it was worth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It was worth" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to state that something was beneficial or rewarding. For example, "It was worth going the extra mile to get the job done."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, Kerman says, "it was worth it".

The New Yorker

It was worth finding.

Independent

"It was worth it".

The New York Times - Sports

And it was worth it.

The New York Times

Yes, it was worth something.

The New Yorker

"It was worth every bit.

The New York Times - Sports

But it was worth it.

The New York Times

It was worth a try.

The New York Times - Food

For what it was worth.

The New Yorker

But it was worth trying.

The Economist

Apparently it was worth it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was worth", ensure the context clearly identifies what the 'it' refers to. Be specific about what was valuable or beneficial.

Common error

Avoid using "it was worth" without a clear antecedent for 'it'. Ensure the reader knows exactly what the 'it' refers to, or rephrase to be more explicit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was worth" functions as a predicate adjective expressing that something provided sufficient benefit or value to justify the effort, cost, or risk associated with it. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts to convey this sense of justification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was worth" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey that the positive outcome of an event, action, or experience justified the effort, cost, or risk involved. Ludwig provides numerous real-world examples demonstrating its versatility across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for most situations, consider more formal alternatives like "it proved beneficial" in academic or scientific writing. Ensure the pronoun 'it' has a clear reference to maintain clarity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and readily usable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it paid off

Focuses on the return or reward received for an investment or effort.

it justified the effort

Highlights that the results were commensurate with the energy expended.

it proved beneficial

Emphasizes the positive outcome or advantage gained.

it was a worthwhile endeavor

Stresses the value and importance of the undertaking.

it yielded positive results

Focuses on the favorable outcomes generated.

it was advantageous

Indicates that the action or situation led to a favorable result.

it was all for the best

Suggests that the outcome, despite any difficulties, was ultimately positive.

it provided value

Emphasizes the usefulness or importance derived.

the outcome was positive

Focuses on the beneficial result achieved.

the ends justified the means

Highlights that a positive outcome offsets questionable methods.

FAQs

How can I use "it was worth" in a sentence?

Use "it was worth" to express that the benefits, results, or value gained from something justified the effort, risk, or cost involved. For example, "The long wait in line was unpleasant, but "it was worth it" for the amazing concert."

What are some alternatives to saying "it was worth it"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "it paid off", "it proved beneficial", or "it justified the effort" to express that something was worthwhile.

Is it correct to say "it was worth it" in formal writing?

Yes, "it was worth it" is acceptable in formal writing, but consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "it proved beneficial" or "it yielded positive results" for a more elevated tone.

What's the difference between "it was worth it" and "it was worthwhile"?

"It was worth it" generally implies a specific effort, cost, or risk that was justified by the outcome. "It was worthwhile" suggests that something was valuable or important to do, without necessarily implying a prior sacrifice. Both are similar, but "it was worth it" is more direct in linking the effort and the reward.