It Worth It or It Is Worth It: Which One Is Correct?
Have you ever wondered whether “it worth it or it is worth it” is the correct phrase to use? 🤔 This common grammar question confuses many English learners and even native speakers. At first glance, both expressions may seem acceptable, but only one follows standard English grammar rules.
Many people write or say “it worth it” in conversations, social media posts, emails, and everyday communication without realizing that a small missing word can make the sentence grammatically incorrect. Because English relies on helping and linking verbs, leaving out the word “is” can affect both clarity and correctness.
Understanding the difference between “it worth it or it is worth it” is important for effective communication. Using the correct form helps your writing sound more natural, professional, and polished. Whether you are composing an email, writing an essay, creating online content, or simply chatting with friends, knowing the right expression can help you avoid a very common mistake.
In this guide, you will learn the correct usage, grammar rules, practical examples, common mistakes, and expert tips to ensure you never confuse these expressions again. ✅
Quick Answer: It Worth It or It Is Worth It?
“It is worth it” is the correct grammatical expression.
“It worth it” is incorrect in standard English because it is missing the linking verb “is.” The adjective “worth” requires a form of the verb to be before it.
✔ Correct: It is worth it.
❌ Incorrect: It worth it.
Understanding the Basics: It Worth It or It Is Worth It
The confusion comes from the fact that some people shorten sentences in casual speech. However, proper English grammar requires a complete sentence structure.
The word “worth” functions as an adjective. Adjectives typically need a linking verb such as is, are, was, were, seems, or becomes.
Comparison Table
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example | Correct/Incorrect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| It is worth it | Complete sentence | Something has sufficient value or benefit | It is worth it to study hard. | ✅ Correct |
| It worth it | Incomplete sentence | Intended meaning unclear due to missing verb | It worth it to study hard. | ❌ Incorrect |
Simple Formula
Subject + Verb + Adjective
- It + is + worth it ✅
- It + worth it ❌
Correct Meanings and Uses
What Does “It Is Worth It” Mean?
The phrase “it is worth it” means that the benefits, value, or rewards justify the effort, cost, time, or sacrifice involved.
Examples
- It is worth it to save money for your future.
- The trip was expensive, but it is worth it.
- Learning English is difficult at first, but it is worth it.
Sentence Breakdown
Example:
It is worth it to learn grammar.
- It = subject
- is = linking verb
- worth = adjective
- it = object referring to the effort involved
The sentence follows proper English grammar.
Test Tip 💡
If you can replace “worth” with another adjective, the sentence still needs a linking verb.
Example:
- It is valuable. ✅
- It valuable. ❌
Since “valuable” requires “is,” “worth” does too.
Why “It Worth It” Is Incorrect
The phrase “it worth it” lacks the linking verb “is.”
English sentences generally require a verb. Without one, the sentence is incomplete.
Incorrect Examples
❌ It worth it to buy the course.
❌ It worth it to wait.
❌ It worth it in the long run.
Corrected Versions
✔ It is worth it to buy the course.
✔ It is worth it to wait.
✔ It is worth it in the long run.
Test Tip 💡
Ask yourself:
Does the sentence contain a verb?
If not, it is probably incomplete.
Other Correct Variations
English allows several forms of the same structure.
Present Tense
- It is worth it.
Past Tense
- It was worth it.
Future Context
- It will be worth it.
Plural Subject
- They are worth it.
Examples
- The training was worth it.
- The investment will be worth it.
- These books are worth it.
Case Study Section
Workplace Email Example
Imagine an employee considering a professional certification.
Incorrect Email
I think the certification worth it because it may help my career.
This sentence sounds unprofessional because it lacks a linking verb.
Correct Email
I think the certification is worth it because it may help my career.
The corrected sentence is grammatically complete and appropriate for workplace communication.
Result
The second version appears more polished, credible, and professional.
This small correction can significantly improve written communication in business settings. 📧
Grammar Rules Explanation
The phrase “it is worth it” follows standard English grammar principles.
According to major dictionaries and grammar authorities such as Merriam-Webster, worth functions primarily as an adjective meaning “having value” or “deserving.”
Because worth is an adjective, it generally follows a linking verb.
Grammar Pattern
Subject + Linking Verb + Adjective
Examples:
- The movie is interesting.
- The book is useful.
- The effort is worth it.
Removing the linking verb creates an incomplete sentence.
Why the Rule Matters
English requires a verb in most complete sentences. The verb connects the subject to information about it.
Without is, the sentence loses grammatical completeness.
Common Mistakes
Many people make this mistake because spoken English can sometimes sound shortened or informal.
Reasons the Error Happens
1. Fast Typing ⌨️
People accidentally skip small words when typing quickly.
Example:
- It worth it.
Instead of:
- It is worth it.
