at first
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It was expected at first that older people would mostly use DRT but the council said it had found younger people "piling in there".
From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2026
They’re even more difficult to maintain when someone comes offering a friendly ear, at first, and gifts.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 21, 2026
The error is barely noticeable at first, but after enough time passes, the clock no longer reflects the actual time.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 20, 2026
“It was challenging at first, but it’s just a matter of getting used to it,” said Vasquez, 25.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 19, 2026
The forest was resistant to them at first, with thorn trees and brambles—but the further in they went, the taller and richer it became.
From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell
