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ESL forum > Ask for help > Worthwhile and worth it    

Worthwhile and worth it



aldonza
Spain

Worthwhile and worth it
 
Hi!

I�ve got a question regarding these two adjectives: worthwhile and worth it.

Are they interchangable? Do they mean the same?

Could I use both in the following sentence?

"We had to queue for about three hours, but the concert was worthwhile/ was worth it"

Thanks in advance

10 Feb 2013      





Nuria08
Spain

I think worthwhile is more formal, but they are interchangeable.

10 Feb 2013     



yanogator
United States

They are basically the same, but not exactly.
 
"Worth it" means "at least equal to the investment (time, money, effort, etc.) that went into producing the result.
  This wine cost $250, but it is worth it.
 
"Worthwhile" means "producing a positive result".
   Charity work is a worthwhile hobby. Watching television, not so much.
 
I would say that "worthwhile" is inherent in the thing, while "worth it" depends on what was paid/expended for it.
 
In your example, I would use "worth it", and not "worthwhile".
 
Bruce

10 Feb 2013     



aldonza
Spain

Thank you both for your answer!

and special thanks to Bruce who has explained the difference between these two words so well and so clearly!

Cheers

10 Feb 2013     



yanogator
United States

You �re very welcome, Dulcinea!
 
Bruce

10 Feb 2013