Many English learners wonder whether “it worth it” or “it is worth it” is the correct expression. The confusion usually comes from leaving out the verb “is” or mixing this phrase with the question “Is it worth it?” In this guide, we’ll explain the grammar, meaning, sentence patterns, common mistakes, and correct usage clearly.
Comparison Overview
The expressions “it worth it” and “it is worth it” look very similar, but they do not have the same grammatical status.
The key difference is simple:
- It worth it — incorrect in standard English because it is missing the linking verb “is.”
- It is worth it — grammatically correct and commonly used to say that something provides enough value, benefit, or satisfaction to justify its cost, effort, time, or difficulty.
There is also a closely related expression:
- Is it worth it? — correct when asking whether something is valuable or worthwhile.
- It’s worth it. — the natural contracted form of “It is worth it.”
Understanding this small difference can make your English much more accurate.
Definition of “It Worth It”
“It worth it” is not grammatically correct in standard English.
The problem is that “worth” needs to be connected to the subject “it” through an appropriate verb. In the intended meaning, “worth” functions as a complement that describes the value of something. The linking verb “is” is therefore necessary.
For example:
- ❌ It worth it to study every night.
- ✅ It is worth it to study every night.
- ❌ The trip worth it.
- ✅ The trip is worth it.
Native speakers may occasionally omit words in informal speech, online messages, or nonstandard writing, but “it worth it” should not be used in formal or standard English.
Definition of “It Is Worth It”
“It is worth it” is a grammatically correct expression used to say that something is valuable enough to justify the time, money, effort, inconvenience, risk, or difficulty involved.
Here, “it” is the subject, “is” is the linking verb, and “worth” describes the value of something.
Examples:
- It is worth it to learn another language.
- The extra effort is worth it.
- The course is expensive, but it is worth it.
- Waiting for a better opportunity is worth it.
In everyday English, speakers commonly shorten “it is” to “it’s.”
For example:
- It is worth it.
- It’s worth it.
Both are correct.
Main Differences Between “It Worth It” and “It Is Worth It”
The biggest difference is grammatical completeness.
| Expression | Correct? | Explanation |
| It worth it | ❌ No | Missing the linking verb “is” |
| It is worth it | ✅ Yes | Complete and grammatically correct |
| It’s worth it | ✅ Yes | Contraction of “it is worth it” |
| Is it worth it? | ✅ Yes | Correct question form |
Meaning
“It is worth it” means that something deserves the effort, expense, time, or difficulty involved.
Example:
The training is difficult, but it is worth it.
This means the benefits of the training justify the difficulty.
Grammar
The word “is” is essential in the statement:
It + is + worth + it.
Without “is,” the sentence is incomplete:
It + worth + it. ❌
Sentence Type
“It is worth it” is a statement.
It is worth it.
“Is it worth it?” is a question.
Is it worth it?
This distinction is especially important because learners sometimes see the word order “Is it” in a question and mistakenly remove or rearrange the words.
Is “It Worth It” Ever Correct?
In standard English, “it worth it” is not correct when you intend to express the meaning “it is worthwhile.”
The word “is” cannot normally be removed from this construction.
Compare:
- ❌ It worth it.
- ✅ It is worth it.
- ✅ It’s worth it.
However, “worth” can appear in other grammatical structures without “is” when it functions differently.
For example:
This book could be worth reading.
Here, “could be” supplies the required verb structure.
Another example is:
How much is this worth?
The structure changes because the sentence is asking about monetary or other value.
“It Is Worth It” vs. “Is It Worth It?”
This is one of the most important distinctions to understand.
“It Is Worth It”
Use “it is worth it” when making a statement.
Examples:
- It is worth it to practice every day.
- The extra cost is worth it.
- The long journey was worth it.
“Is It Worth It?”
Use “is it worth it?” when asking a question.
Examples:
- Is it worth it to buy the more expensive model?
- Is the course worth it?
- Is it worth it to wait another week?
The word order changes because English questions often place the auxiliary or linking verb before the subject.
