“At First” vs. “For the First Time”: What’s the Difference?
Jun 12, 2023
Engram
The difference between “at first” and “for the first time”
- "At first" refers to a preliminary stage, while "for the first time" is about a specific instance.
- "At first" often implies a process or change over time, while "for the first time" is commonly used for a single event.
- "At first" means "at the beginning," while "for the first time" describes a situation that has never happened before.
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What is the definition of “at first” and “for the first time”?
At first
- "At first" refers to the initial stage or the beginning of an event or situation.
- It is often used to indicate a contrast between how things were at the beginning and how they are now.
- "At first" can also be used to introduce a conflicting viewpoint or opinion.
For the first time
- "For the first time" refers to a singular instance of something happening or being experienced.
- It indicates that the experience is brand new and has not happened before.
- "For the first time" can be used to express excitement or amazement at something that has finally happened or been achieved.
Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?
“For the first time” is the more popular variant on the web.
At first
579,000,000 results on the web
Examples
- At first, I thought the task was too difficult to complete.
- At first, she didn't know what to say when she met her new boss.
- At first, I wasn't sure if I wanted to take on the new project.
More popular
For the first time
1,260,000,000 results on the web
Examples
- For the first time, I traveled alone to a foreign country.
- For the first time, I tried sushi and realized how much I loved it.
- For the first time, I climbed a mountain to its peak, and it was an incredible experience.
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