first or at first

[daisy1352]

In these sentences "Isn't your stapler in your desk drawer?
No, that's the first place I looked. Do we say "where did she look first or at first?" Which one is correct?

[BobK]

First. At first perhaps she assumed she'd left it in her handbag, but before she started looking she realized the desk was the most likely place, so she looked there first.

b

[Humble]

Hi, Daisy,
We use at first when there goes a but then or a similar expression, a contraposition:
At first I didn't like that dish, now I find it yummy.
First talks abt the sequence of actions:
First bring broth to boil, then add some onions and celery.
Cheers

[BobK]

Originally Posted by Humble

Hi, Daisy,
We use at first when there goes a but then or a similar expression, a contraposition:
At first I didn't like that dish, now I find it yummy.
First talks abt the sequence of actions:
First bring broth to boil, then add some onions and celery.
Cheers

Thanks Humble - that's clearer.

b

[Humble]

Happy to give my humble help.