at first then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at first then" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It seems to be an attempt to indicate a sequence of events, but it lacks clarity and proper structure. Example: "At first then, I thought it was a good idea, but later I changed my mind."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We drank, tentatively at first, then deeply.

The New York Times - Food

We did, tentatively at first, then greedily.

The New York Times - Food

It was difficult at first, then transformative.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was innocuous at first, then searing.

The New York Times

Intermittently, at first; then a steady patter.

The New York Times

One or two at first, then dozens.

The New Yorker

It's hypnotic at first, then dull.

The New York Times

I was pleased at first, then worried.

The Guardian

They murmured it, softly at first, then louder.

The New Yorker

It was unsettling at first, then silly, then annoying.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

She had not recognized him at first, & then, he became edgy when she fussed over him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, replace "at first then" with "initially, then" or "first, then" to ensure grammatical correctness and improve readability. Using clearer alternatives enhances the flow and professionalism of your writing.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "at first then" in your writing. While common, it can make your text sound monotonous. Vary your sentence structure by using different transitional phrases to introduce subsequent events or actions, such as "subsequently", "afterwards", or "later on".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at first then" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating a sequence of events. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect, suggesting clearer alternatives should be used. It attempts to show a chronological order, but lacks precision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

25%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the expression "at first then" is frequently encountered, appearing in a variety of contexts from news to wikis, it's essential to recognize that Ludwig AI marks it as grammatically incorrect. This suggests that, while the intent is clear—to indicate a sequence of events—the phrasing lacks grammatical precision. For clearer and more effective communication, replacing "at first then" with alternatives such as "initially, then" or "first, then" is strongly recommended. By opting for grammatically correct alternatives, writers can enhance the clarity and professionalism of their work. It is important to replace such phrase with similar meaning (such as subsequently and afterwards).

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first, then

Uses a simpler and more direct phrasing to indicate sequence.

initially then

Replaces 'at first' with 'initially' for a slightly more formal tone, maintaining the sequential meaning.

at the beginning, then

Expands 'at first' for emphasis, keeping 'then' to show sequence.

in the beginning, then

Similar to 'at the beginning' but with a slightly different nuance.

to begin with, then

Offers a more formal way to introduce the first action in a sequence.

originally, then

Focuses on the initial state or action, followed by a subsequent one.

at the outset, then

Highlights the very start of a process or situation.

initially, subsequently

Replaces 'then' with 'subsequently' for a more formal and distinct sequential indication.

at first, afterwards

Substitutes 'then' with 'afterwards' to clarify the temporal sequence.

in the early stages, then

More descriptive, specifying that the first action occurs in the initial phase.

FAQs

What's a better way to phrase "at first then"?

Instead of "at first then", try using phrases like "initially, then" or "first, then". These are grammatically clearer and more concise.

Is "at first then" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "at first then" is not grammatically correct. It's better to use alternatives such as "initially, then" or "first, then".

When is it appropriate to use "at first then"?

While "at first then" is frequently used, it's generally advisable to replace it with more grammatically sound alternatives like "initially, then" to ensure clarity and correctness in your writing.

What are some alternatives to "at first then" for indicating a sequence of events?

You can use alternatives like "at the beginning, then", "to begin with, then", or simply "first, then" to express a sequence of events more effectively.