It Worth It Or It Is Worth It – Simple Grammar Guide

Definition

“It is worth it” is the correct English structure used to judge value or effort, while “it worth it” is incorrect because it misses the linking verb “is.” The phrase works as an adjective expression that connects “it” with value. Quick takeaway: always include is.
Examples:
• It is worth it to learn English.
• ❌ It worth it to try.

Understanding the Confusion: “It Worth It” vs. “It Is Worth It”

Many beginners drop “is” because of fast typing or informal speech. Grammatically, English needs: subject + linking verb + adjective phrase.
Examples:
• It is worth it.
• ❌ It worth it.
Remember the pattern: It + is + worth + result.

The Meaning of “It Is Worth It”

“It is worth it” means something gives enough value to justify the effort, cost, or time. It compares what you give with what you gain.

Two Main Uses

• Deciding if an action is valuable
• Judging emotional or practical rewards
Examples:
• The long walk was tiring, but it was worth it.
• Studying daily is worth it.

Examples in Everyday Life

• Education: This course is worth it.
• Work: The overtime was worth it.
• Shopping: This phone is worth it.
• Travel: The trip was worth it.

Why “It Worth It” Is Incorrect

“It worth it” is wrong because English sentences need a linking verb between subject and description. Without “is,” the sentence is incomplete.
Examples:
• ✅ It is worth it.
• ❌ It worth it.

Why People Make This Mistake

• Influence from casual online English
• ESL sentence shortcuts
• Fast typing habits

Common Variations and Related Forms

✅ “Is It Worth It?”

Correct question form using inversion.
Examples:
• Is it worth it to join the class?

✅ “Worth It” (Informal)

Used in casual replies when context is clear.
Examples:
• Was the movie good? Worth it!

⚠️ “Is It Worth”

Incomplete unless followed by something.
Examples:
• Is it worth buying?

❌ “Does It Worth It?”

Incorrect because “worth” works with “is,” not “does.”
Examples:
• ❌ Does it worth it?
• ✅ Is it worth it?

Quick Summary Table

Form	Correct	Reason	Example
It is worth it	✅	Proper linking verb	It is worth it to try
It worth it	❌	Missing “is”	It worth it
Is it worth it?	✅	Correct question	Is it worth it?
Does it worth it?	❌	Wrong auxiliary	Does it worth it?

“Worth” vs. “Worthy” – Spotting the Difference

“Worth” talks about value. “Worthy” means deserving.
Examples:
• This book is worth reading.
• She is worthy of respect.

Common Mistake: “Worthed” ❌

“Worth” has no past tense form like “worthed.” Always use “was worth it.”
Examples:
• The effort was worth it.

Synonyms & Professional Alternatives to “Worth It”

Casual Alternatives

• A good deal
• Totally valuable
• Paid off

Professional or Academic Alternatives

• Beneficial
• Cost-effective
• Justified

Phrase Tips

Match your wording to the situation. Casual for friends, formal for work.

Case Studies: Using “Worth It” in Real Life

Case Study 1: Education

Extra study hours felt hard, but passing the exam proved it was worth it.

Case Study 2: Fitness

Daily workouts were tiring, yet better health made them worth it.

Case Study 3: Business Investment

Careful planning showed the investment was worth it.

Case Study 4: Relationships

Honest conversations helped rebuild trust and were worth it.

Quick Reference Table: Correct vs. Incorrect Usage

Structure	Correct	Example
It is worth it	✅	It is worth it to try
It worth it	❌	It worth it
Is it worth it?	✅	Is it worth it?
Does it worth it?	❌	Does it worth it?

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

1. Missing the Linking Verb

• Always include “is.”
Example: It is worth it.

2. Using “Does” Instead of “Is”

• Say: Is it worth it?

3. Confusing “Worth” and “Worthy”

• Value vs deserving
Examples: Worth buying / Worthy of praise

4. Overusing “Worth It”

• Try alternatives like beneficial or worthwhile

5. Forgetting Context

• Informal replies need shared understanding

Mini Grammar Diagram

• It → is → worth → result/action

Linguistic Insight & Expert Opinion

Native speakers often shorten phrases in speech, but in writing, “it is worth it” stays standard. Grammar educators recommend keeping “is” for clarity, especially in professional English.

Table of Comparison

Form	Usage	Example
Present	It is worth it	It is worth it to try
Question	Is it worth it?	Is it worth it?
Informal	Worth it	Totally worth it

Self Assessment Section

Choose the correct sentence:
• It worth it to study.
• It is worth it to study.
Spot the error: Does it worth it?
Fill in the blank: It ___ worth it.
True or false: “Worthed” is correct.
Rewrite: Is worth it?

Answer Key
• It is worth it to study
• Use “is,” not “does”
• is
• False
• Is it worth it?

Conclusion

“It is worth it” is the only correct form because English needs the linking verb “is” to connect “it” with value. “It worth it” skips this key part and sounds broken. Use “is it worth it?” for questions, and “worth it” alone only in casual replies where context is clear. Remember that “worth” shows value, while “worthy” shows deserving. Once you understand this simple structure, your sentences become clearer and more natural. Keep practicing with real-life examples like study, work, and daily choices. With time, this rule will feel automatic. Mastering small grammar points like this builds strong confidence and smoother communication, proving that learning these basics truly is worth it.

FAQs

What is correct: It worth it or It is worth it?

“It is worth it” is correct. “It worth it” is missing the linking verb “is,” which makes the sentence incomplete.

Can I say just “Worth it”?

Yes, in casual speech when context is clear. In full sentences or writing, use “it is worth it.”

Is “Does it worth it?” correct?

No. Use “Is it worth it?” because “worth” works with “is,” not “does.”

What’s the past tense of “It is worth it”?

Say “It was worth it.” There is no word like “worthed.”

What’s the difference between “worth it” and “worthy”?

“Worth it” means valuable. “Worthy” means deserving. They are not interchangeable.

Is “Is it worth” complete?

Not by itself. Add an action or object, like “Is it worth buying?”

Can “worth it” be used formally?

Yes, but professional writing often prefers alternatives like beneficial or justified.

Why do people drop “is” online?

Fast typing and casual habits cause shortcuts, but formal English keeps “is.”

Are there professional alternatives to “worth it”?

Yes: beneficial, cost-effective, worthwhile, or justified.

How can I remember the correct form easily?

Remember the pattern: It + is + worth. Say it slowly until it feels natural.