Quick Answer: “It is worth it” is the grammatically complete and correct phrase in standard English. “It worth it” is generally incorrect because it leaves out the verb is. However, “It’s worth it” is also correct because “it’s” is the contraction of “it is.” For example, say “This phone is expensive, but it is worth it” or “This phone is expensive, but it’s worth it.”
English learners and native speakers sometimes wonder whether to say “it worth it” or “it is worth it,” especially in casual conversations, text messages, social media posts, and everyday writing. The confusion often occurs because people speak quickly and leave out words in informal speech. However, when writing a complete sentence in standard English, the verb is is normally necessary.
In this guide, you will learn the difference between “it worth it” and “it is worth it,” understand the grammar rule behind the correct expression, explore practical examples, and discover how to use the phrase naturally in everyday conversations.
Is It “It Worth It” or “It Is Worth It”?
“It is worth it” is the correct standard expression. The phrase contains a subject, a linking verb, and a complement that describes the value or benefit of something. The phrase “it worth it” is missing the linking verb is, so it is not grammatically complete in standard English.
Here is a simple comparison:
| Expression | Correct or Incorrect? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| It worth it. | Incorrect | The linking verb “is” is missing. |
| It is worth it. | Correct | A complete and grammatically correct phrase. |
| It’s worth it. | Correct | “It’s” is the contraction of “it is.” |
| It was worth it. | Correct | Uses the past tense of the linking verb. |
| It will be worth it. | Correct | Uses the future form to describe expected value. |
For example, if you spend money on a high-quality laptop and find that it performs well, you can say, “It is worth it.” You can also say, “It’s worth it,” which sounds natural in both conversation and informal writing.
What Does “It Is Worth It” Mean?
“It is worth it” means that something provides enough value, benefit, enjoyment, or satisfaction to justify the money, time, effort, or difficulty involved. People use this expression when they believe that the positive result makes the cost or sacrifice acceptable.
The phrase can refer to many situations, including buying an expensive product, studying for an examination, traveling to a distant destination, working toward a goal, or making a difficult decision.
Examples of “It Is Worth It”
- This laptop is expensive, but it is worth it.
- Learning English takes time, but it is worth it.
- The journey was long, but it was worth it.
- Exercise requires effort, but it is worth it.
- Getting a professional qualification is challenging, but it is worth it.
In each example, the speaker believes that the benefit outweighs the cost, effort, or inconvenience. The phrase does not necessarily mean that something is cheap or easy. It means that the result justifies what was required to achieve it.
What Does “It Worth It” Mean?
“It worth it” is not a standard, grammatically complete English sentence when intended to mean “it is worth it.” Most speakers will understand what the writer means, but the expression is missing a necessary linking verb.
For example:
- Incorrect: This course is difficult, but it worth it.
- Correct: This course is difficult, but it is worth it.
- Also correct: This course is difficult, but it’s worth it.
The mistake often happens when learners assume that worth functions as a verb. In this expression, however, worth is an adjective or preposition-like word, depending on the grammatical analysis, rather than the main verb of the clause. The linking verb is connects the subject it with the description worth it.
Why Is “It Is Worth It” Grammatically Correct?
To understand why “it is worth it” is correct, it helps to look at the basic structure of the sentence.
It + is + worth it
- It: The subject of the sentence.
- Is: The linking verb that connects the subject to the description.
- Worth it: The expression indicating that something provides sufficient value or benefit.
English sentences generally require a verb. In this expression, is supplies the necessary verb. Removing it produces “it worth it,” which does not follow standard English grammar.
Compare these examples:
- Correct: It is useful.
- Incorrect: It useful.
- Correct: It is important.
- Incorrect: It important.
- Correct: It is worth it.
- Incorrect: It worth it.
The same principle applies to many sentences that use an adjective after the subject. In standard English, the linking verb is needed to complete the structure.
Is “It’s Worth It” Correct?
