What Does "at first" Mean?
- What it expresses: "At first" is a temporal adverbial expression that indicates a time or an initial state that subsequently changed. It implies a contrast between the beginning of a situation and what happened later.
- What part of the sentence it typically modifies: It usually modifies the whole clause or the verb, setting the temporal frame for the action.
- Register: This expression is neutral and is equally appropriate in academic writing, journalism, and casual conversation.
How to Use It
- Typical sentence positions: It is most natural in the initial position (often followed by a comma) to establish context, but it can also appear in the final position for emphasis or the mid position for a smoother flow.
- What it modifies and how it changes the meaning: It signals to the reader that the current state is temporary. For example, "He was tired" is a simple statement, while "At first, he was tired" suggests he later gained energy.
- Grammatical flexibility: It can be easily fronted for emphasis, used with negation (e.g., "not at first"), and used in questions.
- What sounds unnatural: It sounds incorrect when used to list sequential steps in a process (e.g., "At first, open the box" should be "First, open the box").
Real-World Examples
These examples are sourced from at first on Ludwig.guru.
"At first, she resisted." — nytimes.com
"At first glance, the…." — newyorker.com
"He struggled at first." — newyorker.com
"At first, nothing happened." — nytimes.com
"At first, they demurred." — nytimes.com
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/at+first
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| initially |
More formal and concise; common in scientific or business reports. |
| originally |
Used when referring to a primary state or intention that was later altered. |
| to begin with |
Often used to introduce the first of several reasons or a starting state. |
| in the beginning |
More narrative or dramatic; often used in storytelling. |
| at the start |
A neutral alternative that focuses on the specific point of commencement. |
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with 'First': Learners often confuse 'at first' with 'first' or 'firstly' when listing points in an argument rather than describing a change in state over time.
- Redundancy: Using it alongside other temporal markers like "initially at first" is redundant.
- Missing Contrast: Using it when the state never changes can be confusing, as the listener expects a "but later..." follow-up.
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Function |
Register |
Typical Position |
| at first |
Expresses an initial state that changes |
Neutral |
Initial, Mid, or Final |
FAQs
Where in a sentence should at first appear?
The expression at first is highly flexible and can appear in the initial, mid, or final positions. While placing it at the start of a sentence is most common for setting the scene, placing it at the end often provides a rhythmic punch to the contrast.
What is the difference between at first and initially?
While both terms describe an early stage, initially is more formal and often functions as a simple adverb. In contrast, at first is a more common adverbial phrase used in general storytelling to emphasize a change in feelings or situations.
Can I use at first to list the steps of a recipe?
No, you should use first or firstly for sequences or arguments. Learners often confuse at first with these terms, but at first is strictly for describing a state that was later different, not for ordering tasks.