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"at first" vs "at first,"

Both "at first" and "at first," are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "At first" is used to indicate the initial stage of something, while "at first," is used to introduce a subsequent clause or explanation.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 614 views

"at first"

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the initial stage of something.

Use "at first" to describe the beginning or initial period of a situation, event, or process.

Examples:

  • At first, I didn't like the movie, but it grew on me.
  • She was hesitant at first, but eventually, she agreed to join us.
  • At first, the project seemed overwhelming, but with time, it became manageable.
  • I don't like the "at first" part at all.
  • I said "first" at the same time he did.
  • Means "love at first sight."
  • Graham likes to call it "love at first dial."
  • And I think that this is really the origin of what you and I call "love at first sight."
  • "First" is the word you want.
  • But he wanted to emphasise that he did not see an EU of "first" and "second" class states or indeed including discrimination.
  • The amendment reflects first reading amendment 60 which also deleted the word "first".
  • And when you say "first"...?
  • Let's agree to disagree about the "first" thing.
  • Your name means "first", and my name means "third".
  • This whole thing is being orchestrated by something called "the First".
  • Most people have a "shoot first" policy.
  • He wanted Europe to be the "first mover" at global level on this front.
  • This is misleading insofar as in this sentence both the "first" and the "second section" refer to the first half of this rather long paragraph.
  • This is the kind of infighting and "me first" attitudes I wanted to avoid.
  • What happened to "families first"?
  • "Safety first" was the right approach but it was also important to "make use of the airspace as soon as possible".
  • Our headmistress, Miss Mackay... retains him on the walls because she believes in the slogan "safety first".
  • This would be in line with the objectives of Commission Communication dated 25 June 2008 entitled '"Think Small First" - A "Small Business Act" for Europe'.

Alternatives:

  • initially
  • in the beginning
  • to start with
  • at the outset
  • at the beginning

"at first,"

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to introduce a subsequent clause or explanation following an initial statement.

Use "at first," when you want to introduce a subsequent clause or explanation after an initial statement.

Examples:

  • I was hesitant at first, but then I realized it was the right decision.
  • At first, I thought it was a mistake, but upon closer inspection, it made sense.
  • She seemed upset at first, but as she explained, I understood her perspective.
  • "First," "he'd separate the boy from his parents."
  • Say, "pardon" first, and afterwards "stand up".
  • Say, "pardon" first, and afterwards "stand up".
  • "the Moroi come first," it's all so twisted.
  • First, «remote access» to NCB cash services in all euro area countries was implemented by June 2007.
  • 4.4.1 First, "current trends" in transport are described as "unsustainable".
  • She's... no, first, "A" used a sedan as a wrecking ball on Emily's house.
  • Works like "The Bell Curve," "Sociobiology," "Earth First," "The Genome Project."
  • Task: Search state licensing registries, 1946 to present for "Auschlander", first initial "R", physician or research scientist.
  • John Dalli: "patients first, consumers first"
  • Most importantly, whilst accepting that renewable energy can make a significant contribution to the fight against climate change, this opinion takes as its starting point the maxim "first, do no harm".
  • "First, to Peter Yellowbear"my neighbor and fellow snow golfer
  • The first, "Vigilant Guardian", is described as
  • First, "accepted" isn't the word I'd use, and secondly, this whole weekend is about you, little man.
  • So call "First Response," get this thing underway.
  • And by "first thing," I mean mid-afternoon.
  • "Fascist." What comes first, "S" or the "C"?
  • Write names as "first last", not "last, first". Omit any leading "The". Use "Various" for compilations.
  • I mean, I'm not one of these "America first," read-the-newspaper, will-Hillary-get-the-nod people.
  • "I saw her first," I'd say.

Alternatives:

  • initially,
  • in the beginning,
  • to start with,
  • at the outset,
  • at the beginning,

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