Yes. “It’s worth it” is completely correct. The apostrophe in it’s indicates that letters have been omitted from the words it is. Therefore, “it’s worth it” and “it is worth it” have the same basic meaning.
Examples:
- It’s worth it to invest in a reliable computer.
- I know the training is difficult, but it’s worth it.
- The restaurant is a little expensive, but it’s worth it.
- It’s worth it to spend time with your family.
The contracted form it’s is especially common in conversation, emails, text messages, and everyday writing. The full form it is can sound more emphatic or formal, depending on the sentence.
It’s vs. Its: An Important Difference
Do not confuse it’s with its. Although they sound the same, they have different grammatical functions.
- It’s: A contraction of “it is” or “it has.” Example: “It’s worth the effort.”
- Its: A possessive determiner showing that something belongs to or is associated with something. Example: “The company changed its policy.”
In the phrase “it’s worth it,” the apostrophe is necessary because it’s means it is.
When Should You Use “It Is Worth It”?
You can use “it is worth it” whenever you want to express that the benefits of an action, product, experience, or decision justify the cost or effort. The phrase is suitable for formal and informal situations.
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1. When Talking About Money
People often use this expression when deciding whether a purchase offers good value.
- The new phone costs more, but it is worth it.
- This office chair is expensive, but it is worth it for the comfort.
- The hotel was costly, but the excellent service made it worth it.
2. When Talking About Time and Effort
The expression is also useful when something requires patience, practice, or hard work.
- Learning a new language is challenging, but it is worth it.
- Preparing for the examination took months, but it was worth it.
- Building a successful business takes effort, but it is worth it.
3. When Talking About Experiences
You can use the phrase to describe an enjoyable or meaningful experience, even if it involves some inconvenience.
- The hike was exhausting, but it was worth it for the beautiful view.
- Traveling across the country was tiring, but it was worth it.
- Waiting in line was frustrating, but the concert was worth it.
4. When Giving Advice
“It is worth it” can also help you recommend an action or encourage someone to pursue a goal.
- It is worth it to compare prices before buying a laptop.
- It is worth it to practice English every day.
- It is worth it to ask questions when you do not understand something.
Is It “Worth It” or “Worthwhile”?
Both worth it and worthwhile can express the idea that something provides enough value or benefit to justify the effort. However, they are used somewhat differently in sentences.
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Worth it | Provides enough benefit to justify the cost or effort. | The course was difficult, but it was worth it. |
| Worthwhile | Worth the time, effort, or resources invested. | The course was a worthwhile experience. |
“Worth it” is very common in everyday conversation. “Worthwhile” can sound slightly more formal or descriptive, especially in professional or academic writing.
Both expressions are correct, but they are not always interchangeable without changing the sentence structure.
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Common Mistakes When Using “Worth It”
Learning the correct phrase is easier when you understand the mistakes that often occur in everyday English.
1. Leaving Out the Verb “Is”
This is the main error in the phrase “it worth it.”
Incorrect: The new computer is expensive, but it worth it.
Correct: The new computer is expensive, but it is worth it.
Also correct: The new computer is expensive, but it’s worth it.
2. Confusing “It’s” With “Its”
Because it’s and its sound alike, writers sometimes confuse them.
Incorrect: Its worth it to learn a new skill.
Correct: It’s worth it to learn a new skill.
The correct form uses an apostrophe because it means “it is.”
3. Using the Wrong Tense
The form of the linking verb should match the time being described.
- Present: It is worth it.
- Past: It was worth it.
- Future: It will be worth it.
For example, if you are describing a trip you completed last year, “It was worth it” is usually more appropriate than “It is worth it.” If you are discussing a decision that will produce future benefits, “It will be worth it” may be the best choice.
4. Assuming “Worth” Is the Main Verb
Another common misunderstanding is thinking that worth can replace the verb is. In standard English, the expression needs an appropriate verb, as in “it is worth it,” “it was worth it,” or “it will be worth it.”
