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Prepositions after adjectives

Worthwhile for or worthwhile in?

Worthwhile usually describes an activity, effort, or result that is useful or rewarding. It is commonly followed by for + person. In often introduces a separate place, time, or activity phrase rather than completing the adjective.

Quick answer

Which preposition is used with worthwhile?

The most common pattern is worthwhile for + person or worthwhile to + verb. Worthwhile in is not usually a fixed combination with the adjective; in often introduces a separate context such as a place or activity.

The workshop was worthwhile for new managers.
It is worthwhile to read the report carefully.
The course was worthwhile in many ways.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
worthwhile for + person

Who benefits from something

Use for to show who gains value or benefit from an activity, event, or result.

The training is worthwhile for small business owners.
The trip was worthwhile for the whole team.
2
worthwhile to + verb

Useful or rewarding action

Use an infinitive after worthwhile to describe an action worth doing.

It is worthwhile to discuss the risks early.
It may be worthwhile to wait for better prices.
3
worthwhile + noun

Describing something valuable

Worthwhile can directly describe an experience, activity, or achievement.

It was a worthwhile experience for everyone involved.
She is looking for worthwhile work after graduation.
4
worthwhile in + noun phrase

Context introduced by in

In can introduce a separate phrase showing area, manner, or context. It is not usually a fixed preposition chosen by worthwhile.

The project was worthwhile in practice as well as in theory.
The investment proved worthwhile in the long term.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
worthwhile for
The seminar was worthwhile for new teachers.
Shows who benefits from something.
worthwhile in
The changes were worthwhile in the long run.
In introduces a context or time expression, not a fixed adjective pattern.
worthwhile to
It is worthwhile to compare several options.
Describes an action worth doing.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using in as the main complement after worthwhile

Worthwhile does not usually take in as its selected preposition for a person or purpose.

✕ The course was worthwhile in beginners. ✓ The course was worthwhile for beginners.

Using worthwhile with a bare verb

Use to + verb after worthwhile.

✕ It is worthwhile compare prices. ✓ It is worthwhile to compare prices.

Confusing for and in

Use for for beneficiaries and in for a separate context such as time or area.

✕ The workshop was worthwhile in new employees. ✓ The workshop was worthwhile for new employees.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The program was worthwhile ___ local charities.
2. It is worthwhile ___ check the details twice.
3. The effort was worthwhile ___ the end.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I say worthwhile for someone?

Yes. Use worthwhile for to show who benefits from something.

Is worthwhile in correct?

Sometimes, but usually in introduces a separate context such as in practice or in the long term rather than completing the adjective.

Can worthwhile be followed by a verb?

Yes. The usual structure is worthwhile to + verb.

warm-in-up-for-to, with wary of, about or in? weak in, on, at, for or from? wealthy in, of, by, from or with? weary of, from, in, with or about? wedded to, by, for, in or into? weekly for, in, on, with or to? weird for, to, about, in or with? "welcome to" or "welcome in"? "welcoming of" or "welcoming to"? "well-known for" or "well-known in"? well-received by, in, at, among or with?

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