right now

Meaning

'Right now' means at this exact moment, or immediately. It is used to emphasize that something is happening at the present time or needs to be done without delay.

Examples

• I am busy right now, but I can call you back in ten minutes.

  I am busy right now, but I can call you back in ten minutes.

• We need to leave right now or we will miss our flight.

  We need to leave right now or we will miss our flight.

• Where are you living right now?

  Where are you living right now?

• The weather is beautiful right now, but it might rain later.

  The weather is beautiful right now, but it might rain later.

• Stop what you are doing and come here right now.

  Stop what you are doing and come here right now.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I am writing an email right time.

  ✓ I am writing an email right now.

  The fixed expression is 'right now,' not 'right time.'

• ✗ Right now I was sleeping when you called.

  ✓ I was sleeping when you called.

  'Right now' refers strictly to the present moment, not the past. For past moments, simply use past tense verbs or phrases like 'at that moment'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Please clean your room ___; it's a complete mess.

  💡 Do it immediately.

  Show answer

  right now

• What are you watching on TV ___?

  💡 At this very moment.

  Show answer

  right now