The correct spelling of the phrase "until now" is a common query among English learners. /ʌntɪl naʊ/ is the IPA phonetic transcription for this phrase. "Until" refers to a condition of time, and "now" refers to the present moment. The term "until" is spelled using the letters "u-n-t-i-l" with stress on the first syllable (ʌn-), and "now" is spelled using the letters "n-o-w" with stress on the second syllable (-naʊ). Together, they create a commonly used phrase for describing the past leading up to the present moment.
Until now is an idiomatic expression that refers to a specific point in time, highlighting the period leading up to the present moment. It implies that something has been true or has occurred throughout a given period of time and continues to be the case up until the present. The phrase incorporates the element of time to emphasize that, as of the current moment, a certain situation, event, or condition has remained unchanged.
This expression is often used to introduce information or experiences which were previously unknown or undisclosed, thereby bringing the recipient up to date with the most recent developments. It serves to indicate that prior to the present moment, the situation or knowledge being referred to was absent or not accessible, but now with this new information, there is a potential for altered perspectives or decisions.
However, it is essential to highlight that "until now" implies a sense of change or transition, suggesting that there has been a shift in circumstances or understanding up to this point. By using this phrase, the speaker or writer acknowledges that the information or situation being presented may have been different or unknown in the past.
In summary, "until now" denotes the period leading up to the present moment, indicating that something has been true, occurred, or remained unchanged throughout that period and is now being revealed or updated, potentially leading to a new understanding or decision.
The word "until" comes from the Middle English "untille", which in turn originated from the Old English "until". It is a compound word, combining "un-" meaning "up to" or "till", and "til", which means "termination" or "limit". "Until" has remained relatively unchanged in its meaning throughout its history. The phrase "until now" simply combines the word "until" with the word "now", to indicate that something was true or applicable up to the present moment.