anything worthwhile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anything worthwhile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to anything that has value, significance, or merit in a given context. Example: "If you want to achieve success, you need to be willing to put in the effort to find anything worthwhile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Anything worthwhile happened here".

The New York Times

"Anything worthwhile is difficult".

The Guardian

That said, it wasn't enough to spend on anything worthwhile.

The New York Times - Magazine

No I can't say anything worthwhile about that".

The Guardian

To achieve anything worthwhile we need to preserve our lives".

The Guardian

Progress was slow, he said, in the pursuit of anything worthwhile.

The Economist

He couldn't find anything worthwhile to buy to read on the train back to London.

The New Yorker

Can anything worthwhile come out of a shabby dictatorship like Franco's in Spain?

The New York Times - Books

If so, then as for anything worthwhile on climate change, forget it.

Independent

"I don't know how you accomplish anything worthwhile without going through struggles," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"What's the point in doing anything worthwhile if nobody's watching?" Suzanne cheerily explains to the camera.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the effort required for something beneficial, pair "anything worthwhile" with verbs like "achieve", "attain", or "accomplish".

Common error

Avoid pairing "anything worthwhile" with overly sentimental or tired expressions. Strive for fresh language to maintain impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anything worthwhile" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to something possessing value, importance, or merit, as confirmed by Ludwig's extensive examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "anything worthwhile" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote something of value or merit. As affirmed by Ludwig, it appears across diverse contexts, notably in News & Media. While its usage is generally straightforward, it's essential to avoid clichés and consider more precise alternatives like "something valuable" or "something meaningful" to achieve the intended emphasis. With its neutral register, "anything worthwhile" remains a versatile choice for expressing the inherent worth of an action or object.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a worthwhile endeavor

Synonymous change, highlighting the purpose as worthwhile.

something valuable

Focuses on the inherent value of the item or action.

something meaningful

Emphasizes the significance and impact of the item or action.

something significant

Highlights the importance and notability of the item or action.

something rewarding

Emphasizes the satisfying outcome or benefits derived.

something useful

Focuses on the practicality and benefit of the item or action.

something substantial

Suggests the item or action has considerable content or worth.

a valuable thing

Rephrases to emphasize value using a different grammatical structure.

a meaningful endeavor

Specifically emphasizes effort with significant purpose.

a worthy pursuit

Highlights the merit and worthiness of the action or goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "anything worthwhile" to describe goals, efforts, or achievements that have value or merit. For example, "Achieving "anything worthwhile" requires dedication."

What are some alternatives to saying "anything worthwhile"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "something valuable", "something meaningful", or "something significant".

Is it correct to say "something worthwhile" instead of "anything worthwhile"?

Yes, both phrases are grammatically correct and often interchangeable, but "anything" implies a broader scope, while "something" suggests a specific instance.

What's the difference between "anything worthwhile" and "something important"?

"Anything worthwhile" emphasizes value and merit, while "something important" highlights significance and potential impact. The nuance depends on the intended emphasis.