25+ Other Ways to Say “at First” (110+ Examples)

During your day, you often need to explain how things started. This task can feel tricky, but I promise to help you find the right words. Changing how you speak makes your stories shine, so keep reading to learn these fun, simple ways to say it. You will find that your writing becomes much better, clearer, and more exciting today.

“At First” in Casual Stories

Initially

People use this word when they start a long tale, or a short one. It sounds a bit formal, but it works well in most spots. Use it if you want to sound clear, and direct. It tells the listener that a change is coming, soon. You might feel fancy using it, but it fits into any friendly chat you have.

• Initially, the rain seemed light.
• Initially, she felt quite shy.
• Initially, we enjoyed the walk.
• Initially, he liked the food.

To Begin With

Starting with this phrase helps you list your thoughts, one by one. It creates a rhythm, and it feels natural to hear. You choose this when you want to make a list, or explain steps. It gives your listener a clear sign, that more info is coming. It sounds very kind, and open, for any person you talk to today.

• To begin with, add some salt.
• To begin with, they were lost.
• To begin with, it was fun.
• To begin with, check your map.

In the Beginning

Stories often start here, because it sets a scene well. It sounds like a fairy tale, or a big life change. Use this when you describe how a friendship grew, or how a dream started. It feels warm, and inviting, to your friends. Everyone knows this phrase, so you will sound very easy to understand, right away, to them.

• In the beginning, life was slow.
• In the beginning, we were pals.
• In the beginning, luck was ours.
• In the beginning, nothing felt right.

Start Off

Choose these words when you want to talk about how you kicked things off. It sounds active, and fast, for any quick story. You might use it to talk about a workout, or a job. It tells your friend that the effort was fresh, and new. It works great when you describe a game, or a hobby, you just picked up.

• Start off by warming your body.
• Start off with a big smile.
• Start off where we left yesterday.
• Start off on the right foot.

First Off

Using this simple phrase lets you jump right into your main point. It sounds punchy, and quick, for people who are in a hurry. You might say it when you share a quick tip, or a big fact. It catches the ear, and keeps your listener ready, for what comes next. It is very useful when you want to be clear.

• First off, don’t be late today.
• First off, listen to the plan.
• First off, grab your coat now.
• First off, tell the truth here.

Once Upon a Time

Maybe you want to sound like a book, or a movie. This phrase works wonders for old stories, or big memories. It brings a magical feel, to your talk. Use it to make your friends listen closely, because they expect a good story. It is a bit dramatic, but it stays fun, and sweet, for every person you meet.

• Once upon a time, dragons flew.
• Once upon a time, kings ruled.
• Once upon a time, love grew.
• Once upon a time, joy lived.

Right at the Start

Perhaps you need to highlight the very first second of an event. This phrase does that job well, because it is so specific. It shows you care about details, and timing. Use it when you talk about a race, or a movie start. It feels honest, and true, for any listener who wants to know the exact moment, clearly.

• Right at the start, he fell.
• Right at the start, we sang.
• Right at the start, it rained.
• Right at the start, he won.

For Starters

Many people say this when they give advice, or share a list. It sounds like you are ordering food, or giving a plan. It is very casual, and light, for friends. Use it to keep things simple, and easy to digest. It shows you have a lot to say, but you are starting with the most important part first.

• For starters, eat your green veggies.
• For starters, clean the dusty room.
• For starters, call your best friend.
• For starters, find a good seat.

Previously

Sometimes you need to talk about what happened before now. This word is great for shifting your focus back in time. It sounds smart, but it remains very easy to use. Use it when you want to connect a past fact to a new one. It helps your story flow well, from the old days, into your new, modern life.

• Previously, we lived in that town.
• Previously, he worked at the bank.
• Previously, the store was closed tight.
• Previously, we met that same girl.

“At First” in Professional Settings

Originally

Choosing this word helps you explain how a project started. It sounds professional, but it stays very clear. Use it when you want to show how a plan changed, over time. It is perfect for work talks, where you need to be precise. Your boss will like how you use this, because it sounds very sharp, and well thought out.

• Originally, the budget was much lower.
• Originally, we planned for the spring.
• Originally, that part was quite small.
• Originally, he lived in that office.

