Many English learners get confused between “it’s worth it” and “it is rewarding“ because they look similar. However, only one of these expressions 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 in both formal and informal situations.
Comparison Overview
The phrases “it’s worthwhile” and “it is rewarding” are often confused because they express the same general idea about something having value. However, they are not equally correct.
- ” It’s worthwhile is an incomplete sentence in standard English because it is missing the linking verb is.
- It is rewarding is the correct grammatical expression. It means that something is valuable enough to justify the effort, time, money, or risk.
| Feature | It’s worthwhile | It is rewarding |
| Grammatically correct | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Complete sentence | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Common in standard English | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Appropriate for writing | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Appropriate for speaking | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Definition of it’s worthwhile
“it’s worthwhile“ is an incomplete phrase that appears because the verb has been omitted.
In standard English grammar, every sentence needs a verb. Since value is an adjective, it cannot stand alone after the subject it. Therefore, this expression is considered incorrect except in very informal or non-native speech.
Purpose: None in standard grammar because it is incomplete.
Example (Incorrect):
- ❌ Is it worth it to study every day?
Its definition is rewarding.
“It is rewarding“ is the correct English expression.
It means that something provides enough value or benefit to justify the cost, effort, time, or difficulty involved.
Purpose: To express that something deserves the investment or sacrifice.
Examples:
- It iit is rewarding to practice every day.
- The trip was expensive, but it was worth it.
- Learning English is worth it.
Main Differences Between It’s Worth It and It’s Worth It
| Point | It Worth It | It is rewarding |
| Grammar | Incorrect | Correct |
| Contains a verb | No | Yes |
| Complete sentence | No | Yes |
| Standard English | No | Yes |
| Suitable for exams | No | Yes |
| Suitable for professional writing | No | Yes |
| Suitable for conversation | No | Yes |
The biggest difference is grammatical structure. English requires a linking verb before the adjective. The verb connects the subject with the adjective value, making the sentence complete.
Why “Is” Is Necessary
The word value functions as an adjective. Adjectives normally follow a linking verb.
Correct pattern:
Subject + be verb + adjective
Examples:
- It is rewarding.
- The movie is worth watching.
- The book is worth buying.
Without the verb is, the sentence becomes grammatically incomplete.
Comparison Table
| Expression | Meaning | Correct? |
| it’s worthwhile | Incomplete expression | ❌ |
| It is worth it | Something deserves the effort or cost | ✅ |
Grammar Guide
The word value is an adjective.
It usually follows a form of the verb to be.
Pattern:
Subject + be verb + worth + noun/pronoun/verb (-ing)
Examples:
- It is worth the money.
- This phone is worth buying.
- The experience is worth remembering.
How Each Term Is Used in Sentences
It Worth It
Incorrect pattern:
- ❌ it is rewarding?
- ❌ Is it worth the effort?
- ❌ It’s worth buying.
It Is Worth It
Correct pattern:
- It is worth it.
- It’s worthwhile trying.
- It’s worthwhile reading.
- It’s worthwhile waiting for.
- It’s worth every penny.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
Many learners make these mistakes:
- Forgetting the verb is.
- Thinking works like a verb.
- Translating directly from their native language.
- Writing incomplete sentences.
- Omitting the linking verb in speech and writing.
Incorrect:
- ❌ It’s worth buying.
Correct:
- ✅ It’s worthwhile buying.
Simple Rules to Remember
- Every English sentence needs a verb.
- Value is an adjective, not a verb.
- Always use a form of be before value.
- If the subject is it, use is.
Easy formula:
It + is + worth + object/verb-ing
Quick Tips for Writing and Speaking
- Read your sentence aloud.
- Check whether it contains a verb.
- Never remove what is before value.
- Remember the pattern: It is value it.
- Practice using the expression in daily conversations.
When to Use Each One
Use It Is Worth It when:
- Talking about value
- Giving recommendations
- Describing benefits
- Encouraging someone
- Writing essays
- Speaking professionally
- Everyday conversation
- Business discussions
Do not use It’s value It in standard English because it is grammatically incorrect.
When NOT to Use Each One
Do not use It’s value It:
- In school assignments
- In exams
- In business emails
- In presentations
- In formal conversations
- In academic writing
Continue using “It isvalue it” in all of these situations.
Which One to Use (Decision Guide)
Ask yourself these questions:
Does my sentence need a verb?
Yes.
Is “value” a verb?
No.
Should I include “is”?
Yes.
Decision:
- If you want correct English → It is worth it ✅
- If your sentence says It’s worth it → add is.
Real-World Practical Examples
Is It Value It? Examples
These examples show the incorrect usage that learners should avoid.
- ❌Is it value it to buy this phone?
- ❌ It’s value studying every day.
- ❌ It’s valuable to visit the museum.
- ❌ Is it value spending more money?
- Is it‘s worthwhile learning English?
It Is Worth It Examples
- Learning English is difficult, but it is value it.
- The expensive laptop is value it for professional work.
- Spending extra time on research is value it.
- Daily exercise is value it for better health.
- The online course is value it because it improves your skills.
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 believe learning English ______.
- The expensive ticket ______ because the concert was amazing.
- This project ______ all the hard work.
- I think buying quality shoes ______.
- The vacation ______ every dollar.
- The new computer ______ for work.
- Reading books every day ______.
- This challenge ______ accepting.
- The correct phrase is ______.
- Every English sentence needs the verb ______.
- The adjective ______ follows a linking verb.
- The expression ______ is grammatically incorrect.
- Good education ______ the investment.
- My training program ______ the effort.
- Saving money now ______ later.
- The documentary ______ watching.
- Practicing grammar every day ______.
- The correct word is ______ because worth is an adjective.
Answers
- it is rewarding
- is
- It’s valuewhile
- It’s valuewhile
- It’s valuewhile
- it’s valuewhile
- It’s worthwhile
- It’s worthwhile
- It’s worthwhile
- It’s worthwhile
- It is rewarding
- is
- Value
- t’s worthwhile
- t’s worthwhile
- t’s worthwhile
- t’s worthwhile
- t’s worthwhile
- t’s worthwhile
- is
Final Verdict
Although “it’s worthwhile“ and “it is value it” may sound similar, only “it is value it” is grammatically correct in standard English. The word value is an adjective, so it must follow a linking verb such as is. Omitting the verb creates an incomplete sentence that should be avoided in formal writing, academic work, business communication, and everyday English. Whenever you want to express that something deserves the time, money, effort, or sacrifice involved, confidently use “it is value it.” Remember the simple rule: Subject + be verb + value, and your English will sound natural, accurate, and professional.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between ” it’s value it” and “it is rewarding“ is an important step toward using English correctly and confidently. While the two phrases may seem almost identical, only “it is worth it” follows standard English grammar because it includes the necessary linking verb is.
Whether you’re writing an essay, sending an email, preparing for an exam, or having a casual conversation, choosing the correct phrase helps your communication sound natural and professional. Remember that value is an adjective, so it always needs a form of the verb to be before it. By practicing this simple grammar rule and using real-life examples, you’ll avoid a common mistake that many learners make. The more you apply “it is value it” in everyday situations, the more fluent and accurate your English will become.
FAQs
Is “it’s worthwhile” grammatically correct?
No. In standard English, “it’s worthwhile“ is grammatically incorrect because it is missing the linking verb is. The correct expression is “it is value it,” which forms a complete sentence and follows proper English grammar rules.
Why do people say “it’s worthwhile“?
Some people omit the verb is in casual speech, text messages, or because of influence from their native language. However, this shortened version is not considered correct in standard English and should be avoided in writing and formal communication.
What does “it is rewarding” mean?
“It is worth it” means that something provides enough value, benefit, or satisfaction to justify the time, effort, money, or difficulty involved. It is commonly used to express that the final result makes the investment worthwhile.
Can I use “it is rewarding” in formal writing?
Yes. “It is worth it” is perfectly acceptable in formal writing, academic papers, business emails, professional reports, and everyday conversations. It is the standard and grammatically correct expression in English.
Is “worth” a verb or an adjective?
Worth is an adjective. It describes the value of something and must be used with a linking verb such as is, was, are, or were. It does not function as a verb in English grammar.
Can I say “it is rewarding“?
Yes. “It was worth it” is the correct past-tense form. Use it when talking about an experience or situation that has already happened and proved valuable despite the effort or cost involved.
What is the grammar pattern for using “worth”?
The basic pattern is Subject + be verb + worth + noun, pronoun, or verb ending in -ing. For example, “The book is worth reading” and “The trip was worth the expense” both follow the correct structure.
What are common mistakes with “worth”?
The most common mistakes include leaving out the verb is, treating worth as a verb, or using it without a complete sentence structure. Remember that worth always needs a form of ” to be before it.
Is “it is rewarding” common in everyday English?
Yes. Native English speakers frequently use “it is rewarding“ when recommending products, discussing experiences, encouraging others, or describing situations where the benefits outweigh the costs or effort.
How can I remember the correct phrase?
A simple rule: worth is an adjective, and adjectives usually follow a form of the verb to be. Whenever you use worth, check that words like is, are, was, or were come before it.
