Now that means because now, since this has happened: something has changed, and that makes the next step possible. Now that the bridge is open, the journey takes ten minutes. It's closer to a reason than a time: the new fact explains a decision. In speech, that is often dropped: Now everyone's here, let's start.
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now that + subject + verb, + result or decision
- Now that the bridge is open, the journey takes ten minutes.
- We can choose the colours now that the layout is final.
- Now that everyone has arrived, let's begin.
What changed
First versionNow when the bridge is open, we can take the shorter route.
RevisionNow that the bridge is open, we can take the shorter route.
The idea is 'at this moment, when…', so now when looks logical. But English uses the fixed linking phrase now that, and that here isn't 'which': it's part of the conjunction. When works on its own for a future moment: when the bridge opens.
When is simply a moment: When the bridge opens, we'll take the short route (it's still closed). Now that means the change has already happened and become a reason: Now that the bridge is open, we take the short route. Because gives a reason without the sense of a new situation.
Your turn
___ the approval has arrived, we can start building.
Show the answer
Now that — The approval has already arrived and is the reason to start, so now that. Now when isn't a phrase English uses.
Say what you can finally do after a recent change: a move, a purchase, finishing your studies. Start with now that.
Now that I live near the office, I can walk to work.
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