0
TomJ Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Q29: 'now', 'right now', 'at the moment', 'at the present'

Hello teachers,

Would you please tell me what the difference between 'now', 'right now', 'at (the) present', and 'at the moment' is? Could we use them interchangeably?

Here's an example:
In a restaurant: Ma'am/sir, I'm arfaid, we don't have that drink now/right now/at the moment/at present. Is there any difference between these time - expressions, please?

Thank you.  
  

Top answer

TomJ In a restaurant: Ma'am/sir, I'm a fr aid, we don't have that drink now/right now/at the moment/at present. Is there any difference between these time - expressions, please? Now here would suggest that you no longer sell that drink.

— Blue Jay

  • TomJ In a restaurant: Ma'am/sir, I'm a fr aid, we don't have that drink now/right now/at the moment/at present.
  • Is there any difference between these time - expressions, please?
  • Now here would suggest that you no longer sell that drink.
  • The others suggest that the lack of this drink is temporary.
  • Right now would suggest that the lack is very short-term, maybe you have sold out today.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

2 Answers
0
TomJIn a restaurant: Ma'am/sir, I'm afraid, we don't have that drink now/right now/at the moment/at present. Is there any difference between these time - expressions, please?
Now here would suggest that you no longer sell that drink. The others suggest that the lack of this drink is temporary. Righ
0
0
Blue JayNow here would suggest that you no longer sell that drink.
I'm afraid it would take "anymore" to convey that message to me. Maybe I'm dense.
0

Related Questions