is it worth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is it worth' is correct and may be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express uncertainty or doubt as to whether something is worth the effort or investment. For example: "Is it worth spending the time and money to renovate the kitchen?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

What is it worth?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But is it worth £3.99?

Independent

But is it worth doing?

Independent

But is it worth it?

The New York Times

And is it worth it?

The New York Times

How much is it worth?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Was it worth it?

The New York Times

Was it worth going?

The New Yorker

But was it worth it?

The New York Times

So was it worth it?

The Economist

And was it worth it?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is it worth", clearly define the criteria for 'worth' to provide context and ensure a meaningful question. For example, "Is it worth the cost?" or "Is it worth the effort?"

Common error

Avoid using "is it worth" without specifying what the potential benefits are being weighed against. Unclear comparisons make the question vague and difficult to answer. Instead of saying "Is it worth it?", specify, "Is it worth the risk?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is it worth" functions primarily as an interrogative expression, used to question the value, merit, or utility of something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and common in English. It prompts an evaluation of whether the potential benefits outweigh the costs or efforts involved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

16%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is it worth" is a versatile and frequently used interrogative, designed to prompt a consideration of value or benefit in relation to cost, effort, or risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and common, appearing across diverse contexts from news and media to academia and wiki sources. The phrase’s neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify the criteria for 'worth' when using the phrase. In essence, "is it worth" serves as a catalyst for critical evaluation, encouraging a balanced assessment of potential outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does it justify

This focuses on whether the benefits outweigh the costs, emphasizing justification.

is it justifiable

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the ethical or moral aspect of being worthwhile.

is it beneficial

This phrase directly asks about the positive impact or advantages.

is it advantageous

Similar to "is it beneficial" but suggests a more strategic or tactical advantage.

does it pay off

This implies a return on investment, often in a financial or practical sense.

is it rewarding

Focuses on the emotional or personal satisfaction gained from something.

is there value in

This alternative directly questions the existence of value within a specific context.

is it productive

This focuses on whether something results in a useful output or outcome.

is it fruitful

Similar to "is it productive" but suggests a more abundant or positive result.

are the returns sufficient

This is more formal and specifically addresses the adequacy of the returns compared to the investment.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is it worth it" to sound more formal?

You can use alternatives like "does it justify the investment?", "is it justifiable given the circumstances?", or "are the potential benefits commensurate with the effort required?" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "is it worth it" and "is it necessary"?

"Is it worth it" questions the value or benefit gained in relation to the cost or effort. "Is it necessary" questions if something is essential or required.

How to use "is it worth" in a sentence?

You can use "is it worth" to ask whether the potential benefits of an action justify the effort, cost, or risk involved. For instance, "Is it worth investing in that company?" or "Is it worth the effort to rebuild the relationship?"

What are some alternatives to "is it worth it" in informal conversations?

In informal contexts, you could use phrases like "is it even worth it?", "is it really worth it?", or "is it all that?" to express skepticism or doubt about the value of something.