is it worth asking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is it worth asking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express hesitation or doubt about the usefulness of asking a question. For example: "I'm wondering if the professor would know the answer to my question - is it worth asking?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Or is it worth asking, what would Gandhi do in the world today?

The New York Times

Is it worth asking whether if you are unemployed, living in a deprived area with little aspirations, constantly under attack for who you are with no one to guide you, that you could fall victim to the Isis machine?

Independent

Is it worth asking for?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Ask yourself - is it worth it?

BBC

"Was it worth it?" Eagleman asked.

The New Yorker

"Was it worth it?" they asked.

The New York Times

"Was it worth it?" I ask.

The New York Times

For an industry in which so much money is spent, it is worth asking who benefits most.

Forbes

That's why it's worth asking the question are these merely solar companies or are they something more?

Huffington Post

And if government is unavoidable, surely it is worth asking whether we can make it better.

The New York Times

Their impact is inherently unpredictable.So it is worth asking whether American politicians may be misreading the signs of change.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before using "is it worth asking", consider whether the information can be found elsewhere. Researching beforehand can save time and effort.

Common error

Avoid using "is it worth asking" excessively in your writing. While it's a valid question, overusing it can make your writing sound hesitant or unsure. Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms to maintain a confident and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is it worth asking" functions primarily as an interrogative expression, used to question the value or purpose of posing a specific question. Ludwig examples and Ludwig AI's assessment confirm its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is it worth asking" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to question the value or purpose of posing a particular question. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Analysis of various sources reveals that it is most frequently used in news and media contexts, with secondary usage in science and formal business settings. The phrase is considered neutral in register, suitable for a variety of communication styles. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the potential impact and benefits of receiving an answer before proceeding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does it make sense to ask

Focuses on the logical reasoning behind asking a question.

is there any point in asking

Emphasizes the potential futility of asking a question.

should one bother asking

Implies a sense of reluctance or hesitation.

is it valuable to inquire

Uses more formal language to discuss the value of asking.

would it be beneficial to ask

Highlights the potential benefits of asking.

is it productive to ask

Focuses on the efficiency and usefulness of asking a question.

is there merit in asking

Suggests exploring whether the question has inherent value.

is asking this question worthwhile

Directly questions the overall worth of asking something.

is it advantageous to inquire

Focuses on the potential advantages gained from asking.

might it pay to ask

Informal expression suggesting possible reward from asking.

FAQs

What does "is it worth asking" mean?

The phrase "is it worth asking" expresses doubt about the usefulness or value of posing a question. It implies considering whether the potential benefits of asking outweigh the effort or risk involved.

How can I use "is it worth asking" in a sentence?

You can use "is it worth asking" to express uncertainty about the value of seeking information. For instance, "The deadline is tomorrow; "is it worth asking" for an extension?"

What are some alternatives to "is it worth asking"?

Alternatives include "does it make sense to ask", "is there any point in asking", or "should one bother asking". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is it worth asking" formal or informal?

"Is it worth asking" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The surrounding language and situation will determine the overall formality.