Dear teacher,
When do you say 'in the beginning' and when do you say 'at first' ?
in the beginning - at first
Moderator: Alan
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Alan
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'In the beginning' refers to the beginning of some period, story or episode, as in biblical 'In the beginning was the Word...' , referring to the creation of the world.
'At first' is used when we wish to compare an earlier with a later action, event or condition, as in
At first the day was sunny, but later it began to rain.
'At first' is used when we wish to compare an earlier with a later action, event or condition, as in
At first the day was sunny, but later it began to rain.