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 • 1093 views

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

"first"

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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

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

"at first"

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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first vs at first

"first"

"at first"

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