true worth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "true worth" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the genuine value or significance of a person, object, or idea. For example, "Her true worth became evident when she helped the community." Alternative expressions include "real value" and "genuine worth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The happy outcome reveals her true worth.

The Guardian

Thorpe proved his true worth as a competitor.

The New York Times

But that was only a fraction of their true worth.

The Economist

"I wanted to show my true worth," Frigo said.

The New York Times - Sports

Trying to prevent them is the true worth of a well-traveled, free-transfer Kiwi.

The New York Times - Sports

Part of the explanation is that most investors have no idea of the bonds' true worth.

The Economist

Until that process begins, the true worth of "Persons Unknown" is unknowable.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet the box scores and the modest role obscure Harden's true worth.

The New York Times - Sports

The $14 billion added to its stockmarket value was Bear's true worth, said cynics.

The Economist

"That was the night I realised my true worth as a human being," he says.

The Guardian

The harder we try to measure performance, the more we may undermine true worth.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "true worth" when you want to emphasize the genuine and intrinsic value of something, especially when contrasting it with a superficial or perceived value.

Common error

Avoid using "true worth" interchangeably with market value or price. "True worth" often refers to inherent qualities and significance, while market value is determined by external factors and can be speculative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "true worth" typically functions as a noun phrase, where "true" modifies "worth" to emphasize genuine value. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe the real or intrinsic value of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "true worth" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the genuine value or significance of something. As highlighted by Ludwig, its usage spans diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While often used interchangeably with terms like "intrinsic value" or "real value", it uniquely emphasizes qualities that are authentic and often overlooked. Ludwig AI underscores its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intrinsic value

Focuses on the inherent value of something, often independent of external factors.

real value

Emphasizes the actual or genuine value, potentially contrasting with perceived value.

genuine merit

Highlights the praiseworthy qualities or accomplishments that constitute worth.

actual worth

Stresses the factual or demonstrable value, rather than an estimated or potential value.

authentic value

Underscores the originality and lack of artificiality in the value being described.

inherent value

Highlights the value that exists as a natural part of something.

veritable merit

Emphasizes the genuine and unquestionable nature of the merit.

essential value

Focuses on the core, indispensable value.

fundamental worth

Highlights the foundational or basic value of something.

indisputable value

Emphasizes the value that can't be questioned.

FAQs

What does "true worth" mean?

"True worth" refers to the genuine value or significance of something, often focusing on its intrinsic qualities rather than its perceived or market value.

How can I use "true worth" in a sentence?

You might say, "The tragedy revealed the "true worth" of family and friendship", emphasizing their underlying importance.

What's the difference between "true value" and "true worth"?

While similar, "true value" often relates to tangible assets or economic considerations, whereas "true worth" can encompass more abstract concepts like character or principles.

What are some alternatives to "true worth"?

Alternatives include "intrinsic value", "real value", and "genuine merit", each highlighting different aspects of inherent value or quality.