Question about indefinite frequency adverbs and 'now'

Question

Hi teachers,1. Which of the following options is the correct one to the given answer?2. Why I can use the adverb 'now' with the simple present tense?a) Why does Robert usually arrive on time at work now?b) Why does Robert almost always arrive on time at work now?    Because he seldon gets up late.Thanks in advance

Dave_anon · Accepted Answer

Hi

'Now' can mean 'at this very moment' and it can also mean 'in recent times' or 'in current times'..

- Why did Robert have to arrive now!

[= at this very moment]

- I see that Robert is turning up to work on time now

[= recently]

- We shall all have to work until we're 67 now

[= in current times]

Dave

Tenacious Learner · Answer

Hi Dave,

Thank you so much for your reply.

What about the questions, which is the best option according to the answer?

Best,

TS

Dimsumexpress · Answer

Thinking Spain1. Which of the following options is the correct one to the given answer?
2. Why I can use the adverb 'now' with the simple present tense?

a) Why does Robert usually arrive on time at work now?
b) Why does Robert almost always arrive on time at work now?
Because he seldon gets up late.

Hi TS,

The two example have issues with adverbs usage, mainly, the over and improper usage of time adverbs which can dilute and confuse the meaning intended. Take A for example, " Why does Robert usually arrive on time at work now?" This is confusing to me semantically. Now - to me, shouldn't be there, or may be the wrong choice of word even. If the answer was not provided, this interpretation did cross my mind becasue of the awkward phrasing of the time adverbs.

Robert usually doesn't arrive the office on time, why is he now showing up on time all of the sudden?

Now -means present, at this point in time. It should never be used in past contexts. Perhaps may be in certain present perfect situations. Like: Barbara and I have been married close to 3 years now. Just my two cents..

now!

Dave_anon · Answer

Hi TS

I wasn't sure what the question was. Is it to decide on..

a) Why does Robert usually arrive on time at work now?

b) Why does Robert almost always arrive on time at work now?

If I've got the wrong question - let me know!

But if that is it then I'd say there is a slight diffence. The first could be taken to mean..

a) It's 8 o'clock and Robert has just arrived at work. Why does Robert usually arrive on time at work now (at 8 o'clock)?

[= at this moment]

And the second could be..

b) The boss has spoken to Robert about his lateness - is that why he almost always arrives on time now?

[= recently]

The sentence (a) seems slightly the more strange, but both seem OK to me

Regards, Dave

Tenacious Learner · Answer

Hi dimsumexpress,

Thank you so much for your detailed explanation.

I guess it is much more that 'just two cents ...'

dimsumexpressRobert usually doesn't arrive the office on time, why is he now showing up on time all of the sudden?

Because his boss was really angry with him about his lateness almost everyday, and told him that he will fire him if he doesn't change his attitude.

Best,

TS

Tenacious Learner · Answer

Hi Dave,

Thanks again for your reply.

dave_anonI wasn't sure what the question was.

That happens to me sometimes. If you see that my explanatios aren't so clear or unappropriate, please do tell me how they should be please.

Best,

TS

Question about indefinite frequency adverbs and 'now'

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions