[Grammar] Usage of 'now' and 'right now'

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sky3120

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Now and right now are interchangeable for the same meaning, aren't they? Thank you in advance.
 

probus

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Right now is much more urgent than a simple now.

For example: I used to think that everything would turn out right eventually, but now I've become doubtful. You can see that this chain of events took place over a considerable period of time.

Contrast: You need to get this done right now i.e. immediately, instantly, presently, right away, without delay.
 

sky3120

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Thank you and then 'at the moment' is synonymous with 'now' or 'right now'?

I think

"At the moment" = "now"
"At the very moment" = "right now"

Am I right?:)
 

emsr2d2

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Thank you and then 'at the moment' is synonymous with 'now' or 'right now'?

I think

"At the moment" = "now"
"At the very moment" = "right now"

Am I right?:)

They might by synonymous depending on the context.

I'm doing it at the moment = I'm doing it now.
He's there at the moment = He's there now.

"Do your homework right now!" and "Do your homework now!" cannot be reworded as "Do your homework at the moment!"
"OK, I'm leaving for work now" cannot be reworded as "OK, I'm leaving for work at the moment".

"At the very moment" has a totally different meaning.
 

sky3120

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Thank you and I am confused that "At the very moment" has a totally different meaning. And then what does it mean? My dictionary says it means a more emphatic one than "At the moment", but you say "totally different". That is so shocking for me now.:)
 

5jj

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My dictionary says it means a more emphatic one than "At the moment", but you say "totally different". That is so shocking for me now.:)
As so often, it depends on context.

I am writing a response to you at the moment. 'Very' is not possible, though 'at this verymoment' is.
I was born at the very moment my grandfather died. This is unnatural without 'very'.
The moment Stalin suffered his stroke, Beria started abusing him. 'The very moment' is possible and stronger', though 'the moment' doesn't really need strengthening.
 
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