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Old 29-Oct-2006, 14:06
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Question first or at first

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?
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Old 29-Oct-2006, 15:05
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Default Re: first or at first

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.

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Old 30-Oct-2006, 05:37
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Default Re: first or at first

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
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Old 30-Oct-2006, 08:26
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Default Re: first or at first

Quote:
Originally Posted by Humble View Post
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
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Old 30-Oct-2006, 11:47
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Default Re: first or at first

Happy to give my humble help.
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