Grammar Guide
How Each Term Is Used in Sentences
The correct basic structure is:
Subject + be + worth + object/complement
For the phrase in question:
It + is + worth + it.
Examples:
- It is worth it.
- It is definitely worth it.
- It is probably worth it.
- It was worth it.
- It will be worth it.
You can also use worth with a noun:
The phone is worth $500.
Or with a gerund:
The book is worth reading.
Another common structure is:
It is worth + gerund.
Examples:
- It is worth trying.
- It is worth considering.
- It is worth learning.
- It is worth discussing.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
1. Removing “is”
Incorrect:
It worth it.
Correct:
It is worth it.
2. Confusing a statement with a question
Incorrect:
Is it worth it?
When asking a standard yes-or-no question, use:
Is it worth it?
3. Confusing “worth it” with “worthy”
Worth it and worthy are related but are not interchangeable in every sentence.
- The experience is worth it.
- She is worthy of respect.
4. Using “worth to” incorrectly
A common learner error is:
❌ It is worth to try.
The natural construction is:
✅ It is worth trying.
After worth, a gerund is commonly used when describing an activity.
Simple Rules to Remember
Remember these four rules:
- “It worth it” is incorrect.
- “It is worth it” is correct.
- “It’s worth it” is the natural contraction.
- “Is it worth it?” is the correct question.
A simple memory trick is:
Statement: It is worth it.
Question: Is it worth it?
The verb “is” stays in the sentence but changes position.
Quick Tips for Writing and Speaking
For formal writing, use:
It is worth it.
For casual conversation, use:
It’s worth it.
When asking for someone’s opinion, use:
Is it worth it?
When describing the value of an activity, use:
It is worth + -ing.
For example:
It is worth checking the instructions first.
When to Use Each One
When to Use “It Is Worth It”
Use “it is worth it” when you want to state that something provides enough benefit or value to justify its cost or effort.
Examples include:
- Discussing an expensive purchase
- Talking about education
- Describing a difficult experience
- Discussing a long journey
- Evaluating professional training
- Talking about personal effort
- Explaining whether waiting is worthwhile
Example:
The extra year of training is difficult, but it is worth it.
When to Use “It’s Worth It”
You should not use “it worth it” in standard English.
Replace it with:
It is worth it.
Or, in casual conversation:
It’s worth it.
If you are asking a question, use:
Is it worth it?
When NOT to Use Each One
Do Not Use “It Worth It”
Avoid “it worth it” in:
- School assignments
- Essays
- Business emails
- Professional documents
- Academic writing
- Formal conversations
- Standard English tests
- Published content
Instead, use “it is worth it” or “it’s worth it.”
Do Not Use “It Is Worth It” as a Question Without Changing the Word Order
Avoid writing:
❌ It is worth it?
when you intend to ask a normal yes-or-no question.
Use:
✅ Is it worth it?
The statement and question have different word orders.
Other Correct Expressions With “Worth”
Learning a few related patterns can make the difference easier to understand.
Worth It
The price is worth it.
This means the value justifies the price.
Worth + Noun
The painting is worth $10,000.
This describes monetary or estimated value.
Worth + -ing
The book is worth reading.
This means reading the book would be worthwhile.
Worthwhile
The project was worthwhile.
Worthwhile is an adjective that means valuable or beneficial enough to justify the effort.
Worth the Effort
The result is worth the effort.
This directly states that the outcome justifies the work required.
Which One to Use (Decision Guide)
Use this quick guide:
| What do you want to say? | Correct expression |
| You are making a statement | It is worth it. |
| You are speaking casually | It’s worth it. |
| You are asking a question | Is it worth it? |
| You want to say an activity is worthwhile | It is worth + -ing. |
| You want to describe monetary value | It is worth + amount. |
| You see “it worth it” in standard writing | Replace it with “it is worth it.” |
The easiest rule is:
Never use “it worth it” by itself when you mean “it is worthwhile.”
Real-World Practical Examples
“It Worth It” Examples
Because “it worth it” is grammatically incorrect, these examples show the incorrect form followed by the correct version.
