In-The-Beginning-At-The-Beginning | Commonly Confused Words

In the beginning

/ɪn ðə bɪˈɡɪnɪŋ/

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

/æt ðə bɪˈɡɪnɪŋ/

The start or first part of something

In the beginning often refers to a starting point in time, commonly used in storytelling or historical accounts.
At the beginning usually points to a specific initial part of something tangible or measurable, like a book or event.
Think of in the beginning as referring to the dawn of something wide-ranging or conceptual.
Remember at the beginning coordinates with things that have a clear structure or sequence.
To distinguish, use in the beginning for broad contexts and at the beginning for concrete references.