When do I use "At first" and when do I use "First"?

"At first" = initial situation that later changes (always implicit contrast). "First / firstly" = first item of a list or sequence, no change implied.

What is the most common mistake with "At first" and "First"?

The most frequent mistake: using "at first" for the first item of a list. "At first, I want to thank everyone" is wrong. "At first" is for initial situations that later change. For lists use "first" or "firstly".

How do I remember the difference between "At first" and "First"?

Is there an implicit "but" or "later" indicating a change? Use "at first". Are you introducing the first item of a list or sequence? Use "first" or "firstly".

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At firstvsFirst

'At first' indicates an initial situation that later changes; 'firstly' introduces the first point of a list or sequence.

Side-by-side comparison

At first

structure

"At first" describes how something started when it later changed. There is always an implicit "but then...". If there is no later change, do not use it.

At first I hated the taste of coffee, but now I cannot start my day without it.
The job looked boring at first, but it turned out to be really interesting.
At first she was nervous on stage, but after a few minutes she relaxed completely.

First

structure

"First" or "firstly" simply indicate order: this comes first in the list. They do not imply that anything changes afterward. "Firstly" is the more formal version.

First of all, I would like to thank everyone for coming tonight.
Firstly, make sure the oven is preheated before you put the cake in.
To register, first fill in your personal details, then choose a password.

Common mistake

•The most frequent mistake: using "at first" for the first item of a list.
•"At first, I want to thank everyone" is wrong.
•"At first" is for initial situations that later change.
•For lists use "first" or "firstly".

Trick to remember it

•Is there an implicit "but" or "later" indicating a change? Use "at first".
•Are you introducing the first item of a list or sequence? Use "first" or "firstly".

Quick rule

•"At first" = initial situation that later changes (always implicit contrast).
•"First / firstly" = first item of a list or sequence, no change implied.

Did you know?

"At first" and "firstly" look like twins but do different jobs. "At first" tells a story: how things began, with the idea that something changed later ("At first it was hard"). "Firstly" belongs to a list or an argument: it is the first of several points ("Firstly, I want to thank you").