Many English learners wonder whether they should say “it worth it” or “it is worth it.” Although the two phrases look similar, only one is grammatically correct in standard English. Understanding the difference will help you write and speak more naturally while avoiding one of the most common grammar mistakes made by learners.
Comparison Overview
The phrases “it worth it” or “it is worth it” are often confused because they both contain the same main words. However, English grammar requires a linking verb between the subject and the adjective.
| Phrase | Grammatically Correct? | Meaning | Common Usage |
| It worth it | ❌ No | Incomplete sentence | Incorrect in standard English |
| It is worth it | ✅ Yes | Something has enough value to justify the effort, time, or cost | Everyday English |
The key difference is that the verb is, which connects the subject it with the adjective phrase worth it.
Definition of “It Worth It”
“It worth it” is an incorrect English phrase because it is missing the linking verb is.
English sentences normally require a verb. Without is, the sentence is incomplete and grammatically incorrect.
Example (Incorrect):
- ❌ It worth it.
- ❌ The trip worth it.
These examples sound unnatural because the verb has been omitted.
Definition of “It Is Worth It”
“It is worth it” is the correct English expression.
It means that something provides enough value, benefit, enjoyment, or reward to justify the money, effort, time, or difficulty involved.
Examples:
- ✅ It is worth it.
- ✅ The experience is worth it.
- ✅ The investment is worth it.
This phrase is commonly used in both spoken and written English.
Main Differences Between “It Worth It” or “It Is Worth It”
| Feature | It Worth It | It Is Worth It |
| Grammar | Incorrect | Correct |
| Contains a verb | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Complete sentence | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Standard English | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Used by native speakers | Rarely (except typing mistakes) | Very frequently |
| Suitable for writing | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Key Difference
The biggest difference is that “it is worth it” includes the required linking verb is, making it a complete and grammatically correct sentence.
Why “Is” Is Necessary
English adjectives usually follow a linking verb.
Pattern:
Subject + Be Verb + Adjective
Examples:
- It is beautiful.
- She is happy.
- This is useful.
- It is worth it.
Removing the verb makes the sentence incomplete.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | It Worth It | It Is Worth It |
| Meaning | Intended meaning only | Complete meaning |
| Sentence Structure | Missing verb | Complete sentence |
| Grammar | Incorrect | Correct |
| Professional Writing | Never recommended | Recommended |
| Academic English | Incorrect | Correct |
| Everyday Conversation | Incorrect | Very common |
Grammar Guide
The word worth is an adjective.
The verb is a linking (be) verb.
Sentence pattern:
Subject + be verb + worth + noun/pronoun/verb (-ing)
Examples:
- It is worth the money.
- It is worth trying.
- It is worth reading.
- The course is worth taking.
How Each Term Is Used in Sentences
“It Worth It”
Incorrect:
- ❌ It worth it.
- ❌ The book worth it.
Correct versions:
- ✅ It is worth it.
- ✅ The book is worth it.
“It Is Worth It”
Correct examples:
- It is worth the effort.
- It is worth every penny.
- It is worth waiting.
- It is worth learning English.
- It is worth your time.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
Many learners make these errors:
- Writing It worth it instead of It is worth it
- Forgetting the verb is
- Thinking worth can act as a verb
- Copying informal online grammar mistakes
- Omitting the verb in short answers
Incorrect:
- ❌ It worth buying.
Correct:
- ✅ It is worth buying.
Simple Rules to Remember
- Every complete English sentence usually needs a verb.
- Worth is an adjective—not a verb.
- Always use a form of be before worth.
- Say it is worth it, never it worth it.
- If you remove is, the sentence becomes grammatically incorrect.
Quick Tips for Writing and Speaking
- Read your sentence aloud.
- Check whether the sentence contains a verb.
- Remember the pattern:
- Subject + is + worth + object
- Practice common expressions.
- Avoid copying incorrect internet slang.
When to Use Each One
Use “It Is Worth It”
Use this phrase when you want to say something deserves the time, effort, money, or difficulty.
Examples:
- After completing a degree
- Buying a quality laptop
- Learning a new language
- Traveling abroad
- Starting a business
Use “It’s Worth It”
You should not use this phrase in standard English because it is grammatically incorrect.
When NOT to Use Each One
Do NOT Use “It Worth It”
Avoid using it:
- In essays
- In emails
- In exams
- In business communication
- In professional writing
- In formal conversations
Do NOT Misuse “It Is Worth It”
Avoid using it when:
- The sentence already has another complete structure.
- The context does not involve value or benefit.
Example:
Incorrect:
- ❌ It is worth it raining.
Correct:
- ✅ It is raining.
- ✅ It is worth waiting until the rain stops.
Which One to Use (Decision Guide)
Ask yourself these questions:
Does my sentence have a verb?
- No → Add is.
Am I expressing that something has value?
- Yes → Use It is worth it.
Am I writing standard English?
- Yes → Always choose It is worth it.
Decision Summary:
| Situation | Correct Choice |
| Formal writing | It is worth it |
| School assignment | It is worth it |
| Business email | It is worth it |
| Daily conversation | It is worth it |
| Grammar exam | It is worth it |
Real-World Practical Examples
“It Worth It” Examples
These examples show incorrect usage for learning purposes.
- ❌ It worth it after studying all night.
- ❌ This laptop worth it.
- ❌ The project is worth it.
- ❌ The ticket is worth it.
- ❌ Learning coding worth it.
Correct versions:
- It is worth it.
- This laptop is worth it.
- The project is worth it.
- The ticket is worth it.
- Learning coding is worth it.
“It Is Worth It” Examples
Education
- It is worth studying every day.
Daily Life
- It is worth cooking healthy meals.
Science
- It is worth repeating the experiment for accurate results.
