Have you ever wondered whether to write “it worth it” or “it is worth it”? The two expressions may look similar, but only one is grammatically complete as a standard English statement. The confusion often comes from leaving out the verb is in everyday speech or informal writing.
Understanding the correct form will help you write clearer sentences, ask natural questions, and use the expression confidently in everyday conversations.
Quick Answer
“It is worth it” is the grammatically correct statement. “It worth it” is incorrect in standard English because it is missing the linking verb is.
However, “Is it worth it?” is the correct question form.
| Expression | Correct? | Usage |
| It is worth it. | Yes | Complete statement |
| It’s worth it. | Yes | Contraction of it is |
| It worth it. | No | Missing the verb is |
| Is it worth it? | Yes | Correct question |
| Is it worth? | Usually incomplete | Missing it when referring to the value or benefit of something |
Meaning and Definition
Meaning of It Is Worth It
“It is worth it” means that something provides enough value, benefit, or satisfaction to justify the money, time, effort, or difficulty involved.
People commonly use this expression when discussing purchases, experiences, decisions, education, and personal sacrifices.
For example:
- The new laptop is expensive, but it is worth it.
- Learning English takes time, but it is worth it.
- The long journey was tiring, but it was worth it.
In each example, the speaker believes the benefits justify the cost or effort.
Definition of It Is Worth It
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, worth it means having reasonable or good value for the price, or providing enough benefits to justify the effort, risk, or difficulty involved.
English meaning – Cambridge Dictionary+1
Grammatically, the expression consists of the subject it, the linking verb is, and the adjective phrase worth it.
Meaning of It Worth It
“It worth it” does not have an accepted standard English meaning because it is grammatically incomplete.
The expression is missing the linking verb is, which connects the subject to the description that follows.
For example:
- Incorrect: It worth it.
- Correct: It is worth it.
Therefore, do not use this incomplete expression in standard English writing.
Main Difference
The main difference between “it worth it” and “it is worth it” is grammatical completeness.
The word worth functions as an adjective in this expression. It needs a linking verb to form a complete statement.
Consider these examples:
- It is useful.
- It is valuable.
- It is important.
- It is worth it.
In each sentence, is connects the subject with its description.
Without the linking verb, the sentence becomes incomplete.
| Feature | It Worth It | It Is Worth It |
| Grammar | Incorrect | Correct |
| Linking verb | Missing | Present |
| Standard English | Not accepted | Accepted |
| Formal writing | Avoid | Recommended |
| Meaning | Incomplete | Something justifies its cost or effort |
Another important point is that “it’s worth it” is also correct. It is simply the contracted form of “it is worth it.”
Which One Is Correct?
“It is worth it” and “it’s worth it” are both grammatically correct. However, “it worth it” is incorrect in standard English.
Here is how to choose the right expression:
- It is worth it: Use the complete form in formal writing and professional communication.
- It’s worth it: Use this natural contraction in everyday conversations, messages, and informal writing.
- Is it worth it? Use this form when asking whether something justifies its cost, time, or effort.
- It worth it: Avoid this form because it is missing the linking verb.
For example:
Correct: The investment is expensive, but it is worth it.
Correct: This book is interesting. It’s worth reading.
Incorrect: The investment is expensive, but it worth it.
Grammar and Usage
Understanding the grammar behind “it is worth it” makes the expression much easier to use.
1. The Role of Is
The word is is a present-tense form of the verb to be. It acts as a linking verb in this expression.
It connects the subject with the adjective phrase worth it.
For example:
- The experience is worth it.
- The price is worth it.
- The opportunity is worth it.
Removing it makes these standard statements grammatically incomplete.
2. The Role of Worth
Worth is an adjective in this construction. It describes the value or usefulness of something.
It commonly appears in expressions such as:
- Worth the money
- Worth the effort
- Worth the time
- Worth the risk
- Worth considering
- Worth trying
For example:
The opportunity is worth considering before making a final decision.
3. Using Different Tenses
The expression changes depending on the time being discussed.
| Tense | Correct Expression |
| Present | It is worth it. |
| Past | It was worth it. |
| Future | It will be worth it. |
| Present perfect | It has been worth it. |
| Conditional | It would be worth it. |
Notice that the linking verb changes, but the basic construction remains the same.
4. Using Contractions
In everyday English, speakers frequently shorten it is to it’s.
Both expressions communicate the same basic meaning.
- It is worth the money.
- It’s worth the money.
- It is worth trying.
- It’s worth trying.
The full form is often preferable in more formal writing, while the contraction sounds natural in casual communication.
