past;
"told me just now"
