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Deepuji Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Now or by now

What is the difference between

1. If it wasn't for boxing, I would be dead by now.

2. If it wasn't for boxing, I would be dead now.

I have tried understanding but I have not been able to understand it. Please tell me when do I use them.

Thank you. 
  

Top answer

I think the first one should be this way: 1. If it wasn't for boxing, I would have been dead by now . It means it has been probable to die until now.

— Persian Learner

  • I think the first one should be this way: 1.
  • If it wasn't for boxing, I would have been dead by now .
  • It means it has been probable to die until now.
  • The second one means right now .
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3 Answers
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I think the first one should be this way:

1. If it wasn't for boxing, I would have been dead by now.


It means it has been probable to die until now.

The second one means right now.
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Persian LearnerI think the first one should be this way:1. If it wasn't for boxing, I would have been dead by now.
The first is fine as it is.
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deepujiWhat is the difference between
The difference is minimal. "now" is self-explanatory. "by now" is "now or before now".

Because a time period 'before now' is included in "by now", I am somewhat partial to the idea that "would have been" sounds more logical.

CJ
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