by now
/baɪ naʊ/
at this point in time
You should have finished your homework by now.
This implies that the homework was expected to be completed at this point.
informal
At this point in time; by this time
She should have arrived by now.
This suggests that she was expected to arrive at this time.
By now, you should know the answer.
This implies that the answer was expected to be known by this point.
Often used to express expectations or assumptions about what should have happened by a certain time.
Collocations
by nowat this point in time
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage Tip
Use 'by now' to express expectations or assumptions about what should have happened by a certain time.
Word Origin
Combination of the preposition 'by' and the adverb 'now', forming a temporal phrase.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in informal and everyday contexts to refer to expectations or assumptions about the current time.
Word Breakdown
by
indicates a point in time
prepositionnow
the present moment
adverbEnglish Dictionary