Business
- It is worth investing in employee training.
Technology
- It is worth upgrading your software.
Writing
- It is worth proofreading your article.
Conversation
- It is worth giving it another chance.
Self-Assessment (Fill in the Blanks)
- I will use ______ when referring to something that deserves the effort. The correct word is ______ because the sentence needs a linking verb.
- I will use ______ when writing a formal email. The correct word is ______ because it is grammatically correct.
- I will use ______ when describing a valuable purchase. The correct word is ______ because it is standard English.
- I will use ______ after completing a difficult project. The correct word is ______ because it expresses value correctly.
- I will use ______ in academic writing. The correct word is ______ because complete sentences require verbs.
- I will use ______ when talking about learning English. The correct word is ______ because worth needs is.
- I will use ______ in a business report. The correct word is ______ because it is the accepted form.
- I will use ______ when discussing travel expenses. The correct word is ______ because it is grammatically complete.
- I will use ______ when recommending a course. The correct word is ______ because the sentence follows English grammar.
- I will use ______ while speaking naturally. The correct word is ______ because native speakers use this expression.
- I will use ______ when discussing technology. The correct word is ______ because the phrase is complete.
- I will use ______ in an essay. The correct word is ______ because formal writing requires correct grammar.
- I will use ______ when describing a movie. The correct word is ______ because it expresses value.
- I will use ______ after buying a new phone. The correct word is ______ because it includes the verb.
- I will use ______ in professional communication. The correct word is ______ because it is standard English.
- I will use ______ when giving advice. The correct word is ______ because it sounds natural.
- I will use ______ in a classroom discussion. The correct word is ______ because it is grammatically correct.
- I will use ______ when writing online articles. The correct word is ______ because readers expect proper English.
- I will use ______ when encouraging someone. The correct word is ______ because it expresses that the effort has value.
- I will use ______ in everyday conversation. The correct word is ______ because it is the correct phrase.
Answers
- It is worth it
- It is worth it
- It is worth it
- It is worth it
- It is worth it
- It is worth it
- It is worth it
- It is worth it
- It is worth it
- It is worth it
- It is worth it
- It is worth it
- It is worth it
- It is worth it
- It is worth it
- It is worth it
- It is worth it
- It is worth it
- It is worth it
- It is worth it
Final Verdict
Between “it worth it” or “it is worth it,” the correct choice is always “it is worth it.” The phrase “it worth it” is grammatically incorrect because it omits the essential linking verb is. Since worth functions as an adjective rather than a verb, it must follow a form of the verb to be. Whether you’re writing an essay, sending a business email, speaking in everyday conversation, or taking an English exam, “it is worth it” is the proper expression. Remember the simple rule: Subject + be verb + worth + object. By following this pattern, you’ll avoid a common mistake and communicate more clearly and confidently in English.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “it worth it” or “it is worth it” is essential for speaking and writing accurate English. While the two expressions may appear similar, only “it is worth it” follows standard English grammar because it includes the necessary linking verb is. The phrase “it worth it” is incomplete and should be avoided in formal writing, academic work, business communication, and everyday conversations.
By remembering that worth is an adjective that requires a form of the verb to be, you can avoid a very common learner mistake. Whether you are writing emails, completing assignments, or simply chatting with friends, using the correct expression will make your English sound more fluent and natural. Keep practicing this simple grammar rule, and choosing between these two phrases will quickly become second nature whenever you want to express that something deserves the time, effort, or cost.
FAQs
Is “it worth it” grammatically correct?
No. The phrase “it worth it” is not grammatically correct because it is missing the linking verb is. In standard English, the correct expression is “it is worth it,” which forms a complete sentence and clearly expresses that something has enough value to justify the effort, time, or expense.
Is “it is worth it” the correct phrase?
Yes. “It is worth it” is the correct and widely accepted English expression. It means that something provides enough benefit or value to make the time, money, or effort worthwhile. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal communication.
Why is “it worth it” considered incorrect?
The phrase is incorrect because English requires a verb to connect the subject it with the adjective worth. Without the verb is, the sentence is incomplete and does not follow standard grammar rules used in professional writing or everyday English.
What does “it is worth it” mean?
“It is worth it” means that something is valuable enough to justify the cost, effort, difficulty, or time involved. People often use this phrase when recommending an experience, purchase, investment, or activity that brings meaningful benefits despite the challenges.
Can I use “it worth it” in casual conversation?
It is better not to. Although you might occasionally see “it worth it” in informal online posts or text messages, it is still considered grammatically incorrect. Using “it is worth it” will always sound more natural, accurate, and fluent in any situation.
Is “worth” a verb or an adjective?
In this expression, worth is an adjective. It describes the value of something and must follow a linking verb such as is, was, are, or were. It does not function as a main verb, which is why “it worth it” is incorrect.
Can I shorten “it is worth it” in speech?
Yes. In everyday conversation, native speakers often contract “it is” to “it’s.” Saying “it’s worth it” is completely correct, natural, and commonly used in both spoken and informal written English while maintaining proper grammar.
How can I remember the correct phrase?
A simple way to remember is that every complete English sentence usually needs a verb. Since worth is an adjective, always place a form of to be before it. Think of the pattern: It + is + worth + it whenever you describe something valuable.
Is “it is worth it” suitable for formal writing?
Yes. “It is worth it” is appropriate for essays, business emails, reports, academic papers, and professional communication. It follows standard English grammar and clearly conveys that something deserves the investment of time, effort, or money.
What is the biggest difference between “it worth it” and “it is worth it”?
The main difference is grammar. “It is worth it” is a complete and correct sentence because it includes the required linking verb is. “It worth it” omits the verb, making it incomplete and unsuitable for correct English writing or speech.
