At first I thought it was the right bottle but later I realized....
In the beginning I thought it was the right bottle but later I realized.....
" If you are discussing a test or trial or evaluation or similar event, "In the beginning" is more appropriate because it refers to the beginning of the event rather than the beginning of creation; in such a context, "At the beginning" or "At the start" would be preferable. You never want to inadvertently sound biblical. On earth as it is in heaven, Dammit
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I suppose both are acceptable, especially "At first", but "In the beginning" is a bit grandiose, as it echoes the first words of the Old Testament:
"In the beginning, *** created the heavens and the earth."
If you are discussing a test or trial or evaluation or similar event, "In the beginning" is more appropriate because it refers to the beginning of the event rather than the begi