at first I considered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at first I considered" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing initial thoughts or reflections on a topic before arriving at a conclusion or decision. Example: "At first I considered taking the job offer, but after some reflection, I decided it wasn't the right fit for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

At first, I considered searching for a zoo custodian, but decided not to.

The New York Times

At first I considered the bonkers Sisters duet from White Christmas.

The Guardian - Music

At first I considered the area of statistical genetics, but after a class project in David Brillinger's Time Series course, I became more interested in endocrinology.

University of California, Berkeley

Michael, though, is lucky: he is his aunt's darling, the chosen one, a role he loves at first ("I considered her quite simply to be the most magical human being I knew").

The Guardian - Books

At first, I considered the usual academic route: to apply for grants and hire postdocs, then write articles and books.

Forbes

So at first, I considered many Master of Science in Marketing programs in the U.S. Then I came across this blog.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

At first, I briefly considered my own rescue attempt.

The New York Times

"At first, I would have considered him more of an introvert than later on," said Robert A. Mosbacher, a Houstonian who became commerce secretary when Mr. Bush became president in 1989.

The New York Times

At first I nodded and considered bluffing him.

Los Angeles Times

"At first, I did not consider the video very special, as I have viewed countless other 'war porn'-type videos depicting combat," says Manning in the audio.

Huffington Post

At first, I was reluctant to consider buying an clunky old clock that would clutter up my nightstand and make my life less streamlined.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at first I considered" to introduce an initial idea or plan that was later changed or abandoned. It effectively sets up a contrast between the initial thought and the final decision.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "at first I considered" can sound informal in certain contexts. In academic or formal writing, consider using phrases like "initially, I contemplated" or "at the outset, I weighed the option of" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at first I considered" functions as an introductory element in a sentence, signaling an initial thought or plan that preceded a different action or decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at first I considered" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to introduce an initial thought or plan that was later altered. As Ludwig AI points out, it is effective for setting up a contrast between an earlier idea and a subsequent decision. It commonly appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral register. While acceptable in most writing scenarios, more formal options like "initially, I contemplated" may be preferable in certain academic or professional settings. By using "at first I considered", writers can provide valuable context and narrative flow, guiding readers through the evolution of their thinking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I had initially considered

Slightly alters the sentence structure while maintaining the meaning.

initially, I thought about

Replaces "considered" with "thought about" while adding "initially" for emphasis.

I briefly considered

Highlights the short duration of the consideration.

in the beginning, I contemplated

Uses more formal vocabulary like "contemplated" and "in the beginning" instead of "at first".

I initially entertained the idea of

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the consideration.

at the outset, I weighed the option of

More formal; "weighed the option" is a more deliberate form of considering.

my initial thought was to

Focuses on the thought process rather than the action of considering.

to begin with, I pondered

Uses "pondered", which implies deeper thought.

first, I gave thought to

Replaces "considered" with "gave thought to", making it slightly more verbose.

originally, I had in mind

Focuses on the intention that was "had in mind".

FAQs

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

Use "at first I considered" to introduce an initial thought, plan, or idea that you later changed or abandoned. For example, "At first I considered moving to New York, but then I found a great job in Chicago".

What are some alternatives to "at first I considered"?

You can use alternatives like "initially I thought about", "in the beginning I contemplated", or "I briefly considered" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "at first I considered" or "initially I considered"?

Both "at first I considered" and "initially I considered" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "Initially" may sound slightly more formal.

What is the difference between "at first I considered" and "I considered at first"?

The phrase "at first I considered" places emphasis on the initial nature of the thought. Reversing it to "I considered at first" is grammatically correct, but less common and the emphasis shifts to the act of considering itself. The former is generally preferred for clarity.