be worthwhile

USAGE SUMMARY

"be worthwhile" is correct and it can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that something will be worthwhile or use of a certain action or effort will be beneficial. For example, "Studying for an extra hour each day will be worthwhile in the long run."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That would be worthwhile.

The Economist

It should be worthwhile.

The Guardian - Money

Governing California would hardly be worthwhile.

The Economist

"It might not be worthwhile.

The New York Times - Travel

Will it all be worthwhile?

The Guardian - Opinion

The expense may be worthwhile.

The New York Times - Sports

But the end product should be worthwhile.

The New York Times

But surely the effort would be worthwhile.

The New York Times - Tech

The deception would be worthwhile, d wrote.

The New York Times - Tech

But the exercise continues to be worthwhile.

The Guardian

But even modest progress would be worthwhile.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be worthwhile" when you want to emphasize that the benefits of an action or investment will outweigh the costs or effort involved.

Common error

In very informal conversations, consider using simpler alternatives like "worth it" or "a good idea" to maintain a natural tone. Overusing "be worthwhile" can sound overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be worthwhile" primarily functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting the subject to a predicate adjective that describes its value or benefit. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

34%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be worthwhile" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to convey that something offers sufficient benefit or value in relation to the effort or cost involved. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in written English, particularly in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While "be worthwhile" is very common, it's important to consider the context and audience when choosing between it and more informal alternatives like "worth it". By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "be worthwhile" to communicate the value of an action or investment. Remember to use simpler alternatives in informal conversations to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prove beneficial

Focuses on the positive outcome or advantage gained.

be of value

Indicates that something possesses inherent worth.

yield positive results

Emphasizes the outcome and the advantageous consequences.

be advantageous

Suggests that something provides a favorable position or opportunity.

justify the effort

Highlights the balance between input and valuable output.

be productive

Focuses on the creation of useful output or results.

be fruitful

Implies a successful and rewarding outcome.

reap rewards

Highlights the gains or benefits received from an activity.

be profitable

Indicates a financial or material gain.

merit consideration

Suggests that something is worthy of attention and thought.

FAQs

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

You can use "be worthwhile" to indicate that something is worth the time, effort, or money spent. For example, "Investing in employee training will "be worthwhile" in the long run".

What can I say instead of "be worthwhile"?

Alternatives to "be worthwhile" include phrases like "prove beneficial", "be of value", or "justify the effort", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "be worthwhile"?

The phrase "be worthwhile" is appropriate in formal and semi-formal contexts, such as academic papers, business reports, and news articles. In very informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "worth it".

What is the difference between "be worthwhile" and "worth it"?

"Be worthwhile" is generally more formal than "worth it". While both phrases convey the idea that something is worth the effort or cost, "be worthwhile" is often preferred in more professional or academic writing, while "worth it" is more common in casual conversation.