When deciding between “it worth it” and “it is worth it,” the correct choice is clear in standard English: “it is worth it” is grammatically complete, while “it worth it” is incorrect. Understanding why the verb is is necessary can help you write and speak more naturally, confidently, and accurately in everyday English.
Comparison Overview
The phrases “it worth it” and “it is worth it” look almost identical, but they do not have the same grammatical status. The main difference is the presence of the verb “is.”
- It is worth it — grammatically correct.
- It worth it — grammatically incorrect in standard English.
- Is it worth it? — grammatically correct when asking a question.
- It’s worth it — grammatically correct and simply a contraction of “it is worth it.”
The word “worth” functions as an adjective in the expression “be worth.” Because English sentences generally need an appropriate linking verb with this adjective, we need “is” after the subject “it.”
For example:
The course is worth it.
Here, “is” connects the subject “the course” with the adjective phrase “worth it.”
Without the linking verb, we get:
The course worth it. ❌
The same rule applies to “it.”
It is worth it. ✅
It worth it. ❌
Definition of “It Worth It”
“It worth it” is not a correct standard English expression.
The problem is grammatical rather than semantic. The phrase contains the subject “it” and the adjective “worth,” but it leaves out the necessary linking verb “is.”
English requires a form of the verb “be” in this construction.
Incorrect:
It worth it to study every night. ❌
Correct:
It is worth it to study every night. ✅
The incorrect version may appear in informal writing, learner English, speech influenced by another language, or online communication. However, it should be avoided in formal and standard English.
Why Is “It Worth It” Incorrect?
The adjective “worth” cannot normally stand directly after the subject in this construction.
The basic pattern is:
Subject + be + worth + object
For example:
- It is worth it.
- The price is worth it.
- The experience was worth it.
- The effort will be worth it.
Therefore, “it worth it” is missing the verb “is.”
Definition of “It Is Worth It”
“It is worth it” is the grammatically correct expression.
It means that something provides enough value, benefit, enjoyment, or positive result to justify the money, time, effort, difficulty, or sacrifice involved.
For example:
The training was difficult, but it was worth it.
This means the benefits of the training justified the difficulty.
Another example is:
The laptop is expensive, but it is worth it.
Here, “worth it” means the laptop provides enough value to justify its price.
Meaning of “Worth It”
The expression “worth it” is commonly used to evaluate whether something is valuable enough to justify what you must spend or experience.
The “cost” does not have to be money. It can involve:
- Time
- Effort
- Money
- Risk
- Difficulty
- Sacrifice
- Patience
- Emotional energy
For example:
Waking up early was worth it because I saw the sunrise.
The cost was getting up early, while the benefit was seeing the sunrise.
Main Differences Between “It Worth It” and “It Is Worth It”
| Feature | It Worth It | It Is Worth It |
| Standard English | ❌ Incorrect | ✅ Correct |
| Contains a verb | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Complete grammatical expression | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Suitable for formal writing | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Suitable for everyday speech | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Expresses value or benefit | Intended meaning | Correctly expresses the meaning |
| Example | It worth it. ❌ | It is worth it. ✅ |
The biggest difference is simple: “it is worth it” contains the required linking verb “is.”
Why “Is” Is Necessary
The word “is” is the third-person singular present form of the verb “be.”
In “It is worth it,” the grammatical structure is:
- It = subject
- is = linking verb
- worth = adjective
- it = object/complement referring to the thing being evaluated
The verb “is” links the subject to the description “worth it.”
Compare these sentences:
She is happy.
He is tired.
The movie is interesting.
It is worth it.
In each example, the linking verb connects the subject with information that describes or evaluates it.
Removing “is” makes the sentence incomplete:
She happy. ❌
He tired. ❌
The movie interesting. ❌
It worth it. ❌
Grammar Guide
How Each Term Is Used in Sentences
The standard structure is:
Subject + be + worth + noun/pronoun/gerund
Examples include:
- It is worth it.
- The trip is worth the money.
- The book is worth reading.
- The course is worth taking.
- The effort was worth it.
- The experience will be worth it.
The form of “be” changes depending on the tense and subject.
| Subject/Tense | Correct Form |
| Present, it | It is worth it. |
| Present, they | They are worth it. |
| Past, it | It was worth it. |
| Past, they | They were worth it. |
| Future | It will be worth it. |
| Modal | It might be worth it. |
“Worth” as an Adjective
In the expression “worth it,” “worth” functions as an adjective.
Examples:
The movie is worth it.
The book is worth reading.
The money was worth the experience.
It does not function as an ordinary verb in these sentences.
That is why you need a form of “be” before it.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
Mistake 1: Leaving Out “Is”
It worth it. ❌
Correct:
It is worth it. ✅
Mistake 2: Using “Worth” as the Main Verb
Some learners assume that because “worth” expresses value, it can function like a normal verb.
Incorrect:
This book worth the price. ❌
Correct:
This book is worth the price. ✅
Mistake 3: Confusing “Worth It” With “Worthwhile”
Both expressions can communicate a similar idea, but their grammatical structures differ.
The trip is worth it.
The trip is worthwhile.
You cannot simply remove “is” from the first sentence.
Mistake 4: Forgetting the Verb in Questions
Incorrect:
It worth it? ❌
Correct:
Is it worth it? ✅
The question form moves “is” before the subject.
Simple Rules to Remember
Use this easy rule:
If you use “worth” to describe the value of something, normally include a form of “be” before it.
Remember:
- It is worth it. ✅
- It was worth it. ✅
- It will be worth it. ✅
- It might be worth it. ✅
- It worth it. ❌
A useful memory trick is:
Worth needs a helper verb.
For “it” in the present tense, that helper is “is.”
Quick Tips for Writing and Speaking
- Use “It is worth it” in formal writing.
- Use “It’s worth it” in casual writing and conversation.
- Use “Is it worth it?” when asking a question.
- Never use “It worth it” as a complete standard English sentence.
- Remember that “worth” is normally used with a form of “be.”
- Change “is” to “was” when discussing the past.
- Use “will be” when talking about the future.
When to Use Each One
When to Use “It Is Worth It”
Use “it is worth it” when you want to state that something has enough value or benefit to justify its cost or effort.
Examples:
It is worth it to learn another language.
The extra expense is worth it.
The long journey is worth it for the experience.
The course is difficult, but it is worth it.
This expression works in formal writing, academic contexts, professional communication, everyday conversation, and general writing.
When to Use “It Worth It”
You should not use “it worth it” as a complete sentence in standard English.
If you see or hear it, the intended meaning is usually:
It is worth it.
The missing “is” is the problem.
When NOT to Use Each One
Do Not Use “It Worth It”
Avoid:
It worth it. ❌
I think it worth it. ❌
The experience worth it. ❌
Instead, write:
It is worth it. ✅
I think it is worth it. ✅
The experience is worth it. ✅
Do Not Use “It Is Worth It” as a Question
If you want to ask whether something is worthwhile, use:
Is it worth it? ✅
Not:
It is worth it? ❌
In standard English questions, the auxiliary or linking verb generally comes before the subject.
“It Is Worth It” vs. “It’s Worth It”
These two expressions have the same grammatical meaning.
It is worth it is the full form.
It’s worth it is the contraction.
Examples:
It is worth it to wait.
It’s worth it to wait.
Both are correct.
The full form is often preferred when you want a more formal or emphatic tone, while the contraction sounds natural in everyday conversation.
“It Is Worth It” vs. “Is It Worth It?”
These expressions are both correct, but they serve different purposes.
Statement
It is worth it.
This tells someone that something is valuable enough to justify its cost or effort.
Question
Is it worth it?
This asks whether something provides enough value to justify its cost or effort.
Compare:
The course is difficult, but it is worth it.
The course is difficult. Is it worth it?
The first expresses an opinion; the second asks for an evaluation.
Worth It vs. Worthwhile
“Worth it” and “worthwhile” are closely related, but they are not identical in structure.
Worth It
The trip was worth it.
This often refers to a specific cost, effort, difficulty, or sacrifice.
Worthwhile
The trip was worthwhile.
This means the trip was valuable, useful, or beneficial.
Both can be correct:
Studying for the exam was worth it.
Studying for the exam was worthwhile.
However, “worthwhile” is a single adjective, while “worth it” is an adjective phrase.
Which One to Use (Decision Guide)
Use this quick guide:
Are you making a statement?
→ Use “It is worth it.”
Are you speaking casually?
→ Use “It’s worth it.”
Are you asking a question?
→ Use “Is it worth it?”
Are you talking about the past?
→ Use “It was worth it.”
Are you talking about the future?
→ Use “It will be worth it.”
Are you writing “It worth it” as a complete sentence?
→ Do not use it. Add “is.”
Quick Decision Chart
| Intended Meaning | Correct Expression |
| Present statement | It is worth it. |
| Casual present statement | It’s worth it. |
| Present question | Is it worth it? |
| Past statement | It was worth it. |
| Future statement | It will be worth it. |
| Modal possibility | It might be worth it. |
| Incorrect form | It worth it. ❌ |
Real-World Practical Examples
“It Worth It” Examples
Because “it worth it” is grammatically incorrect, these examples show the common error and the corrected version.
- Education: “It worth it to study harder.” ❌ → “It is worth it to study harder.” ✅
- Daily life: “I think it worth it to wait.” ❌ → “I think it is worth it to wait.” ✅
- Business: “The investment worth it.” ❌ → “The investment is worth it.” ✅
- Technology: “The new software worth it.” ❌ → “The new software is worth it.” ✅
- Conversation: “Do you think it worth it?” ❌ → “Do you think it is worth it?” ✅
- Travel: “The long flight worth it.” ❌ → “The long flight is worth it.” ✅
- Writing: “The extra research worth it.” ❌ → “The extra research is worth it.” ✅
These examples demonstrate why the verb “is” cannot be omitted.
“It Is Worth It” Examples
- Education: “It is worth it to practice English every day.”
- Daily life: “The extra ten minutes of preparation is worth it.”
- Business: “The additional investment is worth it because it improves productivity.”
- Technology: “The premium software is expensive, but it is worth it.”
- Conversation: “I know the line is long, but it is worth it.”
- Travel: “The journey is tiring, but it is worth it for the beautiful views.”
- Writing: “Taking time to edit your article is worth it because it improves clarity.”
- Fitness: “The effort required to build a consistent routine is worth it.”
- Shopping: “The higher-quality product is worth it because it lasts longer.”
- Personal goals: “Learning a new skill can be challenging, but it is worth it.”
Self-Assessment (Fill in the Blanks)
Complete each sentence with the correct form or expression.
- I believe ______ to learn from your mistakes.
The correct expression is ______ because the sentence needs a linking verb before “worth.” - ______ worth it to take the longer route?
The correct expression is ______ because this is a question. - The extra effort ______ worth it in the end.
The correct word is ______ because the sentence describes a present situation. - “It worth it” is ______ in standard English.
The correct word is ______ because the phrase is missing the verb “is.” - The course was difficult, but ______ worth it.
The correct expression is ______ because the sentence describes a past experience. - I think ______ worth it to buy a better-quality product.
The correct expression is ______ because the statement needs “is.” - ______ worth it to spend more time preparing?
The correct expression is ______ because “is” comes before the subject in a question. - The experience ______ worth it because I learned something valuable.
The correct word is ______ because the sentence is in the present tense. - We waited for two hours, but ______ worth it.
The correct expression is ______ because the sentence evaluates a completed experience. - The additional training ______ worth it for the employees.
The correct word is ______ because “worth” requires a form of “be” here. - If you ask for an evaluation, you should say, “______ worth it?”
The correct expression is ______ because this is the standard question structure. - For a formal statement, write, “______ worth it.”
The correct expression is ______ because the full form is appropriate in formal writing. - “It’s worth it” is a ______ form of “it is worth it.”
The correct word is ______ because “it’s” is a contraction. - The trip ______ worth it despite the long journey.
The correct word is ______ because the subject is “the trip.” - You should not write “______ worth it” as a complete standard English sentence.
The correct expression is ______ because it lacks the linking verb. - The investment will ______ worth it over time.
The correct word is ______ because “will” is followed by the base form “be.” - The new computer might ______ worth it for professional work.
The correct word is ______ because a modal verb is followed by “be.” - If you want to ask about value, use “Is ______ worth it?”
The correct word is ______ because “it” refers to the thing being evaluated. - The extra cost ______ worth it because the product lasts longer.
The correct word is ______ because the sentence is a present-tense statement. - “It is worth it” means that something provides enough ______ to justify its cost, effort, or difficulty.
The correct word is ______ because “worth it” expresses value or benefit.
Answers
- it is worth it — The expression needs the linking verb “is.”
