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Wai_Wai Posted 22 years ago
Grammar

At first, in the start, at the start/beginning

At first, in the start, at the start/beginning
Q:
1. At first, initially, originally, in the beginning
Usually "at first" is used to describe the following situation:
When it begins, the situation is such-and-such. Later it turns out to be a contrast to the beginning situation.

I would like to know:
- whether it is a MUST that the beginning situation has to be the contrast of the later situation. (eg At first I liked the girl. Now I still liked the girl. Is it grammatically correct?)
- if so, do other words such as "initially, originally, in the beginning" have this requirement?


2. In the start
Does such a phrase exist?

3. at the start/beginning
- is it true we MUST use it like the following structure?
at the start/beginning of something

- is it possible for me to use them in the sense of "at first"?
  

Top answer

1. It is somewhat unusual not to make a contrast after "at first". " to a standing person.

  • 1.
  • It is somewhat unusual not to make a contrast after "at first".
  • " to a standing person.
  • ) would sound equally odd in that context.
  • 2.
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3 Answers
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1. It is somewhat unusual not to make a contrast after "at first".
"At first I liked her; now I still like her." [not "liked"]
It sounds odd without sounding exactly incorrect, much as it would sound strange to say "Stand up!" to a standing person.
In the sense of "at first", yes, other expressions ("initially", etc.) would sound equally odd in that context.

2. "in th
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Is "at the start/beginning" the same as "at first" which they must make a contrast?

And it was what I was told relating to "at the beginning (of something)", "in the beginning":
- in the beginning means "at first"
- at the beginning is usually used with "of something" to mean the point in time/place etc. that something starts.

To me, "at the beginning" and "in
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"To start/begin with"
I think they mean "at the start" as well.
Can they use to mean "at first"?

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