IN THE BEGINNING or AT THE BEGINNING?

English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)

IN THE BEGINNING or AT THE BEGINNING?

~In the beginning~ of the struggle, we thought many wanted change (nonstandard).
*At the beginning* of the struggle, we thought many wanted change (standard).
Both “at the beginning” and “in the beginning” mean “at first”. However, “in the beginning” should not be followed by “of”.

I enjoyed it *in the beginning* but it later got boring (standard).
I enjoyed it *at the beginning* but it later got boring (standard).
“At the beginning” can be used in both contexts but “in the beginning” has a restricted usage.
GAB