as it was at first

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as it was at first" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a previous state or condition that existed initially, often in contrast to a current situation. Example: "The project has changed significantly over the months, but we need to revert to the original plan, as it was at first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

His impact on the magazine was as noticeable as it was, at first, anonymous.

The New Yorker

The pain is not as bad as it was at first, but why would 15 days off and an epidural, which Alfonzo had yesterday, make him return fully healthy?

The New York Times - Sports

It has created a noticeable change in the hallways at Lincoln and most students said that as uncomfortable as it was at first, their school has eased into a routine they can embrace.

The New York Times

This is the third delay of the device, as it was at first pushed from launch day in June until the second half of July.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The play is set in a world Askins knows, as it were, at first hand: that of a Lutheran ministry in Texas, where sock puppets are used as a way of spreading the gospel.

The Guardian

As a consequence, it was at first treated like so much other news from Africa – or at least news with no celebrity angle – the story was ignored or just told in a cursory and often inaccurate way.

The Guardian

It was at first mistaken as a gravestone for someone named A. D. Bache.

Wikipedia

That it is just as wrenching to see relatives hold photos of their loved ones before television cameras at the 10th memorial service as it was at the first.

The New York Times

"But given how chaotic this situation has been, the magnitude of the situation, the number of people that we've had to evacuate — it's nowhere near as simple a task as one might think it is at first blush". .

Huffington Post

The personnel is just as precarious in the trenches as it is at the second level.

The New York Times

But what remains is not what the original builders would have seen, as it is at least the third monument that has stood on this site.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as it was at first" to clearly indicate a return to an initial state after changes or deviations. This emphasizes the cyclical nature or reversion of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "as it is at first" when referring to a past state. The correct form, "as it was at first", ensures the past tense is consistent and accurately reflects the initial condition being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it was at first" functions as an adverbial conjunction, linking a current situation back to its original state. It indicates a return or comparison to how something initially existed. Ludwig shows examples where this phrase sets a contrast between past and present conditions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as it was at first" functions as an adverbial conjunction, indicating a return or reference to an initial state. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It’s most commonly found in news and media contexts and serves to emphasize changes or evolutions from an original condition. When using this phrase, ensure that the tense is consistent (past tense) and that it accurately reflects a reversion to a prior state. Alternatives like "as it originally was" or "in its initial state" can be used for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as it originally was

Focuses on the original condition of something, providing a more direct synonym.

as it initially existed

Highlights the initial existence of something, emphasizing the starting point.

in its original form

Refers to the original structure or appearance of something.

in its initial state

Emphasizes the condition or state of something at the beginning.

as it began

Simple and direct, focusing on the beginning of something's existence.

at the outset

Implies the very beginning or commencement of something.

to begin with

Highlights the starting point, often used to contrast with later developments.

originally

A single-word adverb conveying the same meaning.

initially

Another single-word adverb, similar to 'originally'.

at the start

Refers to the commencement or beginning of an event or process.

FAQs

How can I use "as it was at first" in a sentence?

You can use "as it was at first" to describe a return to an initial state after a period of change. For example, "The project has changed significantly, but we need to revert to the original plan, "as it was at first"".

What is a good alternative to "as it was at first"?

Alternatives include "as it originally was" or "in its initial state". These phrases offer similar meanings while varying slightly in emphasis.

Is there a difference between "as it was at first" and "initially"?

"As it was at first" implies a return to a prior condition, whereas "initially" simply refers to the beginning. The former suggests a change followed by a reversion, while the latter does not necessarily imply a change.

Can I use "as it is at first" instead of "as it was at first"?

No, "as it is at first" is grammatically incorrect when referring to a past state. The correct phrase is "as it was at first", which uses the past tense to accurately describe the initial condition.