was it worthwhile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was it worthwhile" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking if something was worth the time, effort, or resources invested in it. Example: "After completing the project, I wondered, was it worthwhile to spend so much time on it?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

If so, was it worthwhile?

The New York Times

Only when air-breathing had become routine was it worthwhile evolving legs strong enough to stand on dry land.

The Economist

The issue with the last category of Appreciation, Valuation, is that this category does not have a firm definition, except for the probe question 'Was it worthwhile?", which is very broad and hence the semantic range of the examples of lexical instantiations is too diverse.

Functional Linguistics

The proposed probe question for Significance would be 'Was it important?' and for Benefit/Harm would be 'Did it enhance or damage?' This obviates the role of the original probe question of Valuation (Was it worthwhile?) and facilitates a more precise coding of this aspect of Appreciation.

Functional Linguistics

Was it worthwhile for Chabad to open a significant operation in a city with such a paucity of Jews especially when there were many larger communities who were still not served by a full-time rabbi?

Huffington Post

It measured the reaction of the student to the use of the EVS (was it worthwhile, did it aid participation, was it a distraction, did it aid understanding).

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Moreover, is it worthwhile?

Insights into Imaging

So, was it a worthwhile experience?

Science Magazine

Maybe it was something worthwhile.

The New Yorker

"It was really worthwhile," he said.

The New York Times

It was a worthwhile trade-off.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating past actions, use "was it worthwhile" to critically assess the value derived from the effort or investment. This prompts a reflective analysis of outcomes versus inputs.

Common error

Don't confuse "worthwhile" with simply enjoying an activity. Something "worthwhile" provides tangible benefits or meaningful value, not just momentary pleasure. Ensure your assessment considers the long-term impact or significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was it worthwhile" functions as an interrogative clause, specifically a question. It prompts an evaluation of the benefits or value received in relation to the effort, cost, or time invested. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was it worthwhile" is a grammatically sound and commonly used interrogative phrase that seeks to assess the value or benefit derived from an investment of time, effort, or resources. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific discussions and formal business communications. While it appears most frequently in news and media, it maintains a neutral register, making it versatile for different audiences. When using this phrase, ensure you're focusing on tangible benefits and meaningful value, not just fleeting enjoyment. Related phrases include "did it prove beneficial" and "did it justify the effort", which offer alternative ways to inquire about the worth of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did it prove beneficial

Focuses on the positive outcome or advantage gained.

did it yield positive results

Highlights the tangible outcomes or consequences of an action.

did it justify the effort

Emphasizes the amount of work or energy expended in relation to the result.

did it give a return on investment

Focuses on the financial or resource-based advantages obtained.

was it a valuable undertaking

Emphasizes the overall worth and significance of the endeavor.

did it meet expectations

Highlights whether the endeavor achieved what was initially anticipated.

did it pay off

A more informal way of asking if something was ultimately successful or rewarding.

was the outcome satisfactory

Focuses on whether the end result was sufficient or acceptable.

was it worth the trouble

Highlights the difficulties or challenges encountered compared to the result.

did we get our money's worth

Asks whether what was paid was a suitable exchange. More specific use case (money).

FAQs

What does "was it worthwhile" mean?

The phrase "was it worthwhile" asks whether the benefits or results of an action, effort, or investment justified the time, resources, or energy spent. It's an inquiry into the value or merit of something.

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

You can use "was it worthwhile" to question the value of an experience, a project, or any undertaking. For example, "After all the late nights, "was it worth it" to get this promotion?"

What are some alternatives to "was it worthwhile"?

Alternatives include "was it beneficial", "did it pay off", "did it yield positive results", or "was it a valuable undertaking", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "was it worthwhile" formal or informal?

"Was it worthwhile" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality often depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation.