take at face value

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take at face value" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something should be accepted as it appears, without questioning or looking for deeper meaning. Example: "When he said he was fine, I decided to take it at face value and didn't press him further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that's hard to take at face value.

The New York Times

I find this assertion difficult to take at face value.

The Guardian

For MSF, this is difficult to take at face value.

The Guardian - Opinion

I take at face value what he said".

The New York Times

DON'T take at face value the claims that Americans dislike government.

The New York Times

Others will take at face value the less favorable consequences of both cynicism and commercialization.

The New York Times

"Bobby's version is the version that I will take at face value.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a dumb thing to take at face value," Louis said of the angry online response to Morgan's bit.

The New Yorker

And, in any case, it is unwise to take at face value anything that McConnell plans to do.

The New Yorker

Irony creates a privileged vantage point from which you can frame and stand aloof from a world you are too savvy to take at face value.

The New York Times

Strong words, which a reader might take at face value, until Barkow reveals that years later, Hogan reneged on an implied promise to let him write his autobiography.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take at face value" when you want to emphasize that you are accepting information or a statement without further scrutiny or investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "take at face value" when the speaker is being sarcastic or ironic; this can lead to miscommunication and misunderstand the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take at face value" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of accepting something literally, without seeking hidden meanings or deeper interpretations. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take at face value" is an idiomatic phrase used to express the acceptance of something without further scrutiny. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various sources. Its primary function is to communicate a decision to accept information or a statement without questioning its underlying truth or motives. It's commonly found in news, scientific writing, and business contexts, conveying a neutral to slightly formal tone. When using this phrase, be mindful of potential sarcasm or irony to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accept something as it seems

Focuses on acceptance of superficial appearance.

believe something without questioning

Highlights the absence of doubt in the acceptance.

regard something as authentic

Highlights the assessment of genuineness.

trust something implicitly

Emphasizes a complete and unwavering trust.

consider something genuine

Emphasizes the assessment of something's realness or honesty.

swallow something hook, line, and sinker

Indicates gullibility and complete acceptance, often with a negative connotation.

presume something is true

Centers on the act of assuming truth without verification.

buy something

Informal expression suggesting belief in a claim.

deem something valid

Stresses a judgment of validity or legitimacy.

fall for something

Implies deception or naivety in accepting something.

FAQs

How can I use "take at face value" in a sentence?

You can use "take at face value" to indicate accepting something as it appears, without questioning its deeper meaning or validity. For example: "I "take at face value" what he says because I trust him."

What's the difference between "take at face value" and "accept as is"?

"Take at face value" suggests a conscious decision to accept something without further analysis. "Accept as is" implies accepting something in its current state, possibly without having a choice.

Which is correct, "take at face value" or "believe at face value"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but ""take at face value"" is more common. "Believe at face value" is less idiomatic but still understandable.

What can I say instead of "take at face value"?

You can use alternatives like "accept something as it seems", "believe something without questioning", or "trust something implicitly depending on the context.