Ever wondered why native speakers always say “It is worth it” and never “It worth it”? You’re not alone.
The word worth confuses even advanced English learners because it behaves differently from most adjectives and prepositions.
This in-depth guide breaks down every angle — grammar, meaning, examples, and real-world usage — so you can finally master how to use “worth” correctly.
Understanding the Confusion: “It Worth It” vs “It Is Worth It”
Let’s start with the mistake almost everyone makes:
❌ It worth it
âś… It is worth it
The first one sounds close but misses one vital piece — the verb “to be”.
“Worth” on its own cannot describe or connect a subject and an object. It needs a linking verb (like is, was, or will be) to form a complete sentence.
Think of it like this:
- “It” = the subject (the thing you’re talking about)
- “is” = the linking verb (connects subject to description)
- “worth it” = the phrase showing value or importance
Example:
- “It is worth it” → correct because is connects the idea properly.
- “It worth it” → incomplete; no linking verb, so it’s grammatically broken.
The Role of the Verb “To Be” in Worth Constructions
The verb “to be” plays a vital role in making “worth” functional. Without it, the sentence has no grammatical spine.
Here’s how “worth” pairs with different tenses of to be:
| Tense | Correct Form | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Present | is worth | It is worth it. | Has current value |
| Past | was worth | The trip was worth it. | Had value in the past |
| Future | will be worth | The effort will be worth it. | Will have value later |
| Present Perfect | has been worth | It has been worth every minute. | Value that continued until now |
Notice how “worth” always follows a form of to be.
Quick Tip: When in doubt, ask: Can I say “is” before worth? If yes, you’re likely forming it right.
Understanding the Grammar Behind “Worth”
Grammatically, “worth” can act like a preposition or an adjective-like word, but it doesn’t behave exactly like either.
- As a preposition, worth means “equal in value to” or “deserving of.”
- As an adjective-like word, it describes something’s value or importance.
Examples:
- “This book is worth reading.” → preposition meaning “deserving of being read.”
- “That ring is worth $1,000.” → shows value or price.
Formula:
Subject + to be + worth + noun / -ing form / pronoun
Correct:
- “It’s worth the money.”
- “It’s worth trying.”
- “It’s worth it.”
Common Grammar Mistakes with “Worth”
Even fluent speakers slip up here. The biggest mistake is pairing worth with to + verb.
Wrong: “It is worth to try.”
Right: “It is worth trying.”
Why? Because worth is never followed by an infinitive verb (to + verb). It always takes a gerund (verb + ing) or noun.
More examples:
- ✅ “It’s worth learning English.”
- ❌ “It’s worth to learn English.”
- ✅ “It’s worth your time.”
- ❌ “It’s worth to your time.”
Pro Tip: After worth, replace “to + verb” with “-ing.” That simple fix corrects 90% of mistakes.
Using “Worth” with Nouns, Gerunds, and Pronouns
Here’s how to pair worth with different word types:
| Structure | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Worth + noun | It’s worth money. | Has value in money |
| Worth + gerund (-ing) | It’s worth visiting. | Deserves to be visited |
| Worth + pronoun (it) | It’s worth it. | Worth doing or having |
Key Notes:
- “Worth it” is used when the value is emotional or abstract.
- “Worth + noun” is used for measurable value.
- “Worth + -ing” shows that something is valuable to experience or attempt.
Examples:
- “That concert was worth it.”
- “This painting is worth millions.”
- “It’s worth checking out.”
How “Worth” Differs from “Worthy” and “Worthwhile”
These three words look similar but serve different functions. Let’s compare them:
| Word | Part of Speech | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worth | Preposition | “It’s worth $10.” | Value equal to something |
| Worthy | Adjective | “She’s worthy of respect.” | Deserving of something |
| Worthwhile | Adjective | “It’s a worthwhile project.” | Valuable, meaningful, or beneficial |
Breakdown:
- Worth measures value — something has a price or emotional payoff.
- Worthy shows deservedness — someone deserves attention, praise, or effort.
- Worthwhile means beneficial — something that’s worth your time or effort.
Examples:
- “The hike was tough but worth it.”
