well worth it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "well worth it" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is valuable, worthwhile, or deserving of the effort or cost. Example: "Although it was a long and difficult journey, the view from the top of the mountain was well worth it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its well worth it.

WikiHow

A mission takes thirty days, but its well worth it!

WikiHow

This step might take awhile but its well worth it.

WikiHow

It's well worth it.

The New Yorker

But the effort is well worth it.

Independent

The risk proved well worth it.

Independent

It is," she said, "well worth it".

Independent

But it was well worth it".

Independent

It's well worth it, folks.

The Guardian - Sport

"Well worth it," he added.

The New York Times - Style

And it's well worth it.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "well worth it" to express that the benefits or results sufficiently justify the effort, cost, or risk involved. It's effective for convincing someone that something challenging is ultimately beneficial.

Common error

While "well worth it" is generally acceptable, overuse in informal writing can make your tone sound cliché. Opt for simpler, more direct phrasing like "worth it" or "valuable" to maintain a conversational style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well worth it" functions as a subjective complement, often following a linking verb (e.g., 'is', 'was'). It describes or qualifies the subject by expressing that the benefits or positive aspects of something outweigh the effort, cost, or difficulty involved. Ludwig's examples show its descriptive role in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "well worth it" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys a positive evaluation, suggesting the benefits outweigh the costs or efforts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples demonstrating its common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While appropriate for most situations, writers should consider slightly more formal alternatives like "justified" for highly formal settings. Use it to confidently recommend experiences or actions that deliver worthwhile returns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worth the effort

Focuses more on the effort expended and whether the result justifies it.

a worthwhile investment

Specifically frames the subject as an investment, either financial or otherwise.

justified

Implies that the outcome validates the actions or resources used.

valuable

Highlights the inherent value of something, rather than the effort put in.

rewarding

Emphasizes the positive feelings or benefits derived from something.

worth its weight in gold

A more emphatic way of saying something is very valuable or useful.

a good use of time

Specifically refers to the efficient and beneficial use of time.

worth the price

Directly relates to the monetary cost and whether it's justified.

pays dividends

Implies that something will yield significant benefits or returns in the future.

fruitful

Focuses on the positive results or outcomes produced.

FAQs

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

You can use "well worth it" to express that something provides enough benefits to justify the effort, cost, or time invested. For example, "The challenging hike was "well worth it" for the stunning views from the summit."

What are some alternatives to "well worth it"?

Some alternatives to "well worth it" include "worth the effort", "a worthwhile investment", or simply "valuable" depending on the context.

Is "well worth it" formal or informal?

"Well worth it" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In very formal contexts, you might opt for a more sophisticated alternative such as "justified".

Can I use "well worth it" to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, you can use "well worth it" to describe abstract concepts as long as the concept can be evaluated for its benefits. For instance, "Investing in education is "well worth it" for the long-term personal and professional growth it provides."