"from the beginning" vs "at first"

Question

"from the beginning" vs "at first"

Both "from the beginning" and "at first" are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. "From the beginning" is used to refer to the start or origin of something, while "at first" is used to describe the initial stage or period of a situation. They are not interchangeable as they convey different meanings.

Last Updated: March 27, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate the starting point of a process, event, or period of time. It implies continuity from the initial stage.

Examples:

I have been with this company from the beginning.
She knew him from the beginning of her career.
The project faced challenges from the beginning.
From the beginning, I knew this was a bad idea.
The story captivated me from the beginning.

Alternatives:

since the beginning
at the start
initially
originally
right from the start

This phrase is used to indicate the beginning or first part of a sequence of events or a process. It implies that there may be subsequent changes or developments.

Examples:

I didn't like the movie at first, but it grew on me.
At first, I was hesitant to try sushi, but now I love it.
She seemed unfriendly at first, but she's actually very kind.
At first, the task seemed daunting, but I managed to complete it.
At first, I thought it was a mistake, but it turned out to be true.

Alternatives:

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

Answer 1

from the beginning

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to the start or origin of something.

Answer 2

at first

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

"from the beginning" vs "at first"

from the beginning

at first

Related Comparisons