this thing is not worth existing

[nelson13]

Is This thing is not worth existing OK?

Usually after WORTH, the verb's object is the subject of the sentence, like This job is worth doing. But is there any exception?

 

[charliedeut]

Is This thing is not worth existing OK?

IMO, this means "This (thing) is worthless". In other words, it exists (because I'm seeing/touching it), but I will not give it a second thought.

 

[5jj]

Is This thing is not worth existing OK?

No

Usually after WORTH, the verb's object is the subject of the sentence, like This job is worth doing. But is there any exception?

The verb has no grammatical object as such. In this construction the active -ing form carries a passive meaning. This job is worth doing - it is worth doing this job.

 

[BobK]

:up: It's the same sort of ironic saying as 'Dick is a waste of space'. (If one were to be phiolosophical about it: existence involves the expenditure of energy. The thing isn't worth that energy.)

b

 

[nelson13]

It seems that even native speakers' opinions vary....

 

[bhaisahab]

It seems that even native speakers' opinions vary....

I doubt very much that any native speaker would find "This thing is not worth existing " OK.

 

[BobK]

:up: I do agree. It's just the sort of mistake that in the mouth of a native-speaker could make a kind of whimsical/jokey/arch 'sense'. Don't use it though, if you're a student of ESL or EFL.

b

 

[5jj]

It seems that even native speakers' opinions vary....

Not really.