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at the beginning vs at first

Both 'at the beginning' and 'at first' are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'At the beginning' is used to refer to the start of something, like a process or an event. 'At first' is used to describe the initial stage of a situation or an action.

Last updated: March 28, 2024

at the beginning

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to the start of something, such as a process or an event.

Use 'at the beginning' when you want to talk about the initial stage of something, like a story, a project, or an event.

Examples:

  • At the beginning of the movie, the main character faces a difficult decision.
  • We need to address these issues at the beginning of the project.
  • At the beginning of the school year, students are excited to meet their new teachers.
  • She felt nervous at the beginning of the interview.
  • At the beginning of the race, the runners lined up at the starting line.
  • Sep 26, 2019 ... Start at the beginning and learn the lyrics to this romantic song "At The Beginning" from Anastasia!The last surviving child of the Russian ...
  • Jul 7, 2020 ... Risk, resilience, psychological distress, and anxiety at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Moritz Bruno Petzold,.
  • Five of the seven authors of this manuscript conducted research published in PNAS (1), showing that signing a veracity statement at the beginning of a tax ...

Alternatives:

  • in the beginning
  • from the start
  • initially
  • at the outset
  • at the commencement

at first

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe the initial stage of a situation or an action.

Use 'at first' when you want to talk about the initial reaction, feeling, or stage of something, before a change or development occurs.

Examples:

  • At first, I was hesitant to try the new restaurant, but I ended up loving it.
  • She seemed friendly at first, but later I realized she was not trustworthy.
  • At first, the project seemed overwhelming, but with time it became more manageable.
  • I didn't like the book at first, but it grew on me as I kept reading.
  • At first, the students were quiet, but then they started to ask questions.

Alternatives:

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

Related Comparisons

firstly vs at first from the beginning vs at first initially vs at first at art shows vs in art shows first vs at first at the first vs at first

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