Learn English – Difference between ‘at first’ and ‘first’

phrase-meaning

As far as I understood from PEU we use at first to making a contrast with what happened erlier and later. In other cases we use just first. But I faced with the example

at first Hugo tried to be patient

there

At first was used although we didn't making a contrast. Couldn't you explain?

Best Answer

Michael Swan indeed states in Unit 84 of his "Practical English Usage" that at first is often followed by but.

But often does not mean always and does not mean in the same sentence. A contrast might be provided in a following sentence or not provided expressly and remain an implication only.

At first Hugo tried to be patient. It's easy to understand that with his fiery temperament this patience did not last.

Here, we use no but but a contrast is provided in a sequent sentence.