worth playing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worth playing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something, such as a game or activity, has enough value or enjoyment to justify the time spent on it. Example: "This new video game is definitely worth playing; the graphics and storyline are incredible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And is effortless golf still worth playing?

The New York Times

But it certainly seems worth playing with.

The New York Times - Science

But they are still worth playing for.

The Economist

Is that a team worth playing on?

The Guardian - Opinion

Maybe this is a game worth playing.

The New York Times - Sports

10. 20664 (1:24) Short instrumental, not worth playing.

Stanford University

If a game is not worth playing for money, it's not worth playing.

The Guardian - Opinion

For her, the trump card is worth playing.

Independent

Maybe the Great Game for Afghanistan really is worth playing.

The New Yorker

This doesn't mean anticipation isn't a game worth playing, though.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is worth playing the whole game for that moment.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When deciding if something is "worth playing", consider not only the potential enjoyment but also the time investment and possible alternative uses of that time.

Common error

Avoid using "worth playing" when the activity offers minimal benefit or enjoyment. Be honest about the actual value proposition to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worth playing" functions as an adjective phrase modifying an implied noun (e.g., game, activity, effort). It assesses the value or merit of engaging in something. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "worth playing" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something has enough value to justify the time and effort spent on it. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across various contexts, with prominence in News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, consider not only the potential enjoyment but also the actual value and time investment. While generally neutral, opting for alternatives like "merits playing" can be more suitable for formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

makes it worthwhile to play

Explicitly states the activity provides enough value.

deserves to be played

Focuses on deservingness rather than inherent value.

merits playing

Highlights that something is worthy of being played.

is valuable to play

Emphasizes the value derived from playing.

justifies playing

Indicates that there is sufficient reason to play.

is rewarding to play

Highlights the positive outcomes or benefits of playing.

is beneficial to play

Emphasizes the positive impact of playing.

is profitable to play

Suggests a gain or benefit from engaging in the activity.

is advantageous to play

Highlights the favorable circumstances or opportunities created by playing.

is advisable to play

Indicates that it is recommended to play.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "worth playing" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "merits playing" or "justifies playing" for a more sophisticated tone.

What are some less common synonyms for "worth playing"?

Less common synonyms include "advantageous to play" or "advisable to play", though these might not fit every context.

How to decide if a game or activity is really "worth playing"?

Consider the time commitment, potential rewards (enjoyment, skill improvement), and whether there are better uses of your time. Compare it to other options.

Is it always subjective whether something is "worth playing"?

While personal preference plays a role, objective factors like critical acclaim, educational value, or potential benefits can also influence whether something is genuinely "worth playing".