What does “On the face of it” mean?
"On the face of it" means that something appears to be true or genuine, but it may not actually be the case.
What context can I use the in?
Example
On the face of it, the proposal seems reasonable.
Example
The company's financial statements, on the face of it, show a healthy profit.
Example
On the face of it, the suspect's alibi seems solid
Is “On the face of it” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“On the face of it” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “On the face of it” effectively in context?
You can use "On the face of it" to introduce a statement or situation that appears to be true or genuine at first glance, but may not actually be the case. It implies that further investigation or analysis is needed to determine the true nature of the situation. For example, if someone presents a seemingly reasonable proposal, but you suspect there may be hidden drawbacks, you could say, 'On the face of it, the proposal seems reasonable, but we should examine it more closely before making a decision.'
- 1Evaluation
On the face of it, the candidate's qualifications are impressive, but we need to conduct interviews to assess their suitability for the role.
- 2Analysis
The data, on the face of it, suggests a positive trend, but we need to dig deeper to understand the underlying factors.
- 3Assessment
On the face of it, the suspect's alibi seems solid, but we need to gather more evidence to confirm their innocence.
Similar phrases to “On the face of it”:
In a way that relates to the surface or outward appearance
Example
Superficially, the two products seem similar, but a closer examination reveals significant differences.
In a way that misleads or gives a false impression
Example
The advertisement deceptively portrays the product as highly effective, but customer reviews suggest otherwise.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “On the face of it” come from?
The origin of the phrase "On the face of it" is unknown.
Is “On the face of it” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "On the face of it" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to express initial impressions or observations that may require further investigation or analysis.
What tone does “On the face of it” have?
"On the face of it" conveys a tone of skepticism or caution. It suggests that appearances can be deceiving and encourages a closer examination of the situation.
Can “On the face of it” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "On the face of it" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that conveys the idea of initial impressions that may not necessarily reflect the true nature of a situation. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'On the face of it, the evidence seems compelling.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'On the face of it!' to express skepticism or the need for further investigation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- initially
- seemingly
- apparently
- ostensibly
- at first sight
- at face value
- on the surface
Antonyms
- upon closer inspection
- after careful analysis
- with further investigation
- upon deeper examination
- on closer scrutiny