How to Use It Is Worth It
You can use this expression in different situations to describe whether something provides enough value to justify its cost or effort.
1. When Discussing Money
Use it is worth it when you believe a product or service justifies its price.
Examples:
- This smartphone is expensive, but it is worth it.
- The hotel costs more than expected, but it’s worth it.
- The quality of this laptop makes it worth the price.
2. When Discussing Time and Effort
Use the expression when an activity requires effort but produces a valuable result.
Examples:
- Learning a new language is challenging, but it is worth it.
- The extra practice is worth the effort.
- Working on this project takes time, but the results make it worth it.
3. When Discussing Experiences
You can also use it when describing enjoyable or meaningful experiences.
Examples:
- The road trip was exhausting, but it was worth it.
- Visiting that beautiful city was worth the journey.
- The long wait was worth it because the concert was amazing.
4. When Giving Advice
Use the expression to recommend an activity or decision.
Examples:
- It is worth learning basic computer skills.
- It is worth checking the details before signing.
- It is worth considering other options before deciding.
Examples
Here are some natural examples showing how to use the correct expressions in everyday English.
It Is Worth It
- The new course is expensive, but it is worth it.
- Spending time with family is always worth it.
- The long drive was tiring, but it was worth it.
- This restaurant is costly, yet it is worth it.
- Improving your writing skills is worth the effort.
- The extra money is worth paying for better quality.
- The experience was difficult, but it was worth it.
- Working hard for your dreams is worth it.
- It is worth taking a closer look at this opportunity.
- The final result proves that all the effort was worth it.
It’s Worth It
- It’s worth visiting this museum.
- It’s worth spending a little more on quality products.
- I know the journey is long, but it’s worth it.
- This book is interesting, and it’s worth reading.
- It’s worth trying a different approach.
- The membership costs more, but it’s worth it.
- It’s worth learning something new every day.
- The extra preparation is worth the time.
- I think it’s worth giving this opportunity a chance.
- The hard work was difficult, but it’s worth it.
It Worth It?
- Is it worth buying a new laptop?
- Is it worth spending so much money?
- Is it worth learning another language?
- Is it worth traveling such a long distance?
- Is it worth taking an online course?
- Is it worth waiting for a better opportunity?
- Is it worth investing in this business?
- Is it worth making the extra effort?
Common Mistakes
Some English learners confuse these expressions because they overlook the linking verb or use the wrong sentence structure.
Here are the most common mistakes to avoid.
1. Leaving Out Is
Incorrect: It worth it.
Correct: It is worth it.
Why it happens: Learners sometimes treat worth as a verb and forget that it functions as an adjective in this expression.
Remember: Use a form of the verb to be before worth it.
2. Using Does Instead of Is
Incorrect: Does it worth it?
Correct: Is it worth it?
Why it happens: English learners sometimes use does to form questions even when the main verb is be.
Remember: When asking a question with the verb be, move the verb before the subject.
3. Writing Its Instead of It’s
Incorrect: Its worth it.
Correct: It’s worth it.
Why it happens: The two forms sound identical, but they have different grammatical functions.
- It’s: Contraction of it is, or it has.
- Its: Possessive form of it.
For example:
It’s worth the investment.
The company increased its value.
4. Using To Before a Gerund
Incorrect: It is worth to try.
Correct: It is worth trying.
Why it happens: Learners often assume that to must follow expressions involving actions.
Remember: The common construction is worth + verb-ing, not worth + to-infinitive.
For example:
- It is worth reading.
- It is worth considering.
- It is worth discussing.
5. Confusing the Statement and Question Forms
Incorrect: It is worth it?
Correct: Is it worth it?
Why it happens: Learners sometimes keep statement word order when forming a direct yes-or-no question.
Remember: Move is before it to form the question.
Linguistic Insight
From a linguistic perspective, the expression “it is worth it” demonstrates how English uses linking verbs to connect subjects with descriptions.
The word worth has an interesting grammatical role. Although it describes value, it does not function like an ordinary action verb in this expression.
Consider the following structure:
- It: Subject
- Is: Linking verb
- Worth it: Adjective phrase
The linking verb connects the subject with the description that follows.
This also explains why the question form changes to “Is it worth it?”
English uses a grammatical pattern called subject-verb inversion to form many direct questions. The linking verb moves before the subject.
For example:
- Statement: It is expensive.
- Question: Is it expensive?
- Statement: It is worth it.
- Question: Is it worth it?
The same principle applies in both examples.
LearnEnglish+1
Usage Tips
Keep these simple tips in mind to use the expression correctly.
