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John V
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John V
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"As of now", is it possible to distinguish between the meanings?

I am quite puzzled as not even native speakers can agree whether "as of now" means "currently" or "from now on".
Looking in the dictionaries:

  • (Oxford) As from (of) - Used to indicate the time or date from which something starts.
  • (Cambridge) As of/from - starting from a particular time or date.

However, when I look up just "as" in the Cambridge dictionary, one of the entries reads:

  • As of: at a particular date or time. The following examples are provided:

The data is correct as of May 13. (also it might be invalid on the previous and the next day, but it represent the situation as it was on May 13)

This issue may need attention later but, as of now, we are happy with the decision that we have taken. (I think here it is clear from the context that "at present" is meant).

So apparently, both meaning can be correct but I am not sure if the listeners always interpret it the same way. My examples:

  • The new policy is effective as of now. (I mean from now on)
  • As of now, we have three suspects (I mean presently, at this moment - not sure it can be even understood differently)
  • As of now, you can use tools as I will not be needing them. (I mean from now on).

I suspect maybe the position in the sentence matters, but not sure. How should I know what the speaker means?