that was worthwhile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was worthwhile" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something was valuable or beneficial after it has occurred. Example: "After completing the project, I realized that all the hard work and late nights were worth it; that was worthwhile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"They understood the objective and wanted to create something that was worthwhile".

The New York Times - Sports

It was simply because I didn't read any art criticism that was worthwhile,uh, in my time as a young student and as a recent graduate.

Princeton University

Buddhism, he wrote, contained everything that was worthwhile in the other two beliefs, and it also showed more concern than either for man's existence after death.

Britannica

In a brief telephone interview, Mr. Rosenberg called his legal battle a fascinating, grueling process that was worthwhile because it highlighted the issue of critical independence.

The New York Times - Arts

"I have no doubt if I wasn't dating Kirsten I would have a very hard time acquiring a girlfriend that was worthwhile".

The New York Times

"The stuff is so damn difficult to find, it's a lot harder than baseball cards or comic books, because those were manufactured and advertised and distributed so you could go out and buy them – the question was just who could save them in a condition that was worthwhile?

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Like environmental protection, that is worthwhile anyway.

The Economist

But it's fulfilling and work that's worthwhile".

The Guardian

But the truth is she does things that are worthwhile.

The Guardian

Twitter is no substitute; not all news that is worthwhile is compulsively sharable.

MIT Technology Review

"You have a job that's worthwhile, and you believe it's important and interesting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that was worthwhile", ensure the context clearly establishes what 'that' refers to, avoiding ambiguity and enhancing clarity.

Common error

While "that was worthwhile" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like 'that proved invaluable' or 'that was exceptionally beneficial' to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was worthwhile" functions as a subject complement, providing additional information about the subject. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase indicates something had value or a positive outcome after it occurred. It connects a past action or experience to its positive assessment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that was worthwhile" is a grammatically sound and neutrally formal expression used to convey a positive assessment of a past action or experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that the effort or investment was justified by the resulting benefits or value. While versatile, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. For highly formal settings, consider more sophisticated alternatives. Remember to contextualize what "that" refers to for clarity. This summary synthesizes grammar, usage, and stylistic considerations for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that proved beneficial

Replaces 'worthwhile' with 'beneficial', emphasizing the positive outcome or advantage gained.

that turned out valuable

Substitutes 'worthwhile' with 'valuable', highlighting the worth or importance recognized after the fact.

that was advantageous

Replaces 'worthwhile' with 'advantageous', focusing on the favorable or beneficial circumstances created.

that served its purpose

Indicates the achievement of a specific goal or aim, suggesting the effort was justified.

that was time well spent

Specifically refers to the allocation of time, implying the activity was a good use of it.

that yielded positive results

Highlights the attainment of favorable outcomes or consequences from the activity.

that paid off

An idiomatic expression indicating the realization of benefits or rewards after an investment of effort.

that was fruitful

Replaces 'worthwhile' with 'fruitful', suggesting the activity led to productive or successful results.

that was a success

Indicates the achievement of a desired outcome or accomplishment, suggesting the effort was justified.

that didn't go amiss

Suggests that something was useful or beneficial, usually in a subtle or understated way.

FAQs

How can I use "that was worthwhile" in a sentence?

You can use "that was worthwhile" to express that an effort, activity, or experience had value or a positive outcome. For example, "The training was challenging, but in the end, "that was worthwhile"."

What are some alternatives to "that was worthwhile"?

Some alternatives include "that proved beneficial", "that turned out valuable", or "that served its purpose". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "that was worthwhile" formal or informal?

"That was worthwhile" is generally considered neutral in formality. It's suitable for both casual and professional contexts, although more formal synonyms might be preferred in academic or highly professional writing.

What's the difference between "that was worthwhile" and "that was helpful"?

"That was worthwhile" suggests that the effort or investment had a positive and valuable result, while "that was helpful" simply means it provided assistance or aid. Something can be helpful without necessarily being deeply valuable or significant. For example, the tips were helpful, but doing the project "that was worthwhile" for my career.