Is there a Comma After “Now”?

Understanding the correct use of commas with the word “now” can significantly improve the clarity and flow of your writing. This article will outline ten rules for using “now” in sentences, complete with examples to guide you on when to use a comma and when it’s unnecessary.

Rule 1: Starting a Sentence

Correct Usage

• Now, let’s consider the main argument.
• Now, we will proceed to the next chapter.
• Now, I understand your point.

Incorrect Usage

• Now let’s consider the main argument.
• Now we will proceed to the next chapter.
• Now I understand your point.

Explanation: When “now” starts a sentence and is followed by a pause, use a comma to separate it from the rest of the sentence.

Rule 2: In the Middle of a Sentence

Correct Usage

• We are, now, ready to begin.
• She has, now, decided to join us.
• The plan is, now, in motion.

Incorrect Usage

• We are now ready to begin.
• She has now decided to join us.
• The plan is now in motion.

Explanation: If “now” interrupts the flow of a sentence as an aside, use commas before and after. However, this rule can vary based on the necessity of the pause for clarity.

Rule 3: Before a Conjunction

Correct Usage

• Now, we must decide; should we stay or go?
• Now, she’s here, and we can start.
• Now, the evidence is clear, so let’s proceed.

Incorrect Usage

• Now we must decide, should we stay or go?
• Now she’s here and we can start.
• Now the evidence is clear so let’s proceed.

Explanation: When “now” precedes a conjunction like “and” or “but” and introduces a new clause, it often requires a comma to separate ideas clearly.

Rule 4: To Emphasize a Shift

Correct Usage

• We were losing. Now, we have a chance to win.
• They weren’t ready before. Now, they’re prepared.
• It seemed impossible. Now, it’s within reach.

Incorrect Usage

• We were losing. Now we have a chance to win.
• They weren’t ready before. Now they’re prepared.
• It seemed impossible. Now it’s within reach.

Explanation: Use a comma after “now” when it introduces a significant shift or contrast in ideas, emphasizing the change.

Rule 5: With Direct Address

Correct Usage

• Now, John, it’s your turn.
• Now, everyone, please listen.
• Now, Dr. Smith, we need your opinion.

Incorrect Usage

• Now John it’s your turn.
• Now everyone please listen.
• Now Dr. Smith we need your opinion.

Explanation: When addressing someone directly after “now,” use a comma to separate the address from the rest of the sentence.

Rule 6: In Conditional Sentences

Correct Usage

• If you look now, you’ll see it.
• You can, now, see the difference.
• They could, now, understand the problem.

Incorrect Usage

• If you look now you’ll see it.
• You can now see the difference.
• They could now understand the problem.

Explanation: In conditional sentences, “now” may or may not need a comma depending on its placement and the emphasis desired.

Read More: Do You Put a Comma Before “If”?

Rule 7: To Indicate a Pause

Correct Usage

• Listen, now, to what I say.
• Think, now, about your choices.
• Remember, now, the importance of this decision.

Incorrect Usage

• Listen now to what I say.
• Think now about your choices.
• Remember now the importance of this decision.

Explanation: Use commas to create a natural pause for emphasis or reflection when “now” is used mid-sentence.

Rule 8: At the End of a Sentence

Correct Usage

• We will start the meeting now.
• You should see it by now.
• It’s your time to shine now.

Incorrect Usage

• We will start the meeting, now.
• You should see it, now.
• It’s your time to shine, now.

Explanation: Generally, do not use a comma before “now” when it concludes a sentence, as it directly relates to the action or state being described.

Rule 9: With Imperatives

Correct Usage

• Come now, and see for yourself.
• Stop now, before it’s too late.
• Go now, and do your best.

Incorrect Usage

• Come now and see for yourself.
• Stop now before it’s too late.
• Go now and do your best.

Explanation: When “now” follows an imperative verb and adds urgency or immediacy, a comma can separate it for emphasis.

Rule 10: When “Now” is Unnecessary for Meaning

Correct Usage

• Now, what were we discussing?
• Now, where did I leave my keys?
• Now, how shall we proceed?

Incorrect Usage

• Now what were we discussing?
• Now where did I leave my keys?
• Now how shall we proceed?

Explanation: Even when “now” could be omitted without losing meaning, using a comma can add a reflective or transitional tone to the sentence.

Using commas with “now” effectively requires understanding the context and the desired emphasis in your writing. While these rules provide a general guideline, always consider the flow and clarity of your sentences when deciding on comma placement.