What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
worth
Example
This antique vase is worth a lot of money. [worth: adjective]
Example
The effort was worth it in the end. [worth: preposition]
Example
The book is worth reading if you're interested in the topic. [worth: verb]
deserving
Example
She is deserving of the award for her hard work. [deserving: adjective]
Example
He is deserving of our respect for his bravery. [deserving: preposition]
Example
The punishment was deserving of the crime committed. [deserving: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Worth is more commonly used than deserving in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts. Deserving is more formal and less frequently used, often in more specific or formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between worth and deserving?
Deserving is more formal than worth and is typically used in more formal or academic contexts, such as essays, speeches, or formal letters. Worth is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
