Many English learners and even native speakers occasionally wonder whether “it worth it” or “it is worth it” is the correct expression. The confusion often comes from hearing people speak quickly or seeing informal posts on social media where words are omitted.
As a result, the incomplete phrase “it worth it” may appear more common than it actually is.
In standard English, however, there is a clear grammatical rule. One expression is correct in complete sentences, while the other is generally considered incomplete or nonstandard.
Understanding why this difference exists will help you write more naturally, avoid common grammar mistakes, and communicate confidently in everyday conversations, emails, academic writing, and professional settings.
This article explains the difference between “it worth it” and “it is worth it,” when to use each, common mistakes to avoid, and simple ways to remember the correct form.
Quick Answer: It Worth It vs. It Is Worth It
“It is worth it” is the correct and grammatically complete expression in standard English. The phrase “it worth it” is generally incorrect because it leaves out the necessary verb is.
Correct: It is worth it.
Incorrect (standard English): It worth it.
Use “it is worth it” whenever you want to say that something is valuable, beneficial, or deserving of the time, money, or effort involved.
What Does Each Expression Mean?
Although the two phrases look similar, they are not equally correct. The difference lies in English sentence structure.
What Does “It Is Worth It” Mean?
“It is worth it” means that something provides enough value, benefit, satisfaction, or reward to justify the cost, effort, risk, or time involved.
The adjective worth describes the subject (it), but English adjectives usually need a linking verb such as is, was, are, or were.
Examples:
- “It is worth it if you really enjoy the experience.”
- “The long drive is worth it for the beautiful scenery.”
- “Studying every evening is worth it before the final exam.”
In each example, the verb is connects the subject it with the adjective worth.
What Does “It Worth It” Mean?
In standard English, “it worth it” is not a complete sentence because the linking verb is is missing.
English grammar requires a form of the verb to be before the adjective worth.
For example:
❌ “It worth it.”
The sentence is incomplete because English does not normally allow an adjective to follow the subject without a linking verb.
The correct version is:
✅ “It is worth it.”
You may occasionally see “it worth it” in:
- text messages
- online chats
- social media comments
- song lyrics
- fictional dialogue
These uses reflect informal writing, typing shortcuts, or stylistic choices—not standard grammar.
The Main Difference Between “It Worth It” and “It Is Worth It”
The key difference is grammatical completeness.
| Expression | Grammar Status | Meaning | Standard English? | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| It is worth it | Complete sentence | Something deserves the effort, cost, or time | ✅ Yes | “It is worth it to keep trying.” |
| It worth it | Incomplete sentence | Intended to express the same meaning | ❌ No | “It worth it.” |
The word worth is an adjective.
Adjectives do not normally function as the main verb in English. Instead, they need a linking verb, such as:
- is
- are
- was
- were
- has been
- will be
For example:
- The trip is worth the money.
- The repairs are worth the expense.
- The experience was worth the wait.
Without the linking verb, the sentence is grammatically incomplete.
Why Does English Require “Is”?
Many learners wonder why English cannot simply say:
❌ “It worth it.”
The answer lies in how English builds sentences.
A basic English sentence usually follows this pattern:
Subject + Verb + Complement
For example:
- She is happy.
- They are ready.
- The movie was exciting.
- It is worth it.
The verb to be connects the subject with an adjective.
Since worth is an adjective—not a verb—the sentence cannot stand without is.
Compare these examples:
| Correct | Incorrect |
|---|---|
| She is happy. | She happy. |
| They are ready. | They ready. |
| The meal was delicious. | The meal delicious. |
| It is worth it. | It worth it. |
Notice the same grammar rule applies in every sentence.
When to Use “It Is Worth It”
Use “it is worth it” whenever you are writing or speaking standard English.
The phrase works in nearly every situation, including:
- everyday conversations
- school assignments
- business communication
- emails
- reports
- presentations
- books
- articles
It expresses that the result or benefit justifies the investment.
Everyday Conversation
Examples:
- “It is worth it if it makes you happy.”
- “I know the hike is difficult, but it is worth it.”
- “Learning another language is worth it.”
Workplace Communication
Examples:
- “Although the project requires extra time, it is worth it.”
- “The software upgrade is worth it because it saves hours every week.”
- “The additional training is worth it for long-term career growth.”
Academic Writing
Examples:
- “The research suggests that early preparation is worth it.”
- “Many students believe that reviewing notes daily is worth it.”
- “The investment in education is worth it despite the challenges.”
Emails
Examples:
- “I understand the process takes longer, but it is worth it in the end.”
- “The premium option is worth it if you use the service regularly.”
- “After comparing the alternatives, I believe it is worth it.”
