Example sentences of "[was/were] [adj] [prep] first " in BNC.
Next page| No | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | Then the letters came fairly regularly , but they were strange at first — sometimes almost assuming the old relationship , sometimes defensively impersonal , as if he were afraid — we both were — to take too much for granted . |
| 2 | They were simple at first , like Poynder Terrace , but towards the end such houses as Manor Terrace were generous in accommodation and well constructed . |
| 3 | The villagers were suspicious at first , waiting for the demand of a bribe or request for a chicken or a village girl , but in the end they decided to believe him . |
| 4 | Summarizing the argument , let me say that there are good reasons , based on sociobiological insights into hunting , which lead me to suppose that the cooperation , altruism and mutuality demanded by social-hunting techniques in 4-foot high hominids lacking all modern hunting technology meant that only the sons were likely at first to start to exploit the immense reserves of game which our gelada-like ancestors saw all around them on the savanna grasslands where they lived . |
| 5 | This case presents a situation in which the commitment for change was high at the top ; but the methods of achieving the change were confused at first , and not enough effort was expended to infuse the total organizational environment with commitment . |
| 6 | So seriously indeed did the Residents take themselves that they were unwilling at first even to allow the stationing of subordinate European officers in the districts . |
| 7 | The 240 students were involved in first degree courses . |
| 8 | Fifty nine patients ( 47% ) were anaemic at first presentation . |
| 9 | The roads were busy at first , then the traffic grew more scarce . |
| 10 | Numbers were small at first , but by the end some 250 bishops were present . |
| 11 | ‘ We were shocked at first . |
| 12 | And she adds : ‘ We were shocked at first . |
| 13 | ‘ We were shocked at first ’ said Denise . |
| 14 | The conservative forces were successful at first . |
| 15 | Between the Wars the cars were open at first , and drivers had to be well-clad in oilskins to avoid the cascade of water which poured on to them from the canopy of the open-fronted trams . |
| 16 | But , although they were amused at first , I do n't think they liked it and , after a while , he was sent for treatment . |
| 17 | They were distant at first , but though they came nearer , neither she nor Adam moved . |
| 18 | Those responding to the position statement were wary at first of the authoritarian connotations of value systems , and that this would leave schools open to hi-jack from left , right or religious groups . |
| 19 | It was strange at first because I was used to Mum cooking dinners . |
| 20 | She was shy at first , scared of failing him , but his undisguised pleasure in her tentative caresses made her gain confidence , and become bolder . |
| 21 | one client who was antagonistic at first , and even refused to let the support worker into the house on her second day , but after that ‘ Was fine ’ ; |
| 22 | I thought it was crap at first . |
| 23 | He was careful at first but he soon started to leap about and dash off in all directions . |
| 24 | According to Dromey and Taylor , it was clear from first day that the police : |
| 25 | She thought it was empty at first , but someone was putting fresh flowers on the altar , and turned quickly when she heard the door close . |
| 26 | His look was interested at first , but something in her made him look again . |
| 27 | Carrie was afraid at first that Albert would despise such a babyish pastime but he seemed to enjoy it as much as Nick did , shouting with laughter when he tripped over bumps in the ice and not wanting to stop , even when she said it was time they were going . |
| 28 | I was afraid at first she might turn you into one of these ridiculous society cats who insist on seeing a man 's family tree before speaking to him . |
| 29 | I was afraid at first , but then I got used to it . |
| 30 | I was dubious at first because since her illness Jennifer has become a very private person and I do n't think she would have liked all the hubbub over in the other section ; but here — ’ she glanced round at the softly decorated walls , the strategically placed water-colours and the subdued lighting ‘ — here , I think , could well be the answer . ’ |