2

I haven't seen you for a long time.

vs

I haven't seen you for a long time now.

Are they both correct? Is there any difference (but maybe emphasis) between one and the other?

Improve this question
2
  • 2
    For me, there is no difference other than a shade of emphasis. I would probably not notice the difference if you said it to me, but "now" is unnecessary/superfluous. We know you mean now.
    – WRX
    Commented Feb 3, 2017 at 16:27
  • 3
    If you add now after an assertion, this simply implies that the assertion wasn't true before (but it is now). So in your specific context, including it strongly suggests that there have been few if any previous "long periods" where you haven't seen the addressee (i.e. - the current situation is relatively unusual, in that you usually see the other person fairly often). But there's also an undertone of ...now that I come to think of it (i.e. - not only have I not seen you for a long time; I haven't even thought about not seeing you). So be careful!
    – FumbleFingers
    Commented Feb 3, 2017 at 16:39

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

For me, there is no difference other than a shade of emphasis. I would probably not notice the difference if you said it to me, but "now" is unnecessary/superfluous. We know you mean now.

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .