worthwhile

[jiang]

Dear teachers,

I found in Longman dictionary "worthwhile to do something" and "worthwhile doing something". But my grammar book reads "worthwhile" should be followed by "doing". Could you please kindly explain if there is any difference between the two pattens in Longman?

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you in advance.

Jiang

 

[bhaisahab]

Dear teachers,

I found in Longman dictionary "worthwhile to do something" and "worthwhile doing something". But my grammar book reads "worthwhile" should be followed by "doing". Could you please kindly explain if there is any difference between the two pattens in Longman?

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you in advance.

Jiang

I would not use "worthwhile to do".

 

[Barb_D]

It might be worthwhile to try to find some contexts for each.
It's hardly worthwhile answering questions without context.

 

[Jiayun]

So any difference in usage between the two forms or they can be used interchangeably?

It might be worthwhile to try to find some contexts for each.
It's hardly worthwhile answering questions without context.

 

[bhaisahab]

So any difference in usage between the two forms or they can be used interchangeably?

Yes there is and no they can't.

 

[Jiayun]

Could you be kind enough to let me know if there are any rules to follow? Thanks! ;-)

Yes there is and no they can't.

 

[5jj]

I have looked at a few grammars and dictionaries, and there does not seem to be a clear difference. Here's the way I use wortwhile/worth while.

I think this is a worthwhile job. One word, only directly before a noun.
Spending time and money on a higher degree isn't worth (my) while [STRIKE]doing/to do[/STRIKE].
Soending time and money on a higher degree isn't worth [STRIKE]while[/STRIKE] doing.
It isn't worth my while to go to university. In the future.
It isn't worth (while) going to university these days. Present/General.
Trying to keep that old wreck going isn't worth while.
It isn't worth (while) trying to keep that old wreck going.
That old wreck isn't worth [STRIKE]while[/STRIKE] the time and effort I spend on it.