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, avoid common grammar mistakes, and communicate with greater confidence.
Comparison Overview
The comparison is between:
- It’s worth it
- It is worth it
Both expressions try to communicate that something has enough value, benefit, or importance to justify the effort, time, or cost. However, only “it is worth it” follows correct English grammar because it includes the necessary linking verb “is.”
| Feature | It’s Worth It | It Is Worth It |
| Grammatically correct | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Standard English | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Includes a verb | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Suitable for formal writing | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Suitable for everyday conversation | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Definition of It’s Worth It
“It’s worth it” is an incomplete and grammatically incorrect phrase in standard English.
The adjective worth needs a linking verb such as is, was, seems, or looks before it. Without that verb, the sentence is incomplete.
Example (Incorrect):
- It’s worth it.
This sentence is missing the verb is.
Definition of It Is Worth It
“It is worth it” is the correct English expression.
It means that something has enough value or benefit to justify the money, effort, time, or difficulty involved.
Examples:
- It is worth it to study every day.
- The trip was expensive, but it was worth it.
- Learning English is worth it.
Main Differences BetweenIt’st Worth It and It Is Worth It
| Point | It’s Worth It | It Is Worth It |
| Grammar | Incorrect | Correct |
| Sentence completeness | Incomplete | Complete |
| Contains a linking verb | No | Yes |
| Acceptable in exams | No | Yes |
| Used by native speakers | No | Yes |
| Professional writing | No | Yes |
| Everyday English | No | Yes |
The biggest difference is that “it is worth it” includes the linking verb is, making the sentence grammatically complete.
Why “It Is Worth It” Is Correct
The word worth is an adjective.
Adjectives normally follow a linking verb.
Pattern:
Subject + be verb + adjective
Examples:
- It is beautiful.
- It is useful.
- It is worth it.
- This book is interesting.
Removing the verb creates an incomplete sentence.
Incorrect:
- It’s worth it.
Correct:
- It is worth it.
Comparison Table
| Question | Correct Choice |
| Talking about value | It is worth it |
| Academic writing | It is worth it |
| Business writing | It is worth it |
| Casual conversation | It is worth it |
| Grammar tests | It is worth it |
| Professional emails | It is worth it |
| Formal presentations | It is worth it |
Grammar Guide
The phrase it is worth it follows this grammar pattern:
Subject + Be Verb + Adjective + Pronoun
- Subject = It
- Be Verb = Is
- Adjective = Worth
- Pronoun = It
Here, worth is an adjective, not a verb or noun.
How Each Term Is Used in Sentences
It’s Worth It
This phrase should not be used because it lacks the required linking verb.
Incorrect:
- It’s worth waiting.
- It’s worth the money.
- It’s worth buying.
It Is Worth It
This phrase is used to express that something deserves the effort or cost.
Pattern:
It is worth it + infinitive phrase
Examples:
- It is worth practicing.
- It is worth it to save money.
- It is worth it to learn new skills.
Another pattern:
Noun + is worth + noun/verb-ing
Examples:
- The movie is worth watching.
- The book is worth reading.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
Many learners make these errors:
- Writing it is worth it instead of it is worth it
- Forgetting the linking verb
- Thinking is a verb
- Saying it is worth buying instead of it is worth buying
- Using incomplete sentences in formal writing
Simple Rules to Remember
- Always use a be verb before worth.
- Worth is an adjective.
- Never write ” it’s worth it in standard English.
- If the subject is it, use is in the present tense.
- Read the sentence aloud. If it sounds incomplete, check for a missing verb.
Quick Tips for Writing and Speaking
- Remember the pattern: It is worth it.
- Never remove the word is.
- Proofread your writing for missing verbs.
- Listen to native speakers using the phrase naturally.
- Practice with short everyday sentences.
When to Use Each One
Use “It Is Worth It”
Use it when you want to say something deserves the effort, time, cost, or sacrifice.
Examples:
- It is worth exercising.
- It is worth it to finish your degree.
- The investment is worth it.
- The wait is worth it.
- Learning another language is worth it.
Use “It’s Worth It”
Do not use this phrase in standard English because it is grammatically incorrect.
When NOT to Use Each One
Do Not Use “It’s Worth It”
Avoid it in:
- Essays
- Homework
- Emails
- Business reports
- Exams
- Professional presentations
- Job applications
- Academic writing
Do Not Avoid “It Is Worth It”
This phrase is appropriate in almost every situation, including formal and informal communication.
Which One to Use (Decision Guide)
Ask yourself these questions:
Does the sentence have a linking verb?
- Yes → Use it is worth it.
- No → Add is before worth.
Are you writing standard English?
