is it worthwhile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is it worthwhile" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when questioning the value or benefit of an action or decision. Example: "Before we invest more time in this project, we need to ask ourselves: is it worthwhile?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Only rarely is it worthwhile to circle back to crime scenes (other than for Mark Harmon on "NCIS") or soured romances.

The New York Times

We asked ourselves, is it worthwhile for us to understand, maybe some debris dropped off during launch that we did not see.

The New York Times

Nor, they say, is it worthwhile to ask whether a particular behavior is adaptive -- in the sense of producing more offspring -- in the modern world.

The New York Times - Science

Also, why are they waxed, and is it worthwhile to grow your own to avoid the wax? A. Rutabagas are also known as Swede turnips, or just plain Swedes, which should answer your first question.

The New York Times

It is well known that the establishment of American bases in Saudi Arabia angered Muslims in general, and Osama bin Laden in particular, eventually culminating in the Sept. 11 attacks, so is it worthwhile to incur Muslim ire even further by planning a long-term American occupation of Iraq?

The New York Times

"At the same time we're concerned about virus activity, we're also recognizing that the weather is cooling, and mosquito activity is dying down, so we have to make a judgment as to at what point is it worthwhile to spray, and at what point is it not going to make a difference," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

If so, was it worthwhile?

The New York Times

So, was it a worthwhile experience?

Science Magazine

It is intrinsically worthwhile writing a story, it is intrinsically worthwhile writing a poem.

Independent

The latter is what makes it worthwhile.

The New York Times

I know it is worthwhile and I enjoy it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is it worthwhile" to initiate critical thinking about potential actions or investments. It encourages a balanced assessment of benefits and drawbacks.

Common error

While "is it worthwhile" is appropriate in formal and analytical contexts, avoid overuse in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "is it worth it?" or "is it useful?" often sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is it worthwhile" functions as an interrogative clause used to question the value, benefit, or justification of a particular action, decision, or endeavor. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and usability. It invites a critical assessment of potential outcomes relative to the required effort or resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is it worthwhile" serves as a prompt for evaluating the potential benefits versus the costs or efforts associated with a particular course of action. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Its prevalence across diverse sources, including scientific journals, news publications, and formal business documents, demonstrates its broad applicability in various registers, although it is most common in scientific and news contexts. When considering using this expression, remember to be clear about what is being evaluated and whether a more casual alternative like "is it worth it?" might be more appropriate. Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication and sound decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is it worth the effort

This alternative focuses on the amount of exertion required, emphasizing the energy investment.

is it worth the trouble

This alternative highlights the potential difficulties and inconveniences involved.

is it worth the cost

This alternative directly addresses the financial or resource expenditure.

does it justify the means

This alternative examines whether the outcome sufficiently validates the methods used, often implying ethical considerations.

is it beneficial

This alternative asks whether it brings advantages or positive results.

is it advantageous

This alternative questions whether it provides a favorable position or opportunity.

is it fruitful

This alternative suggests the potential for producing significant results or rewards.

is it productive

This alternative focuses on whether it yields a valuable output or achieves a desired result.

does it pay off

This alternative questions whether it ultimately leads to a positive return or outcome, often after an investment of time or resources.

is it justifiable

This alternative explores whether there's a valid reason or excuse for doing something, often implying a need for rationale.

FAQs

What does "is it worthwhile" mean?

The phrase "is it worthwhile" questions whether the potential benefits or value of something justify the effort, time, or resources required. It prompts an assessment of whether the outcome is worth the investment.

How can I use "is it worthwhile" in a sentence?

You can use "is it worthwhile" to evaluate a situation or decision. For example: "Is it worth the cost to upgrade to the latest software?" or "Is it worth the effort to pursue this partnership?"

What are some alternatives to "is it worthwhile"?

Alternatives include "is it worth it?", "is it beneficial?", "is it advantageous?", or "does it pay off?". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

While both phrases question the value of something, "is it worthwhile" tends to be more formal and analytical. "Is it worth it?" is a more common and versatile phrase suitable for both formal and informal situations. "Is it worthwhile" is more specific about prompting cost-benefit type thinking.