- Remember the linking verb: Always include a form of be in standard statements using worth it.
- Use contractions naturally: It’s worth it is perfectly acceptable in everyday conversations.
- Check your question structure: Use Is it worth it? instead of It is worth it?
- Use the correct tense: Choose is, was, will be, or would be according to the context.
- Remember the -ing form: Say it’s worth trying, not it’s worth to try.
Expert Suggestion
As a grammar teacher, I recommend remembering one simple pattern:
Subject + Be + Worth It
For example:
- It is worth it.
- It was worth it.
- It will be worth it.
If you want to ask a question, simply move the linking verb before the subject:
Be + Subject + Worth It?
Example: Is it worth it?
Practicing these two patterns will help you avoid one of the most common mistakes associated with this expression.
Summary
The correct expression is “it is worth it,” not “it worth it.” The reason is simple: worth functions as an adjective in this construction and needs a linking verb to form a complete statement.
You can also use “it’s worth it,” which is the natural contraction of it is worth it. When asking a question, use “Is it worth it?”
Remember these three forms:
- It is worth it: Correct statement.
- It’s worth it: Correct contracted statement.
- Is it worth it: Correct question.
Avoid leaving out the linking verb in standard English writing and conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth it or it is worth it?
Both expressions are correct, but they serve different purposes. “It is worth it” is a statement, while “Is it worth it?” is a question. The word order changes depending on what you want to communicate.
Is it correct to say it worth it?
No. “It worth it” is grammatically incorrect in standard English because it is missing the linking verb. The correct expression is “It is worth it” or its contracted form, “It’s worth it.”
Is it’s worth it grammatically correct?
Yes. “It’s worth it” is grammatically correct because it’s the contraction of it is. It has the same meaning as the complete expression and is especially common in everyday conversations and informal writing.
What does it is worth it mean?
It means that something provides enough value, benefit, or satisfaction to justify its cost, time, effort, or difficulty. For example, a course may be expensive, but its knowledge and career benefits may make it worth the money.
Should I use it’s or it is?
Both are correct. Use “it is” when you prefer a complete form, particularly in formal writing. Use “it’s” in everyday conversations, casual messages, and less formal content. Both expressions communicate the same meaning.
Is it worth it a complete sentence?
Yes. “It is worth it” is a complete sentence containing a subject, linking verb, and adjective phrase. It communicates that something provides enough value to justify the cost or effort involved.
Why is it worth it incorrect?
The expression “it worth it” is incorrect because it leaves out the linking verb. In this construction, worth is an adjective rather than an ordinary action verb. Therefore, you need a form of be, such as is, was, or will be.
Is it worth it or is it worth?
Both can be correct, depending on the context. “Is it worth it?” is a complete and common question. “Is it worth?” can also be grammatical when followed by a complement, such as a price or an action: “Is it worth the effort?”
Can I use worth it in formal writing?
Yes. “Worth it” is acceptable in formal and informal English. For example, “The additional investment is worth it” is a natural and grammatically correct sentence. You can use the complete form instead of the contraction when a more formal tone is appropriate.
Is it worth doing or is it worth to do?
“It is worth doing” is the standard construction. The adjective worth is commonly followed by a gerund (a verb ending in -ing) when discussing an activity. For example, “It is worth learning English” is correct, while “It is worth to learn English” is not the standard construction.
Is it worth it or worth it?
“Worth it” is a phrase, not always a complete sentence by itself. You can use it after a suitable linking verb, as in “It is worth it” or “The experience was worth it.” In casual conversation, people may also use shortened responses such as “Worth it!” as informal sentence fragments.
What is the difference between worth it and worthwhile?
Both expressions describe something valuable or beneficial. However, worth it is commonly used to describe whether a result justifies the cost or effort, while worthwhile means useful, important, or valuable enough to justify the time or effort. For example, “The trip was worth it” and “The trip was worthwhile” are both natural.
Can I say it was worth it?
Yes. “It was worth it” is grammatically correct and uses the past tense of the verb be. Use it when discussing something that happened in the past and provided enough value or satisfaction to justify the time, money, or effort involved.
Is it worth it or does it worth it?
“Is it worth it?” is the correct question. The verb be moves before the subject to form the question. Do not use “does it worth it” because worth is not functioning as an action verb in this expression.
How do you answer the question ” Is it worth it?
You can answer positively or negatively, depending on your opinion.
Examples:
- Yes, it is worth it.
- No, it isn’t worth it.
- Absolutely, it’s worth every penny.
- Not really. It’s too expensive.
Choose an answer that clearly communicates whether the benefits justify the cost or effort.
