In the beginning vs. At the beginning

In the beginning

/ɪn ðə bɪˈɡɪnɪŋ/

At the start of something, usually marking the first part of an event or process

Examples:

Synonyms:

at firstinitially

Antonyms:

in the end

At the beginning

/æt ðə bɪˈɡɪnɪŋ/

The start or first part of something

Examples:

Synonyms:

startcommencementoutset

Antonyms:

endconclusionfinish

Ways to tell them apart:

• Use in the beginning to describe an initial period in a timeline of events or a story.
• At the beginning is generally used for physical locations or specific starting points.
• Remember that in the beginning often refers to more abstract or extended periods, like In the beginning of the book, the protagonist is lost.
• At the beginning works well in sentences like At the beginning of the road, theres a sign.'
• Think of in the beginning as describing stages or phases, while at the beginning pinpoints a location or time exactly.