something worth fighting for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something worth fighting for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a cause, belief, or value that you believe is significant enough to warrant effort or struggle. Example: "In times of adversity, we must remember that freedom is something worth fighting for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"I'm a pretty determined person when I have something to fight for," Ms. Johansen said, "and this is something worth fighting for".

The New York Times

Liberty – it was something worth fighting for 800 years ago, it was something worth fighting for in 1945, and we must fight for it now.

The Guardian - Opinion

That was something worth fighting for.

The New York Times - Books

I think that's something worth fighting for.

The New York Times

That is something worth fighting for.

The Guardian

Something worth fighting for," she said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

That was something worth fighting against, if not worth fighting for.

The New Yorker

First, we must raise the fundamental question for any 21st-century U.S. citizen: is there something worth fighting or dying for?

Huffington Post

For patients, that suggests gene therapy really is something worth fighting over.

The Economist

I'm here in memory of a woman (Granny D) who, when nothing else would do, walked 3,200 miles to remind us all that there is still indeed something sacred worth fighting for.

The Guardian - Opinion

And proffering that happiness to everyone is something well worth fighting for.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, make sure the context clearly defines what "something" refers to, providing readers with a clear understanding of the stakes.

Common error

Avoid using "something worth fighting for" in overly sentimental or generic contexts. Instead, provide specific examples and vivid details to make the phrase more impactful and authentic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something worth fighting for" functions as a noun phrase that serves as the object of a preposition or a complement. Ludwig indicates that it is often used to describe a cause or belief considered valuable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Huffington Post

20%

The Guardian

10%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "something worth fighting for" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the significance of a cause, belief, or goal. As Ludwig confirms, it effectively emphasizes the value and importance of standing up for one's convictions. While it is versatile enough to be used across various contexts, it is most frequently found in news and media, often to rally support or justify actions. When using this phrase, ensure that the context provides clear understanding of what "something" refers to. Avoiding clichéd applications will help maintain its impact. Be sure to consider the semantic similarities with phrases such as "a cause worth defending" or "a principle worth upholding" to refine the expression's meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cause worth defending

Focuses on defending a cause rather than fighting for something, implying a more protective stance.

a principle worth upholding

Emphasizes maintaining a moral standard, shifting the context from active conflict to consistent support.

a goal worth pursuing

Highlights the active effort required to reach a target, changing the intensity from fighting to pursuing.

an ideal worth striving for

Focuses on the aspirational nature of a goal, reducing the confrontational aspect of the original phrase.

a belief worth standing up for

Highlights the act of publicly supporting a conviction, implying a more assertive rather than combative approach.

a value worth protecting

Stresses the safeguarding of a cherished value, changing the tone from active fighting to preservation.

an objective worth achieving

Emphasizes the attainment of a specific aim, shifting from conflict to accomplishment.

an aim worth dedicating oneself to

Focuses on committing personal resources to a cause, changing the aspect from direct fighting to devotion.

an endeavor worth undertaking

Highlights the initiation of an effort, changing from fighting to the commitment to a new project.

an ambition worth realizing

Focuses on bringing a long-term goal to fruition, implying a transformative rather than confrontational approach.

FAQs

How can I use "something worth fighting for" in a sentence?

You can use "something worth fighting for" to describe any cause, belief, or goal that you find important and are willing to defend. For example, "In times of adversity, we must remember that freedom is "something worth fighting for"".

What are some alternatives to "something worth fighting for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a cause worth defending", "a principle worth upholding", or "a goal worth pursuing", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "something worth to fight for" instead of "something worth fighting for"?

No, "something worth to fight for" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing is ""something worth fighting for"", where "fighting" acts as a gerund modifying "worth".

What's the difference between "something worth fighting for" and "something to fight for"?

"Something to fight for" simply indicates a reason for conflict or struggle. "Something worth fighting for" implies that the reason is valuable and important enough to justify the effort and risk involved.