Is "now that" different from "now" and could you give me some examples?

Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
Good question! There is a difference in usage and meaning between the two. "Now" is an adverb of time. Ex: Let's go meet our friends now. Ex: I am ready to eat now. "Now that" is used to introduce a subordinate noun clause. You can use it when you want to introduce a new explanation or situation. Ex: Now that I have moved out, I have to cook my own meals. Ex: Now that it's summertime, I plan on traveling.