- Education:
❌ It worth it to spend extra time studying.
✅ It is worth it to spend extra time studying. - Daily life:
❌ The long wait worth it.
✅ The long wait is worth it. - Business:
❌ The additional investment worth it.
✅ The additional investment is worth it. - Technology:
❌ The premium software worth it.
✅ The premium software is worth it. - Travel:
❌ The difficult journey worth it.
✅ The difficult journey is worth it. - Conversation:
❌ Do you think it worth it?
✅ Do you think it is worth it?
“It Is Worth It” Examples
- Education:
It is worth it to spend extra time practicing English.
The sentence says that the benefits of extra practice justify the effort. - Daily life:
The long wait for the restaurant was worth it.
The food or experience justified the waiting time. - Business:
The additional investment is worth it because it will improve productivity.
The expected business benefit justifies the expense. - Science:
The researchers believe the extra testing is worth it.
The expected scientific benefit justifies the additional work. - Technology:
The upgraded computer is expensive, but it is worth it for professional users.
The improved performance justifies the higher price. - Writing:
It is worth revising your article before publishing it.
Revision can improve clarity and accuracy. - Conversation:
“Should I take the course?” “Yes, I think it is worth it.”
The second speaker says the course deserves the time and money.
“Is It Worth It?” Examples
Although “is it worth it?” is not one of the two expressions in the main comparison, it is closely related and important to learn.
- Shopping:
Is it worth it to buy the more expensive version? - Education:
Is the degree worth it if I already have several years of experience? - Travel:
Is it worth it to travel during the busy season? - Technology:
Is it worth it to upgrade to the latest phone? - Work:
Is it worth it to work overtime this weekend?
Self-Assessment (Fill in the Blanks)
Complete each sentence with the most appropriate expression or form. Pay attention to whether the sentence is a statement, question, or activity-based construction.
- I think ______ to study for another hour before the exam.
- ______ worth it to buy a better-quality laptop?
- The extra cost is ______ because the product lasts longer.
- She decided that the long journey ______ worth it.
- ______ worth it to take this online course?
- The experience was difficult, but ______ worth it.
- It is worth ______ the instructions carefully before starting.
- The expensive equipment ______ worth the investment.
- ______ worth it to wait for the next sale?
- The extra practice ______ worth it because her writing improved.
- Do you think ______ worth it to learn another language?
- The training was challenging, but ______ worth it.
- It is worth ______ your work before submitting it.
- ______ worth it to spend more money on professional software?
- The additional effort ______ worth it in the long run.
- I believe ______ worth it to compare several options first.
- ______ worth it to repair the old computer?
- The trip took twelve hours, but it ______ worth it.
- This book is worth ______ if you want to improve your grammar.
- The sentence “It worth it” is incorrect because it is missing the verb ______.
Answers
- it is worth it — It is a statement explaining that the extra study time is worthwhile.
- Is it — This is a question, so the verb “is” comes before the subject “it.”
- worth it — The complete sentence already contains the linking verb “is.”
- was — The sentence refers to an experience, so “was worth it” is appropriate.
- Is it — This is a question asking whether the course is worthwhile.
- it was — The sentence discusses an experience.
- reading — After “worth,” an activity is commonly expressed with a gerund.
- is — The subject “equipment” needs the linking verb “is.”
- Is it — The sentence is a question.
- was — The sentence describes a completed experience.
- it is — The sentence uses an indirect question structure: “Do you think it is worth it…?”
- it was — The training is discussed as a completed experience.
- checking — Worth + gerund is the natural structure.
- Is it — This is a direct yes-or-no question.
- is — The subject “effort” is singular, so “is” is correct.
- it is — This is a statement expressing an opinion.
- Is it — The sentence asks whether repairing the computer is worthwhile.
- was — The journey happened in the past.
- reading — Worth reading is the standard expression.
- is — “It worth it” is missing the linking verb “is.”
Final Verdict
The correct choice is “it is worth it.” The expression “it worth it” is grammatically incorrect in standard English because it leaves out the linking verb “is.”
Use “it is worth it” when making a statement about value, benefit, effort, cost, time, or difficulty. In casual conversation, you can naturally shorten it to “it’s worth it.”
When asking a question, use “Is it worth it?” rather than “It is worth it?”
A useful formula to remember is:
Statement: It is worth it.
Casual statement: It’s worth it.
Question: Is it worth it?
Activity: It is worth trying.
Once you remember that “is” is necessary in the statement, the difference becomes easy. For accurate writing, professional communication, academic work, and everyday standard English, choose “it is worth it” rather than “it worth it.”
Conclusion About It Worth It Or It Is Worth It
When deciding between “it worth it” and “it is worth it,” the correct choice is clear: “it is worth it” is the grammatically correct expression in standard English. The phrase means that something provides enough value, benefit, or satisfaction to justify the time, money, effort, or difficulty involved. In casual conversation, “it’s worth it” is the natural shortened form of “it is worth it.”
If you want to ask a question, use “Is it worth it?” rather than “It is worth it?” Understanding these simple patterns can help you avoid one of the most common grammar mistakes surrounding the word “worth.” Whether you are writing an email, completing an assignment, speaking with others, or creating professional content, remembering the role of “is” makes your sentence complete and natural. Once you learn these patterns, choosing the right expression becomes easy and automatic.
FAQs
Is “It worth it” grammatically correct?
No, “it worth it” is not grammatically correct in standard English when you mean that something is worthwhile. The sentence needs the linking verb “is.” The correct form is “it is worth it.” In informal conversation, you can also use “it’s worth it,” which is simply the contracted form of the same expression.
Is “It is worth it” correct English?
Yes, “it is worth it” is completely correct English. It is used to say that something provides enough value or benefit to justify its cost, effort, time, or difficulty. For example, “The course is challenging, but it is worth it.” The expression is suitable for both everyday communication and formal writing.
What does “It is worth it” mean?
“It is worth it” means that something is valuable or beneficial enough to justify what you have to spend or experience. The cost could involve money, time, effort, inconvenience, or difficulty. For example, “The journey was long, but it was worth it” means the experience justified the long journey.
Should I say “It worth it” or “It is worth it”?
You should always choose “it is worth it” in standard English. The expression “it worth it” is missing the verb “is,” making the sentence grammatically incomplete. If you prefer a more conversational style, you can say “it’s worth it.” Both “it is worth it” and “it’s worth it” are correct.
Is “It’s worth it” the same as “It is worth it”?
Yes. “It’s worth it” is the contraction of “it is worth it,” so both expressions have the same meaning. The longer form can sound slightly more formal or emphatic, while the contracted form is extremely common in everyday speech and informal writing. Neither changes the basic meaning of the sentence.
Is “Is it worth it?” grammatically correct?
Yes, “Is it worth it?” is grammatically correct. It is a question asking whether something provides enough value or benefit to justify its cost, time, effort, or difficulty. Notice the word order: “is” comes before “it” because this is a direct question rather than a statement.
Can I use “worth” without “it”?
Yes. “Worth” can be used in several different grammatical structures. For example, you can say “The car is worth $20,000” to describe its value, or “The book is worth reading” to say that reading it would be beneficial. Therefore, “worth” does not always need the phrase “it” after it.
Is “It is worth to try” correct?
No, “it is worth to try” is generally incorrect in standard English. When “worth” is followed by an activity, use the -ing form instead. The natural sentence is “It is worth trying.” Similarly, you can say “It is worth reading,” “It is worth checking,” or “It is worth considering.”
What is the difference between “It is worth it” and “Is it worth it?”
“It is worth it” is a statement, while “Is it worth it?” is a question. For example, “The extra cost is worth it” gives an opinion about value. “Is the extra cost worth it?” asks someone to evaluate that value. The meaning is closely related, but the grammatical word order is different.
How can I remember the correct form?
A simple way to remember it is to focus on the verb “is.” For a statement, use “It is worth it.” For a question, use “Is it worth it?” For casual speech, use “It’s worth it.” Never leave out “is” when using “it worth it” to express that something is worthwhile.
