at first I found

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at first I found" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an initial impression or experience that may change over time. Example: "At first I found the book difficult to understand, but as I continued reading, it became clearer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At first I found myself somewhat offended.

The New York Times - Arts

At first, I found her attitude fascinating.

The New Yorker

At first, I found this unbearable.

The New Yorker

At first, I found only the Frari.

The Guardian - Books

At first, I found his performance grating to a degree.

Independent

At first I found people reticent to speak.

The New York Times

At first I found this to be strange and infuriating.

The New York Times

At first I found this frustrating, but now I have learned to relish this time.

The New York Times

At first I found myself mildly irritated by the endless swirl of products.

The New York Times - Books

"At first, I found him charming and helped him get seats at shows," he said.

The New York Times - Style

At first I found his lectures disorganised, bordering on the chaotic.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at first I found" to introduce a contrast between an initial perception and a subsequent understanding or feeling. This helps to create a narrative arc in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "at first I found" when describing a single, unchanging observation. This phrase implies a shift in perspective or discovery over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at first I found" functions as an introductory element that sets the stage for a narrative or explanation. It indicates an initial state or perception that is about to be contrasted with a subsequent change or realization. According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at first I found" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that introduces an initial reaction or observation, typically followed by a contrasting or evolving perspective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for describing a shift in understanding. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts and serves to highlight a change in perception over time. When using this phrase, ensure you provide context about how your initial feeling evolved. While versatile, avoid using it for static, unchanging observations. Related alternatives include "initially I discovered" and "in the beginning I realized", which can offer a slightly different nuance. Remember to use this information when crafting your next piece!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially, I discovered

Replaces "at first" with "initially" and "found" with "discovered", offering a more formal tone.

in the beginning, I realized

Substitutes "at first" with "in the beginning" and "found" with "realized", changing the emphasis to a process of realization.

my initial impression was

Uses a noun phrase to describe the initial feeling, instead of a verb-based construction.

to begin with, I observed

Replaces "at first" with "to begin with" and "found" with "observed", making it sound more detached and analytical.

at the outset, I noticed

Replaces "at first" with "at the outset" and "found" with "noticed", creating a more formal and observant tone.

originally, it seemed to me

Uses "originally" to convey the initial perception and "seemed to me" to express subjectivity.

my first thought was

Focuses on the first thought that came to mind, rather than a general finding.

initially, it struck me that

Replaces "at first I found" with a more emphatic expression of being struck by something.

in my experience, initially

Begins by stating it is a personal experience, changing the sentence order.

I initially came to believe

Emphasizes the process of forming a belief, instead of simply finding something.

FAQs

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

Use "at first I found" to introduce an initial reaction, impression, or observation that later changed. For example, "At first I found the lecture boring, but then it became more interesting."

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

You can use alternatives like "initially I discovered", "in the beginning I realized", or "my initial impression was" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to explain the change after using "at first I found"?

While not always grammatically required, it's often more effective to explain how your perspective changed after using "at first I found". This provides a complete and engaging narrative.

What's the difference between "at first I found" and "I found at first"?

"At first I found" emphasizes the temporal sequence (the initial experience). "I found at first" is less common and can sound awkward; it's better to stick with "at first I found" for clarity.