2. Autocorrect Issues
Some messaging apps do not flag missing linking verbs.
3. Lack of Grammar Knowledge
Many learners do not realize that adjectives require linking verbs.
4. Influence from Other Languages
Some languages do not always use a verb equivalent to “is” in present tense sentences.
Similar Grammar Confusions
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| Its raining | It’s raining |
| Your welcome | You’re welcome |
| Their going | They’re going |
| It worth it | It is worth it |
| She happy | She is happy |
| He ready | He is ready |
Test Tip 💡
If the sentence contains an adjective describing a subject, check whether a linking verb is present.
Usage in Different Contexts
Everyday Conversation
People often use this phrase when discussing value or benefits.
Examples:
- The concert is expensive, but it is worth it.
- Trust me, it is worth it.
Professional Writing
Business communication benefits from grammatical accuracy.
Examples:
- The investment is worth it due to long-term returns.
- Additional training is worth it for career advancement.
Professional writing should never use “it worth it.”
Creative Writing
Writers use the phrase to express reflection and emotional payoff.
Example:
The journey was difficult, but in the end, it was worth it.
This construction sounds natural and effective.
Social Media and Texting
Informal writing sometimes drops words.
Example:
❌ It worth it lol.
Even though readers may understand the meaning, the grammatically correct version remains:
✔ It is worth it lol.
Why It Matters
Using “it is worth it” correctly improves communication in several ways.
Clarity in Communication
Readers immediately understand your meaning.
Professionalism
Correct grammar builds trust and credibility.
Writing Accuracy
Accurate grammar reduces misunderstandings.
Better Digital Communication
Emails, social media posts, and online content appear more polished.
Quote 💬
“Good grammar is the foundation of clear communication.”
Although the message may still be understood without the word “is,” correct grammar ensures maximum clarity and professionalism.
Special Exception
There are a few situations where you may see phrases that look similar to “it worth it.”
Informal Text Messages
People sometimes omit words intentionally.
Example:
Totally worth it.
This is acceptable because it is a shortened expression rather than a complete sentence.
Headlines and Marketing Copy
Advertisers occasionally remove small words for stylistic reasons.
Example:
Worth It? Find Out Today!
However, in complete sentences, standard grammar still requires the linking verb.
Important Note
There is no recognized standard English exception where “it worth it” is considered grammatically correct as a complete sentence.
Quick Recap Checklist
Decision Table
| Question | If Yes → Use |
|---|---|
| Are you writing a complete sentence? | It is worth it |
| Is “worth” describing something? | It is worth it |
| Do you need a linking verb? | It is worth it |
| Are you writing formal English? | It is worth it |
| Are you unsure? | It is worth it |
Practice Examples
Example 1
Sentence:
❌ The effort worth it.
Correct:
✔ The effort is worth it.
Example 2
Sentence:
❌ It worth it to practice daily.
Correct:
✔ It is worth it to practice daily.
Example 3
Sentence:
❌ The wait worth it.
Correct:
✔ The wait is worth it.
FAQs: It Worth It or It Is Worth It
Is “it worth it” ever grammatically correct?
No. As a complete sentence, “it worth it” is grammatically incorrect because it lacks the linking verb “is.”
Which phrase should I use: “it worth it” or “it is worth it”?
Always use “it is worth it” in standard English writing and speech.
Why does “worth” need “is”?
“Worth” functions as an adjective. Adjectives generally require a linking verb such as “is,” “are,” “was,” or “were.”
Can I say “it was worth it”?
Yes. “It was worth it” is the correct past-tense form.
Example:
- The long drive was worth it.
Is “worth it” alone correct?
Yes. In casual conversation, “Worth it!” can function as a shortened expression.
Example:
- Was the concert good?
- Worth it!
However, it is not the same as writing “it worth it.”
Is this mistake common among English learners?
Yes. Many learners omit linking verbs because their native languages may not require them in similar sentence structures.
Conclusion
The debate between “it worth it or it is worth it” has a simple answer: “it is worth it” is the correct grammatical form, while “it worth it” is incorrect in standard English.
The reason is straightforward. The word “worth” acts as an adjective, and adjectives typically require a linking verb such as “is.” Without that verb, the sentence becomes incomplete. Whether you are writing an email, creating content, posting on social media, or speaking professionally, using the correct phrase improves clarity, credibility, and overall communication.
Remember this easy rule: whenever you use worth to describe value, include the appropriate form of to be.
✔ It is worth it.
✔ It was worth it.
✔ It will be worth it.
Mastering small grammar details like this can make a big difference in how polished your English sounds. After all, clear communication is always worth it. 🎯
Also read: In the Street vs On the Street
Hi, I’m Grayson Finch. I’m part of the gramzio.com team with 9 years of experience in grammar education. I am dedicated to teaching professional communication and helping you master the art of writing.
