Can 'now' be compatible with past tense?

Question

Russian’s economy was smaller than that of the Netherlands. But the system was now more global than ever.-'The Lexus and Olove tree'-Does it make sense? I don't see how 'was' and 'now' are used together.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Russian’s economy was smaller than that of the Netherlands. But the system was now more global than ever.

-'The Lexus and Olove tree'-

Does it make sense? I don't see how 'was' and 'now' are used together.

'Now' commonly refers to the present time, but it can also refer to some previously mentioned time. I think this latter use is a bit more literary and related to writing.

eg She cooked a wonderful dinner for her husband. He came home very, very late. Now the dinner was cold.

eg He explained to his wife gently how much he loved her. She laughed, and told him she wanted a divorce. Now he was angry.

Best wishes, Clive

Ahn · Answer

Thank you, Clive <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

CalifJim · Answer

See www.m-w.com. Definitions 5, 6, and 7.

CJ

Ahn · Answer

I checked it and it was helpful.

I added the site to favorites.

Can 'now' be compatible with past tense?

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