Asked by ~{Happy Face}~

Hi!!
Do I need to take the word, "now" out in the sentence below?:

Mouschi, Peter Van Daan’s cat, has been missing for several months now.

(Or should I just leave the word, "now" there?)

Please Help!!
Thank You!!
Answered by Ms. Sue
I'd take "now" out of this sentence because it's redundant.
Answered by ~{Happy Face}~
Okay, thank you Ms. Sue!!
Answered by drwls

"Now" can be left in. It adds emphasis to your (or Peter's) concern and keeping an accurate record of the time. It would be an attention-grabbing way to begin a short story, but in the middle of a story, would be better left out.

Answered by ~{Happy Face}~
drwls, are you a student, or a teacher?
Answered by Ms. Sue
DrWLS is a retired scientist.

He made a good point by pointing out that "now" emphasizes the sentence. So -- take your choice. Dr WLS and I are both "right."
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