- “He’s worthy of the medal.”
- “Volunteering is a worthwhile activity.”
Quick Analogy:
If worth measures value, worthy measures deserve, and worthwhile measures benefit.
“Worth It”: Meaning, Emotion, and Real-Life Use
The phrase “worth it” carries both literal and emotional meaning. It doesn’t just measure value — it expresses judgment, satisfaction, or regret.
Literal meaning:
- “The phone is worth it.” → It’s a good deal.
Emotional meaning:
- “The pain was worth it.” → The outcome justified the struggle.
Examples from real life:
- “All the practice was worth it when I got the job.”
- “That movie wasn’t worth it.”
- “Was it worth it?” “Every second.”
Tone matters too. “Worth it” can sound proud, sarcastic, or regretful depending on how it’s said.
Quote: “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” — Philip Stanhope
Common Collocations and Expressions with “Worth” and “Worthy”
Popular “Worth” Expressions:
- Worth a try
- Worth mentioning
- Worth the wait
- Worth every penny
- Worth the risk
Examples:
- “The view is worth the climb.”
- “It’s worth every penny you spent.”
- “That advice is worth mentioning.”
Popular “Worthy” Expressions:
- Worthy of praise
- Worthy opponent
- Worthy cause
- Worthy successor
Examples:
- “She’s worthy of admiration.”
- “That’s a worthy cause to support.”
Table Summary:
| Phrase | Type | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Worth a try | Worth | Something worth attempting |
| Worth mentioning | Worth | Deserving to be said |
| Worthy of praise | Worthy | Deserving admiration |
| Worthwhile experience | Worthwhile | Valuable and enriching |
Practical Tips to Master “Worth”
1. Always Add “To Be”
Never drop the linking verb. “It is worth it” is the full, correct version.
2. Use Gerunds, Not Infinitives
Say “worth doing,” not “worth to do.”
3. Differentiate Meanings
- Worth → value
- Worthy → deserving
- Worthwhile → beneficial
4. Replace “Worth It” with Value Equivalents
- “It’s valuable.”
- “It’s rewarding.”
- “It’s beneficial.”
5. Read and Listen to Native Speakers
Notice how worth it appears in casual speech:
- “That’s so worth it.”
- “It wasn’t worth the effort.”
Mini Exercise:
Try rewriting these sentences:
- “It worth to watch.” →
- “The movie is worth it.”
- “That book is worthy respect.” →
Answer Key:
- “It’s worth watching.”
- âś… Correct.
- “That book is worthy of respect.”
Case Study: “Worth It” in Pop Culture
You’ve probably heard Fifth Harmony’s hit song “Worth It.” The phrase became popular in everyday English because it’s catchy, short, and empowering.
In pop culture and advertising:
- “Because you’re worth it.” — L’Oréal slogan
- “Make it worth your while.” — Common phrase in business or persuasion
These uses emphasize self-value and reward — the emotional power behind “worth it.”
5 Common Questions About Using “Worth”
Is “It Worth It” Ever Correct Without “Is”?
No. You always need the verb is, was, or will be. “It worth it” is ungrammatical.
Can I Say “Worth to Do”?
Never. Replace “to do” with “doing.” Example: “It’s worth doing.”
What Does “It’s Worth It” Mean Emotionally?
It means the reward or result justifies the time, cost, or pain.
Is “Worth” a Preposition or Adjective?
Grammatically, it’s closer to a preposition, but it behaves like both.
How Can I Practice Using “Worth”?
Read native examples, write your own sentences, and record yourself saying them out loud. Listening and repetition improve fluency.
Summary
Let’s recap the key takeaways:
- Always use is/was/will be before worth.
- Follow worth with a noun, pronoun, or gerund (-ing) — never to + verb.
- Worth = value, worthy = deserving, worthwhile = beneficial.
- “It’s worth it” means something has justified its cost or effort.
- Common expressions: “worth a try,” “worth mentioning,” “worth every penny.”
The next time you hesitate, remember: If it has value — it’s worth it.
I’m Sameer — a passionate English enthusiast who loves exploring words, grammar, and the art of effective communication. ✍️