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CP · Joined: 12 Jun 2006 Posts: 2875 Location: California

1. They have been playing tennis for two hours by now.
--Okay, but probably better: They have been playing tennis for two hours now.

2. Sonia should have been home by now.
--Fine.

3. By now they were within striking distance of the shore.
--Should be: By then they were within striking distance of the shore.

4. Hasn't he been here by now?
--No. Should be: Hasn't he been here yet?

5. The game will be finished by now.
--Sounds odd. Better: The game should be finished by now. Or: The game is finished by now.

6. If she were still here, she would have contacted me by now.
--All right. Probably better: If she were still here, she would have contacted me already.
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learner1 · Joined: 10 Mar 2007 Posts: 333

Hi,

I am not sure when we use 'by now' and what it means. Could someone please explain it to me and give some examples so that I can understand it better. Thanks a lot.