about "it"

[ivygreen]

Please teach me why "it" is needed in this sentence below.

ex: "Is it worth it to buy such a jewel?"　

 

[Wuisi]

The expression is 'be worth it' so that 'it' goes with the expression (Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English). However, if it troubles you, you can also ask: Is it worth buying such a jewel? or, I would personally go for, 'a jewel like that'. Hope you find it useful.

 

[2006]

Please teach me why "it" is needed in this sentence below.

ex: "Is it worth it to buy such a jewel?"　

We don't know whether "it" is needed because, without context, we don't know what "it" refers to.
If "it" only refers to a specific thing like paying a large amount of money, "it" is needed.
A...I think I would have to pay at least $10,000.
B...Is it worth it to buy such a jewel? (here "it" = paying that much money)

Without "it", the sentence should be as Wuisi suggested, "Is it worth buying such a jewel?'
This meaning is like 'Is it worth having such a jewel?' and considers other things besides the money you will spend. For example, it may also consider whether you have the appropriate clothes to wear the jewel with and how many chances you will have to wear the jewel.

 

[ivygreen]

Dear Wuisi , 2006


I appreciate for your lucid explanations.

Now I understand about "it" well.

Thank you so much.