Formal Writing
Examples:
- “The evidence demonstrates that the policy is worth it.”
- “The renovation is worth it considering the long-term savings.”
- “The additional expense is worth it for improved safety.”
In every one of these examples, the sentence is complete because it includes the linking verb is.
When to Use “It Worth It”
In standard English, you should not use “it worth it” as a complete sentence because it is grammatically incomplete.
The phrase is missing the linking verb is, which English requires before the adjective worth.
Why Do People Still Say “It Worth It”?
Although it is not standard grammar, you may occasionally encounter “it worth it” in very informal situations.
These include:
- Text messages
- Social media posts
- Online chats
- Song lyrics
- Movie dialogue
- Fictional conversations
- Internet memes
In these contexts, people sometimes drop small words such as is, are, or am to type more quickly or to imitate casual speech.
Examples:
- “It worth it? 😂”
- “Nah, it worth it.”
- “Trust me—it worth it.”
These examples may appear online, but they are not appropriate for formal or standard written English.
Should You Ever Write “It Worth It”?
For nearly all writing situations, the answer is no.
Avoid using “it worth it” in:
- School assignments
- Essays
- Business emails
- Job applications
- Reports
- Professional messages
- Academic papers
- Published articles
Instead, always write:
- It is worth it.
- It’s worth it. (acceptable contraction)
Using the complete form makes your writing clear, natural, and grammatically correct.
“It’s Worth It” Is Also Correct
Many learners focus only on “it is worth it,” but native speakers often prefer the contraction:
It’s worth it.
Here, it’s simply means it is.
Compare the two:
- It is worth it. ✔
- It’s worth it. ✔
The meaning is exactly the same.
When to Use Each Form
Use “it’s worth it” when:
- Speaking naturally
- Writing casual emails
- Sending text messages
- Posting on social media
- Having everyday conversations
Examples:
- “It’s worth it if you love the job.”
- “It’s worth it to wait another week.”
- “Don’t give up—it’s worth it.”
Use “it is worth it” when:
- Writing formal documents
- Creating academic papers
- Giving presentations
- Writing business reports
- Emphasizing the statement
Examples:
- “It is worth it to invest in quality equipment.”
- “It is worth it because the long-term benefits outweigh the costs.”
Both forms are grammatically correct. The only difference is that it’s is a contraction and sounds more conversational.
Correct and Incorrect Examples
The following examples show the difference between standard English and common mistakes.
| Sentence | Status | Correction | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| It is worth it. | ✅ Correct | — | Complete sentence with linking verb. |
| It’s worth it. | ✅ Correct | — | Correct contraction of it is. |
| It worth it. | ❌ Incorrect | It is worth it. | Missing the verb is. |
| The trip is worth it. | ✅ Correct | — | Proper subject and linking verb. |
| The trip worth it. | ❌ Incorrect | The trip is worth it. | Linking verb omitted. |
| This course was worth it. | ✅ Correct | — | Correct past tense. |
| This course worth it. | ❌ Incorrect | This course was worth it. | Missing past-tense linking verb. |
| These books are worth it. | ✅ Correct | — | Correct plural verb agreement. |
A simple rule is this:
If “worth” describes something, it almost always needs a form of the verb to be.
How the Meaning Changes by Context
The meaning of “worth it” remains essentially the same across different situations. However, the level of formality and the preferred wording can change.
Everyday Conversation
In casual speech, contractions are very common.
Examples:
- “It’s worth it, trust me.”
- “It’s worth it if you have the time.”
These sound relaxed and natural.
Business Communication
Professional writing usually favors complete sentences.
Examples:
- “Although implementation will take several weeks, it is worth it.”
- “The additional investment is worth it because it reduces operating costs.”
Academic Writing
Academic English typically avoids unnecessary contractions.
Example:
- “The evidence indicates that the additional preparation is worth it.”
Using the full form creates a more formal tone.
Emails
Both versions are acceptable depending on the level of formality.
Formal:
- “It is worth it in the long run.”
Friendly:
- “It’s worth it, especially if you plan to use it often.”
Social Media
Social media encourages informal language.
You’ll commonly see:
- “It’s worth it!“
You may also see:
- “It worth it”
However, remember that this is an informal shortcut rather than correct grammar.
Common Mistakes
Many English learners make similar mistakes when using worth. Here are the most common ones.
Mistake 1: Omitting the Linking Verb
❌ It worth it.
✅ It is worth it.
Tip: If worth follows the subject, include is, are, was, or another appropriate form of to be.
Mistake 2: Confusing “Worth” with a Verb
Some learners think worth acts like a verb.
Incorrect:
❌ It worth buying.
Correct:
✅ It is worth buying.
