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.

Olivia couldn't remember some family members or her own name at first, but a month on from the crash on 5 May, she is preparing to fly home to continue her recovery in Wales.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

Mejia, who is running for reelection as city controller, said he showed up at a polling place and was at first told he had to register to vote.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

Inflation began rising sharply during the pandemic in 2021, which most policymakers and forecasters thought at first would be transitory.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

He came to Congress in 2017, living at first in an apartment with other members of Congress and staff.

From Salon • May 29, 2026

It sounded like a distant humming at first, then it became a droning, like a swarm of bees, a swarm that was coming closer, ever closer.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo