Last updated on September 29th, 2025 at 11:46 am
English can be tricky. Small words like “is” sometimes make the difference between a correct phrase and a glaring mistake. Many learners wonder whether to say “It worth it” or “It is worth it.”
The truth is simple: only one of them is grammatically correct. But understanding why one works and the other doesn’t will help you avoid similar mistakes in the future.
This article breaks down the grammar, meanings, common errors, and professional alternatives of these expressions.
By the end, you’ll not only know the right phrase but also how to use it naturally in different contexts.
Understanding the Confusion: “It Worth It” vs. “It Is Worth It”
At first glance, “It worth it” and “It is worth it” look almost the same. The only difference is the word “is.” But that little word makes or breaks the grammar.
- “Worth” is not a verb. It’s an adjective or sometimes a noun.
- In English, adjectives usually need a linking verb (be, is, was, are) to connect them to the subject.
- Without “is,” the sentence feels incomplete.
Correct form:
- It is worth it. ✅
Incorrect form:
- It worth it. ❌
Think of it this way: would you ever say “She happy” instead of “She is happy”? Probably not. The same rule applies here.
The Meaning of “It Is Worth It”
The phrase “It is worth it” means something deserves the effort, cost, or time you invest. People use it when weighing benefits against sacrifices.
Everyday Examples
- After running five miles: “I’m exhausted, but the fresh air made it worth it.”
- After buying an expensive phone: “The price was high, but the quality makes it worth it.”
- Talking about studying: “It takes discipline, but education is always worth it.”
The phrase works in both emotional and practical contexts. Sometimes it’s about feelings (like joy or pride). Other times it’s about tangible returns (like money or results).
Why “It Worth It” Is Incorrect
The problem with “It worth it” is the missing verb. English sentences need a subject and a verb.
Let’s compare side by side:
| Phrase | Correct/Incorrect | Example |
|---|---|---|
| It worth it | ❌ Incorrect | It worth it to travel there. |
| It is worth it | ✅ Correct | It is worth it to travel there. |
Without “is,” the phrase breaks English grammar. It may sound close, but it will never be accepted as correct in formal or even casual writing.
Common Variations and Related Forms
English learners often come across different versions of the phrase. Some are correct, others aren’t. Let’s clear them up.
“Is It Worth It?” ✅
This is the question form of the phrase. It’s correct and widely used.
- Example: “Is it worth it to invest in that stock?”
“Worth It” (informal) ✅
Sometimes people drop the subject and verb, especially in casual speech.
- Example: “That movie was amazing—totally worth it!”
This works as a short response, but not as a full sentence.
“Is It Worth” ❌ / ✅ (depends)
On its own, “Is it worth” is incomplete. It must be followed by a noun.
- Incorrect: “Is it worth?” ❌
- Correct: “Is it worth the price?” ✅
“Does It Worth It?” ❌
This is a common mistake. “Worth” cannot follow “does.”
- Wrong: “Does it worth it?” ❌
- Correct: “Is it worth it?” ✅
“Worth” vs. “Worthy” – Spotting the Difference
Another confusion arises between “worth” and “worthy.” While they sound related, they’re not interchangeable.
- Worth it = something gives enough value for the effort, cost, or time.
- Example: “That long wait was worth it.”
- Worthy = deserving admiration, respect, or honor.
- Example: “He is worthy of our trust.”
Think of it this way:
- Use “worth it” when talking about value.
- Use “worthy” when talking about character or qualities.
Common Mistake: “Worthed”
You may have seen learners say “It worthed it.” This is incorrect because “worthed” is not a word in English.
- “Worth” never takes -ed.
- To talk about the past, simply change “is” to “was.”
Correct Past Tense Forms
- It was worth it. ✅
- Was it worth it? ✅
So instead of inventing “worthed,” just use the past tense of “be.”
Synonyms & Professional Alternatives to “Worth It”
Sometimes repeating “worth it” gets boring, or you need a more formal expression. Luckily, there are plenty of synonyms.
Casual Synonyms
- worthwhile
- rewarding
- valuable
- satisfying
Examples:
- “That hike was really rewarding.”
- “The book is worthwhile if you enjoy history.”
Professional Alternatives
- beneficial
- justified
- cost-effective
- advantageous
Examples:
- “The investment is justified by the long-term growth.”
- “Remote work has proven cost-effective for many companies.”
Here’s a quick comparison table:
| Tone | Alternative | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Casual | Rewarding | Volunteering is rewarding. |
| Casual | Worthwhile | It’s worthwhile to visit the museum. |
| Professional | Cost-effective | Solar energy is cost-effective in the long run. |
| Professional | Justified | The expense is justified by the results. |
Quick Reference Table: Correct vs. Incorrect Usage
Here’s a simple chart to keep handy.
| Expression | Correct? | Example |
|---|---|---|
| It worth it | ❌ No | It worth it to go. |
| It is worth it | ✅ Yes | It is worth it to go. |
| Is it worth it? | ✅ Yes | Is it worth it to go? |
| Does it worth it? | ❌ No | Does it worth it to go? |
| Worth it! | ✅ Informal | That concert was worth it! |
Case Studies: Using “Worth It” in Real Life
Sometimes the best way to understand a phrase is to see how it’s used in real situations.
Case Study 1: Education
A student spends four years and thousands of dollars on a degree. Was it worth it? Yes—if the degree leads to better career opportunities.
Case Study 2: Fitness
Training for a marathon requires months of preparation and sacrifice. On race day, crossing the finish line makes every mile worth it.
Case Study 3: Business Investment
A company spends heavily on marketing. If the campaign brings more sales than the cost, then the investment was worth it.
These examples show how the phrase captures value, whether emotional, financial, or practical.
FAQs
What is correct: It worth it or It is worth it?
The correct phrase is “It is worth it.” The verb “is” is necessary for correct grammar.
Can I say just “worth it”?
Yes, you can say “worth it” informally, but it works best as a short response, not a full sentence.
Is “Does it worth it?” correct?
No, it’s incorrect. The right way is “Is it worth it?”
What is the past tense of “It is worth it”?
The past tense is “It was worth it.” The word “worthed” does not exist.
What’s the difference between “worth it” and “worthy”?
Worth it means something has enough value. Worthy means someone or something deserves respect or admiration.
What are professional alternatives to “worth it”?
Professional options include beneficial, justified, cost-effective, and advantageous.
Conclusion
So, is it “It worth it” or “It is worth it”? The answer is simple: Always use “It is worth it.”
Here’s the quick takeaway:
- “It worth it” ❌ Wrong.
- “It is worth it” ✅ Correct.
- Drop “is” only in casual expressions like “Worth it!”
- Never use “worthed” or “Does it worth it?”
A memory trick: imagine saying “She happy.” You’d never say that without “is.” The same rule applies here.
At the end of the day, your time, money, and effort are precious. So before you commit to anything, it’s natural to ask: “Is it worth it?”