Prior to Everything

Maybe you need to explain what came before a big change. This phrase works well to set the stage, for a group. It sounds serious, and helps people focus on the history. Use it when you teach a new task, or discuss a past error. It is very helpful when you want to be sure that everyone understands, clearly.

• Prior to everything, read the rules.
• Prior to everything, wash your hands.
• Prior to everything, check the gear.
• Prior to everything, clear the desk.

The Initial Phase

Big projects often have many steps, so use this to name the first one. It sounds organized, and calm, for your team. Use it when you want to show you have a plan. It helps people see the road ahead. It shows you know the process, from the first step, to the last one, in a cool way.

• The initial phase was very long.
• The initial phase requires total focus.
• The initial phase started last month.
• The initial phase needs your help.

At the Commencement

Formal meetings might need a word like this one. It sounds very proper, and smart, for a big event. Use it if you are at a meeting, or a ceremony. It makes your speech sound polished. While it sounds fancy, it is still easy to hear. It sets a tone of respect, for the people who are listening today.

• At the commencement, we stood tall.
• At the commencement, the CEO spoke.
• At the commencement, guests felt joy.
• At the commencement, we cut ribbons.

Before the Beginning

Using these words helps you talk about the time before a project. It sounds like you are looking at the foundation. Use it when you talk about research, or prep work. It shows that you did your homework, and you are ready. Your team will trust you more, when they see you thought about the start, so carefully.

• Before the beginning, we met twice.
• Before the beginning, tasks were set.
• Before the beginning, we had doubts.
• Before the beginning, the site grew.

Preceding the Start

Clear communication often needs this phrase to show timing. It is a bit formal, but it works well to define the order. Use it when you have to explain why you did something, before the main event. It sounds very logical, and easy to follow. It helps your listeners stay on track, and follow your lead, without any confusion at all.

• Preceding the start, check the power.
• Preceding the start, sign the sheet.
• Preceding the start, lock the gate.
• Preceding the start, warm the room.

At the Outset

Many speakers use this to show they are giving a summary. It is a very clean, and short way, to start your talk. Use it to set a goal, or a mission. It sounds professional, but it is not too stiff. Your listeners will feel ready to hear you, because you gave them a clear sign, at the very beginning.

• At the outset, we need goals.
• At the outset, the plan failed.
• At the outset, it looked easy.
• At the outset, check the costs.

“At First” in Emotional Moments

From the Start

Sharing feelings often feels hard, so use this to keep it simple. It shows that your heart felt something, from the very first day. It sounds honest, and deep, for any big confession. Use it when you talk about love, or true friendship. It makes your point very clear, because it removes all doubt, about your true feelings.

• From the start, I felt happy.
• From the start, we were kind.
• From the start, she saw light.
• From the start, he was true.

From the Very Beginning

Adding the word very makes your point even stronger. It shows that your feeling was deep, and real, right away. Use it when you want to show how much a person matters. It sounds very sweet, and sincere. People will love how you say it, because it shows your care, and your truth, without being too complicated.

• From the very beginning, we clicked.
• From the very beginning, he knew.
• From the very beginning, trust grew.
• From the very beginning, love bloomed.

When We Began

This phrase feels like a shared memory, between two people. It invites your friend into your world. Use it when you talk about how you met, or how your bond grew. It sounds very personal, and soft. It helps you open up, and share your heart, with the person who is standing right there, with you.

• When we began, things were hard.
• When we began, I was scared.
• When we began, you were sweet.
• When we began, we felt hope.

As a Start

Sometimes you need to show that you are trying your best. This phrase sounds humble, and real, for any person. Use it when you apologize, or start a new path. It shows you know you have more to do. It feels very honest, and human, which makes your friends feel closer to you, and your big heart.

• As a start, I will try.
• As a start, let us talk.
• As a start, be very kind.
• As a start, forget the past.

Just Before

Maybe you want to capture a quiet moment, before a big change. This phrase is perfect for that. It sounds like a secret, or a special memory. Use it to talk about how you felt, before you knew the truth. It creates a mood of wonder, and calm, for your friend who is listening to your story.

• Just before, the sky turned dark.
• Just before, we shared a hug.
• Just before, he said hello there.
• Just before, she felt the wind.

In the Earliest Days

Looking back at the past helps you see how far you came. This phrase feels nostalgic, and warm, for any listener. Use it to talk about how things were, when you were younger. It paints a picture, of simpler times. It makes your friends smile, because they remember their own starts, and how they felt back then.

