worthwhile enterprise

USAGE SUMMARY

"worthwhile enterprise" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a project or activity that is worthwhile or beneficial. Example: After much consideration, we have decided to invest in this worthwhile enterprise, knowing that it will bring positive returns and contribute to the community.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It seems probable that, all things considered, it will turn out to have been a worthwhile enterprise.

The Economist

"I'm not sure it's a worthwhile enterprise," she replied, "to make one's approach the reproach of an earlier culture.

The New York Times

But planetary scientists reckon both may have subsurface oceans, kept liquid by a combination of radioactive decay and tidal heating from Saturn and Jupiter, their respective parent planets.For all these reasons, then, the search for exomoons seems a worthwhile enterprise.

The Economist

No disparagement intended: Unearthing and airing for public contemplation the flesh-and-blood stories that are celebrated in stone and bronze by the country's many statues honoring its soldiers is a worthwhile enterprise.

The New York Times

But despite its plausibility as a worthwhile enterprise, so far the number of people practising or receiving such therapy has remained stubbornly low, and its purported benefits remain unproven.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Still, Starlighter sounded like a top 10 smash and it suggested an album's worth of the stuff – breezy robo-girl vocal sighs to make Andrea True sound like Aretha Franklin and a distinctly Moroderesque take on sequenced European rhythms – might be a very worthwhile enterprise indeed.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Might it not have been a more worthwhile enterprise to bring to the public's attention books that they would otherwise have missed?

The Guardian - Books

How are your products and services segmented for invoicing purposes: by geography, functional service offering, etc.? Laying out the transition from in-house billing to a cloud-first platform will help you measure whether or not it is a worthwhile endeavor for your enterprise.

Forbes

This is the seventh volume in one of the most worthwhile scholarly enterprises of our time, the effort to collect all the lyrics of the great pop songwriters of the 20th century.

The New York Times

For the most part, the least distinguished music here was the solo vocal writing, although there is one spectacular scene that makes the entire enterprise worthwhile.

The New York Times - Arts

The companies discovered there were not enough moneyed users to make the enterprise worthwhile, and sold their combined stake for $10 million this year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "worthwhile enterprise" when you want to emphasize that a project or activity is valuable and deserves time and effort. For a slightly less formal feel, consider "worthwhile endeavor".

Common error

While "worthwhile enterprise" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "good idea" or "valuable project" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worthwhile enterprise" functions as a noun phrase, where "worthwhile" is an adjective modifying the noun "enterprise". It identifies and characterizes an undertaking as valuable or beneficial, as Ludwig demonstrates.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "worthwhile enterprise" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys the notion of a valuable undertaking. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans across news, scientific, and formal business contexts, though it tends to lean toward a neutral to formal register. While there are several synonyms like "valuable project" or "rewarding endeavor", understanding the subtle differences in meaning is crucial for selecting the most appropriate alternative. When employing the term, remember to reserve it for situations where a degree of formality is suitable and consider simpler options for casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worthwhile endeavor

Replaces "enterprise" with "endeavor", offering a slight variation in phrasing.

worthwhile undertaking

Replaces "enterprise" with "undertaking", which is a more formal synonym.

worthwhile venture

Substitutes "enterprise" with "venture", suggesting a potentially risky but rewarding undertaking.

worthy enterprise

Focuses on the enterprise being deserving of respect or admiration.

valuable enterprise

Stresses the importance or usefulness of the undertaking.

noteworthy enterprise

Emphasizes the quality of being deserving of attention or recognition.

rewarding enterprise

Highlights the beneficial outcomes or satisfaction derived from the enterprise.

laudable enterprise

Highlights the praiseworthy or commendable nature of the undertaking.

useful enterprise

Highlights the practical benefit or utility of the undertaking.

profitable enterprise

Focuses specifically on the financial gains or economic benefits of the enterprise.

FAQs

How can I use "worthwhile enterprise" in a sentence?

You can use "worthwhile enterprise" to describe any project or activity that offers significant benefits or value. For example, "Investing in renewable energy is a "worthwhile enterprise" for the future of our planet."

What are some synonyms for "worthwhile enterprise"?

Alternatives to "worthwhile enterprise" include "valuable project", "rewarding endeavor", or "meaningful undertaking". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "worthwhile enterprise" formal or informal?

"Worthwhile enterprise" is generally considered a somewhat formal phrase, suitable for business, academic, and professional contexts. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "worthwhile enterprise" and "worthwhile endeavor"?

The terms "enterprise" and "endeavor" are largely synonymous in this context. "Endeavor" might be perceived as slightly less formal, but both phrases effectively convey the idea of a valuable and purposeful undertaking.