Face value

Question

Peopel can talk anything about the war in our country. But you should not take them at the face value.

My question is whether it would be correct to use the words 'face value'.

I know the meaning of the words 'face value'. It may be 'on the face value' in this context.

Marius Hancu · Accepted Answer

I think it should be:

But you should not take them at face value.

Rotter · Answer

So the article is wrong.

You wouldn't write 'at the face value'.

Could you tell me why it is incorrect?

Clive · Answer

Hi,

So the article is wrong. Yes. It seems to me like it might be a translation of some kind. It should also begin with People can say anything

You wouldn't write 'at the face value'. Could you tell me why it is incorrect? It's really just idiomatic, that's just the way we like to say it. The standard expression is 'at face value', although you could also say 'at their face value'.

Strictly speaking, it is the words rather than the people that should not be taken at face value. Thus, the pronoun 'them' does not have a valid antecedent. I'd prefer to say But you should not take their words at face value.

Best wishes, Clive

Rotter · Answer

It is an excellent answer, Clive.

You have corrected my typo too. I have misspelled the word 'people'

People can say anything ...................

So you don't like my wordings; People can talk anything ...

1. People can talk about on ...

2. People can say about on ...

I would like to know the flaw when saying the words 'people can talk anything' ....

Clive · Answer

Hi again,

I would like to know the flaw when saying the words 'people can talk anything' ....

The verb 'talk' does not usually take a direct object. You can talk, or you can talk about something.

Best wishes again, Clive

Rotter · Answer

Thanks Clive.
You are very clever. I relfected on your latest reply. You are 100% correct. I wish I could write and speak English like you.

Face value

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