Remember that worth is an adjective, not a verb.
Mistake 3: Forgetting Verb Agreement
Incorrect:
❌ These shoes is worth it.
Correct:
✅ These shoes are worth it.
Always match the verb to the subject.
Mistake 4: Using Informal Shortcuts in Formal Writing
Text messages sometimes omit small words, but professional writing should not.
Informal:
❌ It worth it.
Professional:
✅ It is worth it.
Maintaining complete grammar makes your writing clearer and more credible.
Similar Expressions You Can Use Instead of “Worth It”
Sometimes, repeating “it is worth it” can make your writing sound repetitive. English offers several alternatives that express a similar idea while adding variety. Although these expressions are related, they are not always interchangeable because each carries a slightly different meaning or tone.
| Expression | Meaning | Best Used When | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| It is worth it | The benefits justify the cost or effort. | General use | “The extra practice is worth it.” |
| It is worthwhile | Something has significant value or importance. | Formal writing | “The project is worthwhile.” |
| It pays off | The effort eventually brings good results. | Results become visible over time | “Studying every day pays off.” |
| It is beneficial | Something provides advantages or positive effects. | Academic or professional writing | “Regular exercise is beneficial.” |
| It is valuable | Something has importance or usefulness. | Formal and general contexts | “The training is valuable.” |
| It makes a difference | Something has a positive impact. | Everyday and business English | “Your feedback makes a difference.” |
“Worthwhile” vs. “Worth It”
These two expressions are closely related but not identical.
- Worth it usually refers to whether the result justifies the cost, effort, time, or sacrifice.
- Worthwhile emphasizes that something has value or importance in itself.
Compare these examples:
- “The long journey was worth it because the view was amazing.”
- “Volunteering is a worthwhile activity.”
Both are correct, but the emphasis changes slightly.
Memory Trick: How to Remember the Correct Form
A simple memory trick can help you avoid this mistake.
Think of worth the same way you think of other adjectives.
You would never say:
- ❌ She happy.
- ❌ They ready.
- ❌ The food delicious.
Instead, you naturally say:
- ✅ She is happy.
- ✅ They are ready.
- ✅ The food is delicious.
The same rule applies to worth.
- ❌ It worth it.
- ✅ It is worth it.
Quick Mnemonic
If “worth” describes something, add a form of “to be.”
Examples:
- It is worth it.
- They are worth keeping.
- The trip was worth the wait.
- The lessons have been worth the effort.
Remember this pattern, and you’ll avoid one of the most common learner mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “it worth it” ever grammatically correct?
No. As a complete sentence, “it worth it” is not grammatically correct in standard English because it omits the required linking verb. While you may see it in text messages, memes, or casual online conversations, it should not be used in formal or standard writing.
Is “it’s worth it” the same as “it is worth it”?
Yes. “It’s” is simply the contraction of “it is.” Both expressions have the same meaning. The contraction sounds more natural in everyday conversation, while the full form often suits formal writing and academic contexts.
Why do native speakers sometimes write “it worth it”?
Native speakers occasionally omit small words in very informal communication, especially in texts, social media posts, or online chats. These omissions imitate spoken language or save typing time, but they are stylistic shortcuts rather than examples of correct grammar.
Can I use “worth” without the verb “to be”?
Usually, no. When worth functions as an adjective after the subject, it requires a linking verb such as is, are, was, or were. However, worth can appear in different grammatical structures, such as “a book worth reading,” where it modifies a noun instead of serving as the main adjective in the sentence.
Is “worth it” formal or informal?
The phrase “worth it” itself is neutral and acceptable in both formal and informal English. The level of formality depends more on whether you use the full form (it is worth it) or the contraction (it’s worth it) and on the surrounding context.
What is the easiest way to remember the correct form?
Remember that worth is an adjective, not a verb. Just as you say “She is happy” and “They are ready,” you should say “It is worth it.” If you need an easy reminder, think: No adjective stands alone after the subject without a linking verb.
Conclusion: Should You Use “It Worth It” or “It Is Worth It”?
The comparison between “it worth it” and “it is worth it” is straightforward once you understand the grammar. “It is worth it” is the standard, grammatically correct expression because it includes the necessary linking verb is.
By contrast, “it worth it” leaves out that verb and is considered incomplete in standard English, even though it sometimes appears in highly informal online communication.
Whenever you’re writing an essay, email, report, or even a casual message where you want clear and correct English, choose “it is worth it” or the natural contraction “it’s worth it.”
Using the correct form will make your writing sound more fluent, professional, and natural.
Thomas Richardson is an English language writer dedicated to making grammar, vocabulary, and word comparisons simple, accurate, and easy for every learner.