① at first意為“起初,開始時(shí)”,主要指事情開始時(shí)同后來(lái)的發(fā)展有差異,多用于轉(zhuǎn)折型并列句的第一個(gè)分句中。
At first he found English very difficult,but later he made very great progress. 開始他覺得英語(yǔ)有點(diǎn)難,但后來(lái)取得了很大進(jìn)步。
At first I didn't like playing volleyball,but now I do. 起先我不喜歡打排球,但現(xiàn)在我喜歡了。
② first of all意為“首先,第一”,強(qiáng)調(diào)的是次序和時(shí)間的先后。
First of all,let me introduce her to you. 首先,讓我把她介紹給你。
First of all,let's clear up the mess. 首先,我們把亂七八糟的東西清理一下。
③ firstly意為“第一,第一點(diǎn)”,常用于事物的列舉,這時(shí)也可用first。
Firstly/First,you should get enough money. Secondly/Second,you should wait for the right moment. 第一,你應(yīng)該掙到足夠的錢。第二,你應(yīng)該等待恰當(dāng)?shù)臅r(shí)機(jī)。
提示
first也可用作副詞,表示“第一次,首先”。
When did you first see each other?你們第一次什么時(shí)候見面的?
Wash your hands first before eating anything. 吃東西前先洗手。