Grammar Boost: Time Markers

Navigating the Cosmos of "Now"

Today, we're going to dive into the seemingly simple, yet surprisingly complex, world of "now" and other time markers. We'll explore how they can twist and turn the meaning of a sentence, much like a black hole bending spacetime, especially when we talk about space exploration, artificial intelligence, and the search for alien life.

"Now": More Than Just This Very Second in the Universe

At first glance, "now" is straightforward: it means "at this present moment."

• Our AI system is analysing exoplanet data now. (Simple present, happening right away)

However, "now" can stretch and encompass a much broader period, like the vast expanse of the cosmos:

• Space travel is much more accessible now than it was fifty years ago. (Here, "now" refers to the current era of space exploration, not just this second.)

• We believe alien life might exist on Europa now, but we used to focus more on Mars. (Again, "now" indicates our current scientific focus, which isn't just a fleeting moment.)

This extended "now" often pairs with the simple present, even when talking about ongoing cosmic situations.

The Curious Case of "Just Now" and "Right Now": Signals from Afar

These two phrases seem similar, but they have distinct uses, much like different types of interstellar signals: