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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?
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.
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
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
first or at first 
Re: first or at first 
Thanks Humble - that's clearer.
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