at first

USAGE SUMMARY

"at first" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something happened before something else. For example, "At first, I wasn't sure if I wanted to go to the party, but then I decided it would be fun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At first.

The New York Times - Arts

At first, she resisted.

The New York Times - Sports

Both shrugged at first.

The New York Times

At first, she does.

Independent

At first, they faltered.

The New York Times

"But not at first.

The New Yorker

She's friendly at first.

The New Yorker

At first glance, the….

The New Yorker

He won, at first.

The New York Times

At first, they demurred.

The New York Times

At least at first.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at first" to clearly indicate the initial state or reaction before a change or subsequent event. This helps create a clear timeline for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "at first" when you intend to list items or reasons. "Firstly", "secondly", and "thirdly" are more appropriate for enumerating points. "At first" is best used to describe an initial state or feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at first" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the initial time or state of an action or situation. Ludwig AI's examples show it setting up a contrast or change, clarifying what happened or was felt initially.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "at first" is a versatile tool for indicating an initial state or reaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase functions to set up a contrast or change, primarily within news and media contexts, though its usage extends across various domains. To ensure clarity, use "at first" to describe initial conditions before a shift, avoiding its use in enumeration where terms like "firstly" are more appropriate. Remember, "at first" is your go-to for narrating beginnings that evolve.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the start

Simple alternative to describe the beginning phase.

initially

Single word alternative that highlights the beginning stage.

in the beginning

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of the start.

to begin with

Highlights the starting point of a sequence.

at the outset

Focuses on the commencement of an activity or event.

originally

Indicates the initial state before changes occurred.

at an early stage

Focuses on the timing, highlighting the beginning.

in its early stages

Highlights that is something that has not reached its full development.

at first glance

Used to describe an initial impression.

upon inception

A more formal way to describe the commencement.

FAQs

How can I use "at first" in a sentence?

Use "at first" to describe an initial state or reaction that changes over time. For example, "At first, I was nervous, but then I relaxed and enjoyed the presentation."

What's a simple alternative to "at first"?

A simple alternative to "at first" is "initially". It conveys the same meaning of something happening at the beginning.

Is there a difference between "at first" and "in the beginning"?

While similar, "at first" often implies a contrast with what follows, whereas "in the beginning" simply refers to the start. For example, you might say, "In the beginning, there was nothing" to describe the start of the universe.

Can "at first" be used to introduce a list of items?

No, "at first" is not typically used to introduce a list. Use words like "firstly", "to begin with", or "first" when introducing a list.