Now that's key when we're talking ..... put them down on paper.

[JACEK1]

Hello all users!

"Now that's key when we're talking about open-plan offices, because if I'm trying to do work, it requires me to listen to a voice in my head to organise
symbols, to organise a flow of words and put them down on paper."

What I would like to ask you about is the meaning of the phrase "Now that's key". In my opinion, "Now that's key" means "it is important now" or "it is important at the moment/nawadays".

Do you think I am right?

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-21878739

 

[Rover_KE]

'That's key' means 'That is essential'.

 

[JACEK1]

I thought so.

 

[Barb_D]

The "now" doesn't mean "at this moment" or "It's important to me at this moment."

It's used to mean "I'm going to draw your attention to this topic now."

Like "Now remember, not every ..." - doesn't mean "I command you to remember this right now" but more "To understand what we are going to discuss next, it's good to remember..."

 

[JACEK1]

If so, it seems to me that the "now" should be followed by a comma.

 

[Rover_KE]

It's optional. I'd leave it out.