- Is it — Questions use “is” before the subject.
- is — “The extra effort is worth it” is present tense.
- incorrect — “It worth it” is missing “is.”
- it was — “Was” correctly expresses the past.
- it is — The standard construction is “it is worth it.”
- Is it — This is the correct question structure.
- is — The subject “the experience” takes “is” in the present tense.
- it was — The waiting happened in the past.
- is — “The additional training is worth it” is grammatically complete.
- Is it — This creates the correct question form.
- It is — The full form is suitable for formal writing.
- contracted — “It’s” is the contracted form of “it is.”
- is — “The trip is worth it” uses the present-tense linking verb.
- It worth it — This is the incorrect form that should be avoided.
- be — After “will,” use the base form “be.”
- be — After the modal “might,” use “be.”
- it — “Is it worth it?” is the standard question.
- is — The sentence describes a present situation.
- value — “Worth it” indicates sufficient value or benefit to justify a cost or effort.
Conclusion:
When it comes to “it worth it” or “it is worth it,” the correct choice is simple: “it is worth it” is grammatically correct, while “it worth it” is incorrect in standard English. The word “worth” needs a form of the verb “be,” which is why “is” must appear after “it.” In casual conversation and informal writing, you can also use “it’s worth it,” which is simply the contraction of “it is worth it.” If you are asking a question, use “Is it worth it?” instead. Understanding these small differences can make your English sound more natural and polished. Whether you are writing an email, an article, a school assignment, or simply chatting with someone, choosing the correct expression helps you communicate clearly and confidently. Remember the easy rule: It is worth it is correct; it worth it is not.
FAQs:
Is “it worth it” grammatically correct?
No, “it worth it” is not grammatically correct in standard English. The phrase is missing the linking verb “is.” The correct expression is “it is worth it.” In casual communication, you can also say “it’s worth it,” which is the contracted form of “it is worth it.”
Is “it is worth it” correct English?
Yes, “it is worth it” is completely correct English. It means that something provides enough value or benefit to justify its cost, time, effort, difficulty, or sacrifice. For example, “The course is challenging, but it is worth it” means the benefits make the effort worthwhile.
Should I say “it worth it” or “it is worth it”?
You should say “it is worth it.” This expression contains the necessary linking verb “is,” making the sentence grammatically complete. “It worth it” incorrectly treats “worth” as though it could function as the main verb in this construction. For standard English, always choose “it is worth it.”
Can I say “it’s worth it” instead of “it is worth it”?
Yes. “It’s worth it” is a natural and grammatically correct contraction of “it is worth it.” It is especially common in everyday speech, casual messages, and informal writing. In formal writing, you may prefer the full form “it is worth it,” although the contraction is not grammatically wrong.
What does “it is worth it” mean?
“It is worth it” means that something has enough value or provides enough benefit to justify what you spend or experience. The cost might involve money, time, effort, or difficulty. For example, “The long journey is worth it” means the positive experience makes the journey worthwhile.
Is “is it worth it?” grammatically correct?
Yes, “Is it worth it?” is grammatically correct. It is the question form of “It is worth it.” The verb “is” moves before the subject “it” to form the question. You use this expression when asking whether something provides enough value to justify its cost, effort, time, or difficulty.
What is the difference between “it is worth it” and “it’s worth it”?
There is no difference in basic meaning. “It is worth it” is the full form, while “it’s worth it” is the contracted form. Both are grammatically correct. The full version can sound slightly more formal or emphatic, whereas the contraction is especially natural in everyday conversation and informal communication.
Can “worth” be used without “is”?
Yes, “worth” can appear in other grammatical structures, but when you use it to describe something with a subject, it generally needs a form of “be.” For example, “The book is worth reading” is correct. You should not write “The book worth reading” as a complete standard English sentence.
Why is “it worth it” a common mistake?
“It worth it” is often a mistake because learners may assume that “worth” works like a regular verb meaning “has value.” In standard English, however, “worth” functions as an adjective in expressions such as “is worth it.” Remembering the pattern subject + be + worth helps prevent this common error.
Which is correct: “it worth it” or “it was worth it”?
“It was worth it” is correct when you are talking about something that happened in the past. “It worth it” is incorrect because it is missing a verb. For present situations, use “it is worth it.” For past situations, use “it was worth it.” Both follow the correct grammatical pattern.
