Sentence examples for at first only from inspiring English sources

Suggestions(2)

at first however

at last only

The phrase "at first only" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was initially the case but may have changed later on.
Example: "At first only a few people attended the meeting, but soon the room was filled to capacity."
Alternatives: "initially just" or "only in the beginning".

Exact(60)

At first, only blurry circles.

The Economist

At first, only the men talked.

The New York Times

He felt nothing at first, only numbness.

The New Yorker

At first, only local loggers came in.

The New York Times - Science

And at first only the teachers were allowed to watch.

The New York Times - Arts

It circulated at first only in manuscript among his friends.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At first only sugary drinks will be taxed.

Independent

At first, only petrol models will be available in two-wheel drive form.

Independent

At first only serious speculators used it to gamble on gold prices.

The Economist

Mrs. Gandhi then won the office & was at first only a decorative figurehead.

The New Yorker

They prove wonderfully effective at first, only to dwindle into uselessness.

The Economist

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