Right now means at this very moment: I'm busy right now. Said in a demanding tone, it means immediately: Come here right now! It's also used about what's happening in the current period: Right now the company is hiring.
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be + -ing + right now; imperative + right now (= immediately); need/want/know + right now
- I'm cooking dinner right now, can I call you back in ten minutes?
- Right now the company is looking for two new designers.
- Turn off the oven right now, the cake is burning!
What changed
First versionSorry, I can't talk, I drive right now.
RevisionSorry, I can't talk, I'm driving right now.
English has two present forms, and they aren't interchangeable: I work is in general, as a habit, and I'm working is at this moment. Right now needs the second one: I'm driving right now.
State verbs such as need, want, know and like don't take the -ing form, even next to right now: I need your help right now. That's why I need it right now sounds fine, but I work right now, meaning I'm busy working, doesn't: work is an action, and at this moment it's in progress: I'm working right now.
Your turn
Can you call back later? The baby ___ right now.
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is sleeping — The baby is asleep at this very moment, so you need the -ing form: is sleeping. Sleeps describes a habit, as in sleeps a lot, and doesn't go with right now.
A friend invites you to go out. Write a reply: explain what you're busy with right now and suggest a time to meet.
I'm finishing a report right now, but I can meet you at seven.
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