For many years now ???

Question

can you tell me what '' for many years now" means
the word "now" here does not make sense to me at all. this phrase is included in a sentence with present perfect tense. I can show you the whole sentence including this phrase:
For many years now, chemical warfare has been banned by international agreement , but can the ban been forced ?

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

In a phrase like this, 'now' really just adds a bit of emphasis.

The underlying idea is this.
Maybe last year, I would not have said 'for many years'. But now, it seems like a long enough time to say 'For many years'.

~~been forced~~ be enforced

Clive

AlpheccaStars · Answer

Anonymouscan you tell me what '' for many years now" means

It is common usage, and means "in past years up to the present point in time".

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/now

now
adverb
1. at the present time or moment: You are now using a dictionary.
2. without further delay; immediately; at once: Either do it now or not at all.
3. at this time or juncture in some period under consideration or in some course of proceedings described: The case was now ready for the jury.
4. at the time or moment immediately past: I saw him just now on the street.
5. in these present times; nowadays: Now you rarely see horse-drawn carriages.

For many years now ???

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