worth it

USAGE SUMMARY

'worth it' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something is beneficial, worth the effort, or has a positive outcome. For example: "The hours of studying paid off - the exam was definitely worth it!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its well worth it.

WikiHow

Am I worth it?

The New Yorker

It's so worth it".

The New York Times

But worth it?

Independent

Just not worth it.

Independent

Were they worth it?

Independent

It's well worth it.

The New Yorker

Was it worth it?

The New York Times

He is worth it.

Independent

It wasn't worth it.

The New Yorker

Hardly seems worth it.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "worth it" when evaluating if the advantages of an action or purchase outweigh the disadvantages or effort involved. For instance, "The expensive concert tickets were definitely "worth it" because the performance was amazing."

Common error

Avoid using "worth it" with tangible nouns that already denote inherent value. For example, instead of saying 'This gold is worth it', specify what it's worth in comparison to, such as 'This gold is worth the investment'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worth it" functions primarily as a predicate adjective. It describes the subject by affirming that something has sufficient value or benefit in relation to its cost, effort, or difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

24%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "worth it" is a very common and grammatically correct way to express that something is beneficial or valuable in relation to the effort, time, or cost involved. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. When using "worth it", consider whether the advantages truly outweigh the disadvantages, and avoid misusing it with tangible nouns. For alternatives, consider "justified", "rewarding" or "valuable" to add nuance to your writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and common errors, you can effectively use "worth it" in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repays the effort

Specifically addresses the idea that the work put in is adequately compensated by the results, directly reflecting "worth it".

valuable

Stresses the high worth or importance of something, indicating a reason why it might be "worth it".

merits the trouble

Indicates that the positive outcome justifies the difficulties or inconvenience encountered, closely mirroring the meaning of "worth it".

beneficial

Highlights the advantages gained, which is a core element of the phrase "worth it".

rewarding

Focuses on the positive feeling or benefit received, aligning with the positive outcome of something being "worth it".

pays off

Focuses on the eventual benefits exceeding the initial investment or effort, resonating with the concept of "worth it".

justified

Implies that something is reasonable or morally right, which may relate to why it's "worth it".

a good investment

Emphasizes the idea of resource allocation and return, relating to the cost/benefit consideration in "worth it".

advisable

Suggests that a particular course of action is sensible or wise, similar to concluding something is "worth it".

sensible

Implies that something is practical and likely to produce a good outcome, like deciding something is "worth it".

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "worth it" in a sentence?

You can use "worth it" to express that something provides enough benefit or value for the effort, time, or cost involved. For example, "The long flight was "worth it" because the scenery was breathtaking".

What are some alternatives to saying "worth it"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "justified", "rewarding", or "valuable". Each of these carries a slightly different connotation.

Is it correct to say "worthiness it" instead of "worth it"?

No, "worthiness it" is not a standard or grammatically correct phrase in English. The correct and commonly used phrase is "worth it", which is an adjective phrase indicating value or benefit.

When should I use "worthwhile" versus "worth it"?

"Worthwhile" is an adjective that describes something generally valuable or beneficial, while "worth it" is often used in response to a specific situation or experience to express that the effort or cost was justified. The "worthwhile" is a general description, and "worth it" is a specific judgment.