• In the earliest days, we ran.
• In the earliest days, life glowed.
• In the earliest days, hope stayed.
• In the earliest days, fun ruled.

Since Day One

This phrase shows that you have been there, for a long time. It sounds loyal, and strong, for any close relationship. Use it when you want to show support, to a buddy. It tells them that you are a true friend. It is very simple, but it carries a lot of weight, and love, for the other person.

• Since day one, I supported you.
• Since day one, we were close.
• Since day one, he worked hard.
• Since day one, she was kind.

Upon Starting

Maybe you want to sound a bit more calm, and steady. This works well when you talk about a journey. Use it to describe how you felt, when you left home. It sounds thoughtful, and clear. It helps you tell your story, without rushing, so your friend can really hear, every word, and feel, that you share today.

• Upon starting, the road felt long.
• Upon starting, we saw the sun.
• Upon starting, he felt very bold.
• Upon starting, she had one goal.

First and Foremost

When you want to state your main priority, use this. It sounds firm, but it shows your heart is in the right place. Use it when you talk about your values, or your family. It helps people see what you care about, the most. It is a great way to be sure, that your message is heard, and respected, by everyone.

• First and foremost, we love peace.
• First and foremost, be very honest.
• First and foremost, protect your kin.
• First and foremost, keep your word.

From Day Zero

Tech fans, or very precise people, might use this fun phrase. It sounds modern, and cool, for a fast chat. Use it when you want to talk about how a project, or a friendship, began. It is a bit cheeky, but it works, to show you care about the very first step, of the whole long process.

• From day zero, the code worked.
• From day zero, we were set.
• From day zero, the plan held.
• From day zero, we felt joy.

“At First” in Creative Writing

Back Then

Writers love this phrase, because it sets a tone of the past. It sounds like an old memory, or a secret story. Use it to start a new chapter, or a big scene. It is simple, but it pulls the reader in, right away. It makes them want to know, what happened next, in your big, long tale.

• Back then, the woods were deep.
• Back then, we knew no fear.
• Back then, the town was quiet.
• Back then, we had big dreams.

To Start

Keep your sentences clean, and short, with this easy phrase. It is perfect for a fast-paced action scene. Use it to show how the hero acts, or how a fight begins. It keeps the energy high, and the reader excited. It is a very punchy way, to get the point across, without any extra fuss or filler words.

• To start, he drew his sword.
• To start, she ran very fast.
• To start, the ship left port.
• To start, we heard a sound.

In the Opening

Use this to talk about the start of a show, or a book. It sounds like you are watching a scene, with your own eyes. It helps the reader see, the stage, and the actors. It is great for descriptive writing, where you want to paint a clear, and bright, picture of the world, for your fan.

• In the opening, birds sang out.
• In the opening, the gate creaked.
• In the opening, she stood alone.
• In the opening, light hit us.

Beginning With

Perhaps you want to lead your reader, into a complex scene. This phrase helps you guide them, step by step. Use it to show how a character thinks, or how a plan works. It sounds like you are telling a secret, to a friend. It keeps them engaged, and ready, to see where the path goes next, for everyone.

• Beginning with a sigh, he spoke.
• Beginning with a note, she sang.
• Beginning with a step, we moved.
• Beginning with a spark, fire grew.

At the Dawn

This phrase sounds very poetic, and beautiful, for a story. It suggests a new start, or a fresh day. Use it when you describe a landscape, or a big life moment. It makes the reader feel, the cool air, and the morning light. It is a lovely way, to start a story, that feels full of hope.

• At the dawn, the sun rose.
• At the dawn, we felt new.
• At the dawn, the stars faded.
• At the dawn, joy was found.

When It Started

Keep your tone natural, and simple, with this easy phrase. It works for any story, where you need to tell the truth. Use it when you explain how things were, before the trouble began. It sounds very grounded, and real. Your reader will feel like they are sitting there, with you, listening to a great story, right now.

• When it started, we were calm.
• When it started, the wind blew.
• When it started, he was there.
• When it started, she sang songs.

Summary Table

Final Thoughts

I hope these simple words help you talk better with your friends. You now have many ways to say the same thing, so pick the one that fits your needs best. Try them out today, and enjoy how easy it feels to share your stories with everyone around you, my friend.