on the face of it

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

People may appear happy for you on the face of it, but they may not be so generous when your sons are out of earshot, especially if friends, family or acquaintances need money.

From MarketWatch

Russia's invasion of Ukraine had, on the face of it, nothing to do with football until it was appreciated that the Champions League final was scheduled in St Petersburg on 28 May.

From BBC

Josh Cavallo's name didn't mean anything to Thomas Beattie when it first appeared in the ex-Hull City academy footballer's inbox - and on the face of it, there was little to link the two men together.

From BBC

It’s a tall order, though on the face of it, stage one of Mission: Nigh On Impossible should be well within their grasp.

From The Guardian

Sure, on the face of it, a game centered around cleaning up gunk might not sound like an interesting diversion.

From Washington Post