can prove worthwhile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can prove worthwhile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential benefits or value of an action, decision, or investment. Example: "Investing time in learning a new skill can prove worthwhile in the long run."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Australians have long enjoyed seeing big plays from the West End and Broadway, and will pay up to $150 for a ticket – that's the maximum price here – for the pleasure, a considerable investment but one that can prove worthwhile if you're a fan of the big names (in recent years, Ian McKellen and Angela Lansbury) on the billing.

The Guardian

Langkawi is also a duty-free island, so a trip to the bustling local supermarkets can prove worthwhile.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Surely those rare moments of solitude and reflective moods that accompany depression can prove emotionally worthwhile and productive?

The Guardian - Opinion

It can prove very worthwhile for shareholders when a company manages to take a defense technology into the mainstream.

Forbes

Many students start scanning the horizon a year or so ahead of time while still finishing up a project or a course--just like you are considering to do now, and it can prove a worthwhile procedure.

Science Magazine

But the study's lead author, environmental engineer Paul Westerhoff, says it could prove worthwhile for cities looking for ways to gain value from something that can be a costly disposal problem.

Science Magazine

The question now is whether the suffering will prove worthwhile.

The New York Times - Sports

There's a chance that this could all prove worthwhile.

The Guardian - Film

No England squad players will be involved but Wasps believe the experiment will still prove worthwhile.

The Guardian - Sport

Ms. Zhang said the cost and the risk of the procedure would eventually prove worthwhile.

The New York Times

This will increase costs, but could prove worthwhile by providing greater responsiveness as well as an insurance against risk.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can prove worthwhile" when you want to suggest that an action or investment has the potential to be beneficial or valuable, but the outcome is not guaranteed.

Common error

Avoid using "can prove worthwhile" when the outcome is already certain. Instead, use phrases that indicate a guaranteed positive result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can prove worthwhile" functions as a qualifier, suggesting a potential outcome or benefit. It indicates that an action or investment has the possibility of yielding positive results. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can prove worthwhile" is a grammatically sound and usable expression employed to suggest a potential benefit or value that may arise from a particular action or investment. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct. While not exceedingly common, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. It's most effective when conveying cautious optimism and acknowledging that the positive outcome is not guaranteed. Alternatives like "may be advantageous" or "could yield benefits" offer similar shades of meaning. When using this phrase, be mindful not to overstate the certainty of the outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be valuable

Shifts the focus to the inherent worth or importance of something.

may be a good investment

Frames the action as a potentially profitable use of resources.

may be advantageous

Emphasizes the potential advantage gained, shifting from proving value to offering benefits.

might become beneficial

Highlights the potential for a positive impact or advantage to develop over time.

could yield benefits

Focuses on the positive outcomes or advantages that might arise.

can result in gains

Emphasizes the potential for positive outcomes or profits.

might be rewarding

Highlights the satisfying or gratifying aspect of the action.

could pay dividends

Uses a financial metaphor to suggest positive returns or benefits.

may turn out profitable

Specifically suggests a financial or material gain.

could be fruitful

Implies that the effort or investment will produce positive results.

FAQs

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

You can use "can prove worthwhile" to suggest that an action or investment has the potential to be beneficial, like: "Investing in employee training "can prove worthwhile" in the long run."

What are some alternatives to "can prove worthwhile"?

Alternatives include "may be advantageous", "could yield benefits", or "might be rewarding", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "can prove worthwhile"?

It's appropriate when discussing potential benefits that are not guaranteed but are reasonably likely to occur. Avoid using it when the outcome is already certain.

What's the difference between "can prove worthwhile" and "is worthwhile"?

"Can prove worthwhile" suggests a possibility or potential, while "is worthwhile" indicates a current or already established value. The former is prospective, the latter is present or retrospective.