- Yes → Always choose it is worth it.
Are you taking an English exam?
- Yes → Use it is worth it.
Do you want natural English?
- Yes → Use it is worth it.
Real-World Practical Examples
It’s Worth It Examples
These examples demonstrate incorrect usage.
- ❌ It’s worth buying this laptop.
- ❌ It’s worth it after all.
- ❌ It’s worth the effort.
- ❌ It’s worth studying every day.
- ❌ It’s worth waiting for.
It Is Worth It Examples
- Education: It is worth it to finish your university degree.
- Daily life: It is worth cooking healthy meals at home.
- Science: The research is worth it because it may save lives.
- Business: The investment is worth it in the long term.
- Technology: Upgrading the software is worth it for better security.
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 ______ in formal writing.
- The correct word is ______ because worth is an adjective.
- I will use ______ when talking about value.
- The correct word is ______ because it follows standard English grammar.
- I will use ______ in an English exam.
- The correct word is ______ because the sentence is complete.
- I will use ______ when recommending a book.
- The correct word is ______ because it sounds natural.
- I will use ______ in a business email.
- The correct word is ______ because native speakers use it.
- I will use ______ when discussing education.
- The correct word is ______ because adjectives need linking verbs.
- I will use ______ in a conversation with friends.
- The correct word is ______ because it is grammatically correct.
- I will use ______ when writing an article.
- The correct word is ______ because it is accepted everywhere.
- I will use ______ when talking about expensive purchases.
- The correct word is ______ because it clearly expresses value.
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
If you are choosing between “it’s worth it” and “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 necessary linking verb is. Since worth functions as an adjective, it must follow a form of the verb to be. Whether you’re writing an academic essay, sending a business email, having a casual conversation, or taking an English exam, “it is worth it” is the natural and grammatically correct expression. Remember the simple rule: Subject + be verb + worth + it. Following this pattern will help you communicate clearly and confidently in both spoken and written English.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between ” It’s Worth It and It Is Worth It is essential for using correct English grammar. While the two phrases may appear similar, only It Is Worth It is grammatically correct because it includes the necessary linking verb is before the adjective worth. Using the correct expression makes your writing clearer, more professional, and easier for native speakers to understand.
Whether you are writing an essay, sending a business email, speaking in everyday conversations, or preparing for an English exam, choosing It Is Worth It will help you communicate naturally and confidently. By remembering that worth always needs a form of the verb to be, you can avoid one of the most common grammar mistakes made by English learners. With regular practice and attention to sentence structure, using the correct phrase will soon become a natural habit in both speaking and writing.
FAQs
Is “It Worth It” grammatically correct?
No. It Worth It is not grammatically correct because it is missing the linking verb is. In standard English, the adjective worth must follow a form of the verb to be, making It Is Worth It the correct expression.
Why is “It Is Worth It” correct?
It Is Worth It is correct because it follows the standard English sentence structure of subject + be verb + adjective. Here, worth functions as an adjective, so it requires the verb is to complete the sentence properly.
What does “It Is Worth It” mean?
The phrase It Is Worth It means that something has enough value or benefit to justify the effort, time, money, or difficulty involved. It is commonly used to express that the result makes the sacrifice worthwhile.
Can I use “It’s Worth It” in casual conversation?
No. Even in casual conversation, It Worth It is considered incorrect in standard English. Native speakers naturally say It Is Worth It or use contractions like It’s worth it, which are both grammatically correct.
Is “It’s Worth It” the same as “It Is Worth It”?
Yes. It’s Worth It is simply the contracted form of It Is Worth It. Both expressions have the same meaning, but the contraction is more common in everyday speech and informal writing.
Is “Worth” a verb or an adjective?
Worth is an adjective. It describes the value or usefulness of something and must follow a linking verb such as is, was, are, or were. It should never be used as the main verb in a sentence.
Can I say “The Book Worth Reading”?
No. The correct sentence is The Book Is Worth Reading because the adjective worth requires the linking verb is. Omitting the verb creates an incomplete and grammatically incorrect sentence.
When should I use “It Is Worth It”?
Use It Is Worth It whenever you want to say that something deserves the time, effort, cost, or sacrifice. It works well in academic writing, professional communication, conversations, reviews, and many other everyday situations.
Is “It Is Worth It” acceptable in formal writing?
Yes. It Is Worth It is fully acceptable in formal writing because it follows correct grammar rules. It can be used confidently in essays, reports, business documents, emails, and professional presentations.
How can I remember the correct phrase?
A simple way to remember it is that worth always needs a form of the verb to be before it. If your sentence begins with It, the correct pattern is It Is Worth It, never It Worth It.
