Cool MateNow vs This time it seems there is
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Now
Top 1,000 (very common)A1adverb
This time it seems there is
Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: Now
| Now | This time it seems there is | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/naʊ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/naʊ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðɪs taɪm ɪt siːmz ðeər ɪz//🇺🇸 //ðɪs taɪm ɪt simz ðɛr ɪz// |
| Meaning | at this moment or time | Right now, it looks like there is something. |
| Example | I am reading a book now. | This time it seems there is a new solution to the problem. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | adverb | |
| Collocations | now or never, from now on, now and then | this time it seems, it seems there is, this time we have |
| Antonyms | later, after | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'then' when referring to time., Using 'now' too formally in written communication., Overusing 'now' in conversation, leading to redundancy. | Omitting 'this time' when expressing a current situation., Confusing with 'that time' which refers to the past., Using the phrase in non-emphasizing contexts where a more straightforward statement would suffice. |
| Usage notes | Used to indicate the present time. Avoid using 'now' in very formal contexts where 'currently' might be more appropriate. | Used to emphasize a situation or observation happening now. Suitable in both spoken and written contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Now vs This time it seems there is
What's the difference between Now and This time it seems there is?
Now: at this moment or time This time it seems there is: Right now, it looks like there is something.
Which is more common: Now and This time it seems there is?
Now is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Now: I am reading a book now. This time it seems there is: This time it seems there is a new solution to the problem.
Can I use Now and This time it seems there is interchangeably?
Not always. Now and This time it seems there is are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.