A fixed expression built from ordinary words whose combination has become conventional.
A fixed expression built from ordinary words whose combination has become conventional.
What does at first mean?
It means something happened or was true in the beginning, before later changes.
How is at first used in a sentence?
It is placed before a clause to show the initial situation, for example, At first I was nervous.
What is a synonym for at first?
Synonyms include initially, to begin with, and in the beginning.
Is at first formal or informal?
It is a neutral everyday phrase.
Can at first be replaced by "initially"?
Yes, initially can be used with the same meaning.
Does at first refer to the beginning or the end?
It refers to the beginning, not the end.
When should I use at first instead of "later"?
Use at first to describe the initial state, not something that happens later.