a worthwhile book

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a worthwhile book" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a book that is valuable or deserving of time and attention. Example: "After reading several reviews, I decided to pick up the novel, and I can confidently say it is a worthwhile book that offers deep insights into human nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Decisions, Uncertainty, and the Brain is a worthwhile book.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress" is a worthwhile book, but in many ways an unsatisfactory one.

The New York Times - Books

The Second World War is hardly new ground and publishing a worthwhile book about it requires both impressive research and a striking degree of self-belief.

The Guardian

"Closed Chambers" is a worthwhile book for students of Supreme Court history, but it is not a book general readers should rely upon for an accurate and dependable contemporary portrait.

The New York Times - Books

"Had we ourselves," the narrator asks, "failed to grasp the essence of the novels we had read to her?" "Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress" is a worthwhile book, but in many ways an unsatisfactory one.

The New York Times - Books

Although the poetic language is perhaps trying a little too hard and the text is sometimes too heavy with message, it's a worthwhile book that stands up in its own right.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Although di Robilant is a fine, solid researcher and a thoughtful, conscientious interpreter, he is no stylist, and any chance of this flimsy tale adding up to a truly worthwhile book dies on a tide of anachronism and cliché.

The New York Times - Books

A worthwhile new book by the Cornell law professors Sherry F. Colb and Michael C. Dorf, "Beating Hearts: Abortion and Animal Rights" (Columbia), explores the challenges of such border-marking.

The New Yorker

He said that he didn't much like the work of Vladimir Nabokov, though perhaps he had just "read the wrong book"; he admired William Styron's "Tidewater Tales"; and he thought "the only worthwhile book published in the past twenty years" was a novel by the Irish writer John McGahern.

The New Yorker

High school massacres, while remaining a rather US-centric phenomena, is explored in worthwhile books such as Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult and DBC Pierre's black comedy Vernon God Little, which may be the funniest book about a kid on death row you'll ever read.

The Guardian

As a matter of fact, there were so many worthwhile books in 2016 that I was forced to split this article into two pieces.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When recommending a book, specify what makes it "a worthwhile book". Is it insightful, educational, entertaining, or thought-provoking? Providing context helps readers understand the book's value.

Common error

Avoid simply stating a book is "a worthwhile book" without explaining why. Provide specific examples or details to support your claim and make your recommendation more convincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a worthwhile book" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying the noun "book". It serves to qualify the book as having value or merit, based on Ludwig's examples and analysis.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a worthwhile book" is a grammatically correct and usable way to describe a book that offers value, insight, or enjoyment. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is correct and suitable for written English. Although the frequency of this phrase is uncommon, it appears in various contexts including news, academic writing and science. When using this phrase, consider providing specific details about what makes the book worthwhile to strengthen your recommendation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a worthy book

Similar to "worthwhile", emphasizing deservingness of respect or attention.

a valuable book

Indicates the book has significant worth or importance.

a notable book

Similar to 'noteworthy', indicating prominence or distinction.

a noteworthy book

Emphasizes that the book is deserving of attention or recognition.

a rewarding book

Suggests the act of reading the book will bring satisfaction or fulfillment.

an enriching book

Highlights the book's ability to expand knowledge or understanding.

a profitable book

Uses 'profitable' metaphorically to suggest the book offers intellectual or emotional gain.

a helpful book

Highlights the book's ability to provide assistance or guidance.

a useful book

Highlights the book's practicality and ability to serve a purpose.

a suitable book

Suggests the book is appropriate or fitting for a specific purpose or reader.

FAQs

How can I use "a worthwhile book" in a sentence?

You can use "a worthwhile book" to describe a book that offers significant value, insight, or enjoyment. For example, "'Pride and Prejudice' is "a worthwhile book" that explores themes of love and social class."

What are some alternatives to saying "a worthwhile book"?

Some alternatives to "a worthwhile book" include "a valuable book", "a rewarding book", or "a noteworthy book". The best choice depends on the specific aspect of the book you want to emphasize.

Is it redundant to describe a book as "worthwhile reading"?

While "reading" is often implied when discussing books, using "worthwhile reading" can emphasize the active experience and benefit gained from engaging with the book. It highlights that the time spent reading is well-spent.

What makes a book "a worthwhile book"?

A book may be considered "a worthwhile book" if it offers valuable insights, expands knowledge, provides entertainment, or provokes meaningful reflection. Ultimately, the criteria for what makes a book worthwhile is subjective and depends on the reader's preferences and goals.