initially
initially — 副詞
1. used to describe what happens or is true at the start of a period, process, or a
起初；最初
剛開始的時候；事情最初的階段
used to describe what happens or is true at the start of a period, process, or activity, especially when things later change
Initially, Aiko was nervous about moving to a new country, but she soon made friends.
剛開始，Aiko 對搬到一個新國家感到緊張，但她很快就交到了朋友。
sentence-initial position with comma; contrast pattern with 'but'
The company initially planned to open three stores, but later decided on just one.
這家公司最初計劃開三家分店，但後來決定只開一家。
pre-verbal position modifying past tense verb phrase
Farouk initially refused the invitation, though he changed his mind the next day.
Farouk 起初拒絕了邀請，不過他第二天就改變了主意。
contrast pattern: 'initially X, though Y'
The apartment was initially too expensive for Beatriz, but the landlord lowered the rent.
這間公寓原本對 Beatriz 來說太貴了，但房東降低了租金。
pattern: 'initially + too + adjective' modifying a noun phrase
- initially planned
- initially thought
- initially refused
- initially seemed
- initially estimated
- initially reluctant
- initially successful
- initially too expensive
- at first
more conversational; preferred in everyday speech and informal writing
- originally
emphasises the original state or plan before a change occurred
- to begin with
slightly more informal; common in spoken narratives
- eventually
focuses on the final outcome after some time has passed
- finally
emphasises the last stage in a series of changes or events
文法句型
Initially, [clause]
[subject] initially [verb phrase]
initially + [adjective]
用法筆記
Often used with a contrasting clause that shows a later change — the most common patterns are 'initially… but…' and 'initially… however…'. It is not used for listing steps (use 'first' or 'firstly' instead).
常見錯誤
同根字
- initial形容詞B2