is only worthwhile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is only worthwhile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something has value or merit only under certain conditions or circumstances. Example: "This investment is only worthwhile if you plan to hold it for the long term."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Such a debate is only worthwhile if it is informed.

The Guardian

Ensuring tests are rigorous is only worthwhile if the skills being tested are useful.

The Guardian

Of course, POST's work is only worthwhile if parliamentarians make use of it.

The Guardian

Any adjustment is only worthwhile if it can be significant, just playing at the edges is not a lot of value".

The Guardian

Given the low level of American natural-gas prices, at present it is only worthwhile to produce gas if it comes with shale oil.

The Economist

It is only worthwhile for insect-pollinated plants to open their flowers when the air is warm enough for insects to be flying.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

CO: They're altruistic but they're also based on the premise that life is a utilitarian good, that it's only worthwhile if you're not a burden to other people.

The Guardian

Above all, whether they filled in the whole puzzle correctly, or solved just a handful of clues by the end of the day, it was only worthwhile if they had some fun on the way.

The Guardian

Here's a crazy idea: Online ads are only worthwhile if they're actually seen by human eyes.

TechCrunch

Heightened interest in whisky has led distilleries to market "special releases", but these are only worthwhile if numbers are genuinely limited.

BBC

Of course, all such attributes are only worthwhile if you can actually purchase a watch that has them, which at the highest-end levels is often easier desired than done.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is only worthwhile", ensure that the conditional clause (the 'if' part) is clearly and concisely stated. This clarifies the specific circumstances under which the subject holds value.

Common error

Avoid using "is only worthwhile" without specifying the condition that makes it so. This can leave the statement vague and open to misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is only worthwhile" functions as a conditional qualifier, indicating that the value or merit of something is dependent on specific circumstances or conditions being met. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses that something's benefit is not absolute but contingent.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is only worthwhile" is a versatile conditional qualifier used to indicate that the value of something is contingent upon specific circumstances. As verified by Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically correct and sees common usage across diverse fields like News & Media, Science and Wiki. When using "is only worthwhile", remember to clearly state the conditions that make something valuable to avoid ambiguity. Some alternatives are "is only valuable if", "is only beneficial when" and "is only useful when", among others. In summary, mastering the phrase "is only worthwhile" allows you to express conditional benefits clearly and effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is only valuable if

Replaces "worthwhile" with "valuable", maintaining the conditional aspect.

is only beneficial when

Substitutes "worthwhile" with "beneficial", emphasizing positive outcomes under specific conditions.

is only advantageous if

Uses "advantageous" instead of "worthwhile", focusing on gaining an edge or profit.

is only useful when

Replaces "worthwhile" with "useful", highlighting practicality as the condition for value.

is only profitable if

Focuses on financial gain as the condition, replacing "worthwhile" with "profitable".

is only effective when

Highlights the effectiveness of something under certain conditions.

is only justified if

Emphasizes the rationale or reason for something being acceptable under specific circumstances.

is only sensible when

Focuses on reason and logic, implying that an action is only reasonable under certain conditions.

is only rewarding if

Replaces "worthwhile" with "rewarding", highlighting the satisfaction gained under certain conditions.

holds merit only when

A more formal phrasing that emphasizes the conditions under which something possesses merit.

FAQs

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

Use "is only worthwhile" to express that something has value or merit, but only under specific conditions. For example, "This effort "is only worthwhile" if we see tangible results".

What are some alternatives to "is only worthwhile"?

You can use alternatives like "is only valuable if", "is only beneficial when", or "is only useful when" depending on the specific context you're writing in.

What does it mean when something "is only worthwhile" under certain conditions?

It means that the value, benefit, or merit of that thing is contingent upon those conditions being met. If the conditions are not met, the thing is not considered worthwhile.

Is there a difference between saying something "is only worthwhile" and saying it "is not worthwhile"?

Yes, "is only worthwhile" implies conditional value, while "is not worthwhile" implies a lack of value regardless of the circumstances. Therefore, saying that "This investment "is only worthwhile" if you hold it long-term" is different from saying "This investment is not worthwhile".