at first we

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at first we" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a sequence of events or thoughts, typically indicating an initial perspective or action that may change later. Example: "At first we thought the project would be easy, but it turned out to be quite challenging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

At first, we got nowhere.

The New York Times

At first we loved it all".

The New Yorker

But at first, we are submerged.

The New York Times - Arts

At first, we couldn't see it.

The New Yorker

At first we were a promotion agency.

The New York Times

At first, we all felt bad.

Independent

At first we kept quiet.

The Guardian

"At first we were skeptical.

The New York Times

At first, we couldn't see anything.

The New York Times - Arts

"At first, we thought, Marvellous," Palomar said.

The New Yorker

At first we don't like it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at first we", ensure the subsequent clauses clearly indicate the change or evolution from the initial state.

Common error

Avoid using "at first we" if there's no contrasting information following it. The phrase implies a change or development, so ensure the subsequent context reflects this shift.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at first we" functions as an adverbial phrase followed by a personal pronoun. The adverbial phrase modifies the verb that follows, indicating the timing or sequence of the action. Ludwig AI confirms this is a common construction in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at first we" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce an initial action, thought, or state, often contrasting with a subsequent change. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It's versatile enough for neutral contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure a clear contrast or development is presented in the subsequent context to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases include "initially we" or "in the beginning we", offering subtle differences in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially we

Replaces the adverbial phrase "at first" with its direct synonym "initially", indicating a slight shift towards formality.

at the start we

Simply replaces the word first with start, keeping a similar meaning and structure.

in the beginning we

Substitutes "at first" with a more descriptive and slightly less concise phrase: "in the beginning".

originally we

Similar to "initially", but implies a clearer sense of what was intended or planned from the outset.

to begin with we

Offers a more explicit introductory marker, signaling the start of a sequence or explanation.

at the outset we

Formally indicates the start of a process or venture, akin to "at the beginning".

first off we

Casual alternative for "at first we", which is more colloquial.

for starters we

More conversational substitution that emphasizes the initiating aspect.

first and foremost we

Highlights prioritization and importance over merely being first in sequence.

at the initial stage we

Replaces the more succinct phrase "at first" with a longer and more detailed description of the beginning phase.

FAQs

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

Use "at first we" to introduce an initial action, feeling, or understanding that later changes. For example, "At first we were skeptical, but later we realized its value."

What are some alternatives to "at first we"?

You can use alternatives like "initially we", "in the beginning we", or "originally we" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "at first we initially"?

Yes, saying "at first we initially" is generally redundant because "at first" and "initially" have very similar meanings. Choose one or the other for clarity.

What's the difference between "at first we" and "then we"?

"At first we" introduces the initial state or action, while "then we" indicates a subsequent action or development. They are used to show a sequence of events or a change over time.