not at first

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not at first" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe an event or action that did not occur immediately but instead happened after other events or actions. For example, "I was not excited about the project at first, but I eventually became interested as I learned more."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Not at first, though.

The New York Times

Well, not at first.

The New York Times

"But not at first.

The New Yorker

Not at first.

The New York Times - Arts

"Not at first," Garfinkel said.

The New York Times - Sports

Tim: Not at first.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

But not at second or third.

The Guardian

It didn't at first.

The Guardian - Books

It wasn't at first.

The New York Times - Arts

She didn't at first.

The Guardian

Why? Arlie Russell Hochschild: They didn't at first.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not at first" to introduce a contrast, showing how a situation or feeling evolved over time. It helps to create a narrative of change and development.

Common error

Avoid using "not at first" when you intend to negate a subsequent action or event entirely. It implies a temporary absence, not a complete negation. If something never happened, don't use "not at first".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not at first" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing of an event or state. Ludwig provides examples where it introduces a contrast, showing an initial situation that changes. The examples from Ludwig demonstrate its role in setting up a narrative of change or development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "not at first" is a versatile tool for indicating a change or evolution over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It is particularly common in news and media, as well as more informal academic contexts, to introduce a contrast or qualification. When using this phrase, ensure that you are accurately portraying a shift from an initial state, rather than a complete negation. Its usage can significantly enhance clarity and narrative flow by highlighting how situations or feelings develop.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not initially

Uses the adverb 'initially' to convey the same meaning more concisely.

at first not

Inverts the order of "not at first" while maintaining the core meaning.

originally not

Uses the adverb 'originally' to highlight the difference between the initial and current state.

not in the beginning

Emphasizes the temporal aspect, specifying that something was not true at the start.

not from the start

Similar to "not in the beginning" but uses 'start' instead of 'beginning'.

not at the outset

Replaces 'first' with 'outset', indicating the very beginning of something.

not to begin with

Indicates that something was not the case when things started.

initially no

Focuses on the negative aspect of the initial state, emphasizing the absence of something at the beginning.

not in the early stages

Specifically references the early period of a process or event.

at the beginning no

Emphasizes the negative aspect of the beginning of something

FAQs

How can I effectively use "not at first" in a sentence?

Use "not at first" to indicate an initial state or reaction that later changed. For example, "I didn't like coffee not at first, but now I love it."

What are some alternatives to using "not at first"?

Consider using phrases like "initially", "originally", or "at the beginning" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between saying "not at first" and "at first not"?

While both convey a similar meaning, "not at first" is more common and natural-sounding in contemporary English. "At first not" is less frequently used, although grammatically valid.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "not at first"?

Avoid using "not at first" if you're describing something that never happened or was never true. It's meant to show an evolution or change from an initial state.