English grammar
Worth + -ing / noun / it (never worth to do)
Say whether something is worthwhile, using worth + noun / -ing.
From the scene I don't think it's a good idea
In short
Worth takes -ing, a noun or it, never to + verb: worth having, worth the trouble, worth it.
Your turn
Which one goes with worth it (= worth the effort)?
Options: they're worth the trouble · I don't think all that hassle is worth it · the tourists are worth having
Show answer
worth it (= worth the effort) → I don't think all that hassle is worth it
How it works
Worth is followed by an -ing form, a noun or it — never by to + infinitive.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
Well, I don't think all these tourists are (blank).
Options: worth it · worth · worthy it
Show answer
Well, I don't think all these tourists are worth it.
Pues yo no creo que tanto turista valga la pena.
Good to know
The tourists are worth having, they're not worth the trouble, it isn't worth it, that's not worth mentioning.
worth + -ing the tourists are worth having
Tomás
I think the tourists are worth having.
Yo creo que vale la pena tener turistas.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
I think (blank).
Options: they're worth the trouble · the tourists are worth having · I don't think all that hassle is worth it
Show answer
Tomás
I think the tourists are worth having.
Yo creo que vale la pena tener turistas.
worth it (= worth the effort) I don't think all that hassle is worth it
Elena
I don't think all that hassle is worth it.
No me parece que valgan la pena tantas molestias.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank).
Options: The tourists are worth having · They're worth the trouble · I don't think all that hassle is worth it
Show answer
Elena
I don't think all that hassle is worth it.
No me parece que valgan la pena tantas molestias.
worth + noun they're worth the trouble
Elena
Sure, it suits you. But for me, I don't think they're worth the trouble.
Claro, a ti te conviene. Pero a mí no creo que me compensen las molestias.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Sure, it suits you. But for me, I don't think (blank).
Options: I don't think all that hassle is worth it · they're worth the trouble · the tourists are worth having
Show answer
Elena
Sure, it suits you. But for me, I don't think they're worth the trouble.
Claro, a ti te conviene. Pero a mí no creo que me compensen las molestias.
never worth to + verb ✗ worth to mention → ✓ worth mentioning
Your turn
What goes with ✗ worth to mention → ✓ worth mentioning?
Options: never worth to + verb · worth + -ing · worth it (= worth the effort)
Show answer
✗ worth to mention → ✓ worth mentioning → never worth to + verb
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| worth + -ing | the tourists are worth having |
|---|---|
| worth it (= worth the effort) | I don't think all that hassle is worth it |
| worth + noun | they're worth the trouble |
| never worth to + verb | ✗ worth to mention → ✓ worth mentioning |
More lines from the story
- ElenaWell, I don't think all these tourists are worth it.Pues yo no creo que tanto turista valga la pena.
- ElenaMe? I don't think that's worth mentioning.¿Yo? No creo que eso merezca la pena mencionarlo.
- TomásOh, no? And that sign: "Churros, five euros"?¿Ah, no? ¿Y ese cartel: "Churros, cinco euros"?