can now only vs can only now

Both "can now only" and "can only now" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Can now only" implies that something is possible only at this moment, while "can only now" suggests that something can be done only in the present time. The choice between the two depends on the intended emphasis and context.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 4505 views

can now only

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate that something is possible only at the present moment.

Examples:

I can now only imagine what could have been.
You can now only access the building with a keycard.
She can now only dream of a better future.
We can now only hope for the best.
They can now only rely on each other.

Show examples from the web [+]

I regret that I can now only permit points of order.
We can now only hope that the Member States will be able to effectively implement cohesion policy on the basis of these guidelines.
Such rights can now only be exercised when decisions in these matters are not in conformity with the law and the statutes of the Bank.
As you talked about a strict application of the criteria laid down in 2002, I can now only hope that you will put your money where your mouth is.
There was a degree of resilience, if you like, at that time, which we can now only look back on with envy.
If legal action can now only be taken at Community level, then let us at least act quickly and stop indefinitely postponing the implementation of the commitments made in 1997 with a view to providing the consumer with transparent and comprehensible information.
We can now only hope, even though we do not have huge grounds for remaining optimistic, that in Johannesburg, a new, more promising phase will be launched.
As a new model for economic growth it will have risks, different risks, some of which we know and others at which we can now only guess.
We are therefore also in favour of a change in the preliminary ruling procedure, which can now only produce results if the Member States expressly submit themselves to it.
We can now only hope that the manufacturers of baby foods in the EU make the necessary adjustments quickly, since it is clear that baby foods must be free of all poisonous substances.
Parliament can now only take Paragraph 22 of the Council conclusions literally and regard its opinion as a first contribution in response to the Council's invitation to all parties to ensure an effective follow-up to the conclusions.
Whitefish vessels can now only fish for 15 days a month, including steaming time to the fishing grounds, and the 15 days will be reduced to 12 days unless a further 20% of the fleet is decommissioned.
But no, this extremely brief statement on the Interinstitutional Agreement glosses over how badly the European Parliament has fared in this: we can now only reduce foreign policy expenditure with the Council's agreement, and we cannot put anything in the reserve.
I am pleased that the social and environmental criteria which can be prescribed now only pertain to products and/or services delivered and thus not to the conduct of the supplying companies.
With more base stations, more ground stations, better receivers and better algorithms, GPS can now not only tell you what street you are on, but what part of the street.
This incident brought home to us that, in a matter that has hitherto fallen within the reserved powers of the Member States, major problems can now be resolved only at the European level.
Discussion of this subject now can only hinder the process of convergence.
His thoughts now can only be interpreted by a machine.
Mr President, I believe that the responses that can be given now can only alleviate the current situation, but cannot prevent it from happening again.
Milos, we can relax now, only a few freight trains in both directions.

Alternatives:

can only now
only now can
now can only
only can now
now only can

can only now

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate that something can be done only in the present time.