“At First” vs. “The First Time”: What’s the Difference?
Jun 4, 2023
Engram
The difference between “at first” and “the first time”
- "At first" relates to the initial stage or early perception of a situation, while "the first time" specifically refers to the very first occurrence or instance of an event.
- "At first" focuses on the beginning or early phase of something, whereas "the first time" emphasizes the specific moment when an event or action takes place for the first time.
- "At first" suggests the potential for subsequent changes or developments, whereas "the first time" highlights the uniqueness and novelty of the initial occurrence.
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What is the definition of “at first” and “the first time”?
At first
- "At first" refers to the initial stage or beginning of a situation, experience, or process.
- It indicates the earliest point in time or the initial impression or perception of something.
- It suggests that subsequent events or changes may occur after the initial stage.
The first time
- "The first time" refers to the initial occurrence or instance of an event, action, or experience.
- It emphasizes a specific moment or occasion when something happens for the very first time.
- It implies that there may be subsequent instances or repetitions of the event or experience.
Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?
“The first time” is the more popular variant on the web.
At first
597,000,000 results on the web
Examples
- At first, I wasn't sure if I wanted to go to the party, but then I decided to give it a try.
- At first, the recipe seemed complicated, but as I read through it again, I realized it was quite simple.
- At first, I struggled to keep up with the pace of the fitness class, but after a few sessions, I started feeling stronger and more confident.
More popular
The first time
1,400,000,000 results on the web
Examples
- The first time I tried sushi, I fell in love with its flavors.
- She was nervous the first time she performed on stage, but the audience applauded her.
- I'll never forget the first time I saw the ocean—it left me in awe.
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