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Natural Examples in Everyday English
Here are some realistic examples that show how the correct expression works in different situations.
In a Conversation About Shopping
Person A: Do you think the expensive headphones are a good choice?
Person B: Yes, the sound quality is excellent. They’re expensive, but they’re worth it.
In a Conversation About Studying
Person A: Studying English every day takes so much time.
Person B: I understand, but it is worth it if you want to improve your communication skills.
In a Conversation About Traveling
Person A: Was the long drive worth the trouble?
Person B: Absolutely. The scenery was amazing, so it was worth it.
In a Conversation About Work
Person A: Was working late necessary to finish the project?
Person B: It was tiring, but it was worth it because we delivered everything on time.
These examples demonstrate that “worth it” can describe money, effort, time, enjoyment, and achievement. The key is to include the appropriate verb when forming a complete sentence.
Practice Quiz: It Worth It or It Is Worth It?
Choose the correct expression to complete each sentence. This quick exercise will help you remember the rule.
- This course is difficult, but ______ worth it.
- ______ worth it to learn a new skill.
- The journey was long, but ______ worth it.
- I think ______ worth it to buy a better laptop.
- The training takes time, but ______ worth it in the long run.
Answers and Explanations
- It is — “This course is difficult, but it is worth it.”
- It is — “It is worth it to learn a new skill.”
- It was — “The journey was long, but it was worth it.”
- It’s — “I think it’s worth it to buy a better laptop.”
- It is — “The training takes time, but it is worth it in the long run.”
Remember that “it’s” is simply a shorter form of “it is.” Both are correct, while “it worth it” is not standard English when used as a complete sentence with this meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth it or it is worth it?
Both can be correct depending on the sentence. “It is worth it” is a complete affirmative statement, while “Is it worth it?” is a question. The phrase “it worth it” is generally incorrect in standard English because it is missing the verb is.
Is “it worth it” grammatically correct?
No, not when it is intended as a complete standard English sentence meaning that something provides sufficient value. Use “it is worth it” or “it’s worth it” instead.
Is “it’s worth it” correct English?
Yes. “It’s worth it” is grammatically correct because it’s is the contraction of “it is.” It is natural in conversation, everyday writing, emails, and social media posts.
What does “it is worth it” mean?
It means that the benefit, value, or satisfaction of something justifies its cost, effort, time, or difficulty. For example, “The course was challenging, but it was worth it.”
Can I say “it’s worth it” in formal writing?
Yes. “It’s worth it” is acceptable in many forms of formal and professional writing. However, “it is worth it” may be preferable when you want a more formal tone or greater emphasis.
Should I say “it was worth it” or “it is worth it”?
Use “it was worth it” when discussing a past experience or decision. Use “it is worth it” when describing something that is valuable or beneficial now. Use “it will be worth it” when talking about an expected future benefit.
Is “it is worth it” better than “it’s worth it”?
Neither is inherently better. Both are grammatically correct and have the same basic meaning. “It is worth it” can provide more emphasis, while “it’s worth it” is shorter and very common in natural conversation.
Can I use “worth it” without “it is”?
Yes, in certain sentence structures or informal expressions. For example, “Worth every penny!” is a common conversational fragment, and “Is the price worth it?” is a correct question. However, when making a complete statement with the subject “it,” use “it is worth it” or “it’s worth it.”
Is it “it’s worth it” or “its worth it”?
“It’s worth it” is correct because it’s means “it is.” “Its” is a possessive word and does not replace “it is.” Therefore, always include the apostrophe in this expression.
Quick Summary
- It is worth it: Correct and grammatically complete.
- It’s worth it: Also correct; “it’s” means “it is.”
- It worth it: Generally incorrect in standard English because the linking verb is missing.
- It was worth it: Correct for past situations.
- It will be worth it: Correct for future situations.
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