过去时态中的 now 指的是过去背景下的“现在”,可理解为“当时”“那时”“这时”“此时”等。如:
The spray was coming inboard now. 浪花当时已打到舱内。
He was breathing more evenly now. 他的呼吸这时比较平稳。
The rain was coming down harder now. 这时雨下大了。
They were skirmishing close to the minefield now. 他们当时正在雷区附近交火。
He was awake now, as was everyone else. 这时他已醒了,其他人也都醒了。
now 表示现在,也可表示过去,主要是用在故事或对以前情况的叙述中。在口语中,now 可用于安慰或警告。例如:
He is now writing a new play. 他现正在写一个新剧本。
Now she began asking questions. 这时她开始提问了。
The general now changed his tactics. 这时将军改变了战术。
Now she wiped her red eyes. 此时,她擦了擦发红的眼睛。
Now, now, don't you two start quarrelling again. 得啦,得啦,你俩可别再吵架了。
(摘自《薄冰英语惯用法词典》)