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first vs at first

Both 'first' and 'at first' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'First' is used to indicate the initial position in a sequence or order, while 'at first' is used to describe something that happened initially or at the beginning of a situation.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 854 views

first

Correct. 'First' is used to indicate the initial position in a sequence or order.

Use 'first' when referring to the initial position in a sequence or order. It can also be used to express preference or priority.

Examples:

  • He was the first person to arrive at the party.
  • I would like to be the first to know about any updates.
  • The first car that stops, decides our destination.
  • Congratulations on Mission Kashmir's first victory.
  • His first attorney was probably some 12-year-old legal-aid guy.
  • He was my first real boyfriend.
  • The first killing was too cruel.
  • Take a statement from him first.
  • She murdered her first victim here.
  • This fighting staff was my first weapon.
  • Madlyn's first birthday since her mother died.
  • We sing first and then read later.
  • My first job paid that much.
  • The first attempted switch was carefully rehearsed.
  • Gone before the first cops arrived.
  • Like their first pair of high-heeled shoes.
  • Our first meditation begins in one hour.
  • Congratulations on our first FBI raid.
  • Violence was always her first instinct.
  • Writing's always been my first love.
  • Wait. Let the dust settle first.
  • This was Bronson's first discovery.

Alternatives:

  • initial
  • beginning
  • foremost
  • primary
  • preliminary

at first

Correct. 'At first' is used to describe something that happened initially or at the beginning of a situation.

Use 'at first' to describe something that happened initially or at the beginning of a situation. It is often used to indicate a change or development that occurred later.

Examples:

  • At first, I didn't like the movie, but it grew on me.
  • She was hesitant at first, but eventually agreed.

Alternatives:

  • initially
  • in the beginning
  • originally
  • initially
  • initial stage

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