вначале

In a sentence

• Вначале мы изучим основы, а затем перейдём к практическому применению.

  At first, we will learn the basics, and then proceed to practical application.

  Here 'вначале' indicates the starting point or initial phase in a sequence of actions.

• Вначале книги находилась предисловие автора.

  At the beginning of the book, there was the author's preface.

  In this sentence, 'вначале' refers to the physical or positional beginning of an object, in this case, a book.

• Он вначале отрицал своё участие, но затем признал свою ошибку.

  He initially denied his involvement but later admitted his mistake.

  Here 'вначале' signifies the initial stance or position someone took in a situation.