In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to introduce a new idea or doubt.
- Perfect for professional meetings or academic writing.
- Suggests an idea is valuable enough to be discussed.
Meaning
This is a polite way to suggest that someone should stop and think about a specific idea or possibility. It is like saying, 'Hey, maybe we should look at this more closely before deciding.'
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting about budget cuts
It is worth considering whether we should delay the marketing campaign.
It is worth considering whether we should delay the marketing campaign.
Discussing a friend's career change
It is worth considering whether you would be happier in a creative role.
It is worth considering whether you would be happier in a creative role.
Writing a university essay about climate change
It is worth considering whether local initiatives are more effective than global ones.
It is worth considering whether local initiatives are more effective than global ones.
Cultural Background
British English speakers use this phrase as a form of 'understatement.' It is a way to say 'I strongly suspect this is a problem' without being rude. In American corporate culture, this phrase is used to sound 'intellectual' and 'strategic.' It is often used by consultants to justify their analysis. When translated into Japanese business contexts, this phrase aligns with 'Kuuki wo yomu' (reading the air). It allows for disagreement without breaking harmony (Wa). In formal Arabic-speaking professional circles, using the equivalent of this phrase shows high education and respect for the hierarchy.
The 'Whether or Not' Trick
You don't always need to add 'or not' at the end. 'It is worth considering whether it works' is cleaner than 'whether or not it works.'
Don't Overuse
If you use this phrase three times in one paragraph, you will sound like you are trying too hard to be formal. Use it once to introduce your main doubt.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to introduce a new idea or doubt.
- Perfect for professional meetings or academic writing.
- Suggests an idea is valuable enough to be discussed.
What It Means
It is worth considering whether is a sophisticated bridge. It connects a known situation to a new possibility. It does not force an opinion. Instead, it invites others to join a thinking process. Think of it as opening a door gently. You are not pushing anyone through it yet. You are just showing them what is inside. It suggests that a specific topic has value. It implies that ignoring it might be a mistake.
How To Use It
Place this phrase at the start of a sentence. Follow it with a condition or a 'yes/no' question. You can use it to pivot a conversation. Imagine you are debating where to eat. Everyone wants pizza. You might say, It is worth considering whether the new sushi place is open. It sounds much more thoughtful than just saying 'Let's get sushi.' It adds weight to your suggestion. It makes you sound like a deep thinker. Use it to introduce a 'what if' scenario without sounding aggressive.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to be persuasive but polite. It is perfect for office meetings. It works great when giving advice to a friend. Use it in academic writing to show balance. It is also useful when you want to disagree. Instead of saying 'You are wrong,' try this phrase. It shifts the focus to the idea, not the person. It is the 'gentle nudge' of the English language. Use it when the stakes are high and you need to be careful.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for simple, obvious things. If the house is on fire, do not say this. Just yell 'Fire!' It is too slow for emergencies. Avoid it in very casual texting with close siblings. They might think you are being sarcastic or 'too posh.' Do not use it if you are 100% certain and need to give an order. It sounds too hesitant for a drill sergeant. If you use it too much, you might sound indecisive. Pick your moments.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from a culture of 'understatement.' In British and academic English, being too direct is often seen as rude. This expression allows for 'intellectual humility.' It suggests that the speaker doesn't have all the answers. It reflects a value for critical thinking and debate. It became popular in the 20th century in legal and scientific circles. Now, it is a staple of professional diplomacy worldwide. It shows you respect the listener's intelligence.
Common Variations
It is worth asking whether(More inquisitive)One might consider whether(Even more formal)It’s worth thinking about whether(Slightly more relaxed)We should consider if(More direct and inclusive)It remains to be seen whether(Used for future uncertainty)
Usage Notes
This is a high-level (C2) expression. It is most effective in writing or structured debates. In casual speech, it marks you as an articulate and thoughtful speaker, but avoid overusing it in low-stakes environments to prevent sounding pretentious.
The 'Whether or Not' Trick
You don't always need to add 'or not' at the end. 'It is worth considering whether it works' is cleaner than 'whether or not it works.'
Don't Overuse
If you use this phrase three times in one paragraph, you will sound like you are trying too hard to be formal. Use it once to introduce your main doubt.
The 'Polite No'
In British business, if someone says 'It is worth considering whether...', they might actually mean 'I don't think your idea is good.' Listen to the tone!
Examples
6It is worth considering whether we should delay the marketing campaign.
It is worth considering whether we should delay the marketing campaign.
Softens a potentially unpopular suggestion.
It is worth considering whether you would be happier in a creative role.
It is worth considering whether you would be happier in a creative role.
Shows empathy and deep thought for a friend's future.
It is worth considering whether local initiatives are more effective than global ones.
It is worth considering whether local initiatives are more effective than global ones.
Standard academic tone for exploring multiple viewpoints.
It is worth considering whether we actually need that extra bedroom.
It is worth considering whether we actually need that extra bedroom.
A slightly more serious tone for a big life decision.
It is worth considering whether the villain was actually the hero all along.
It is worth considering whether the villain was actually the hero all along.
Uses a formal structure for a fun, geeky debate topic.
It is worth considering whether we are both heading in the same direction.
It is worth considering whether we are both heading in the same direction.
Uses the phrase to introduce a serious, emotional topic gently.
Test Yourself
Complete the formal sentence using the correct form of the verb.
It is worth ________ (consider) whether the new policy will affect morale.
After 'worth,' we always use the gerund (-ing) form.
Which sentence is most appropriate for a C2-level academic essay?
Select the best option:
'Whether' is more formal than 'if,' and 'erroneous' is more academic than 'wrong.'
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue to make it polite and formal.
Manager: 'We are moving the office to the suburbs.' Employee: '________ whether the commute will be too long for most staff.'
This phrase allows the employee to raise a concern without directly challenging the manager's decision.
Match the phrase variation to the correct context.
1. 'It is worth considering whether...' 2. 'Maybe think about if...' 3. 'It bears considering whether...'
'Bears considering' is the most weighted/formal, while 'Maybe think about' is casual.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal Suggestions
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIt is worth ________ (consider) whether the new policy will affect morale.
After 'worth,' we always use the gerund (-ing) form.
Select the best option:
'Whether' is more formal than 'if,' and 'erroneous' is more academic than 'wrong.'
Manager: 'We are moving the office to the suburbs.' Employee: '________ whether the commute will be too long for most staff.'
This phrase allows the employee to raise a concern without directly challenging the manager's decision.
1. 'It is worth considering whether...' 2. 'Maybe think about if...' 3. 'It bears considering whether...'
'Bears considering' is the most weighted/formal, while 'Maybe think about' is casual.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in spoken English it is very common. However, in formal writing (C1/C2), 'whether' is much better.
Yes, 'It's' is just the contraction. Use 'It is' for very formal documents and 'It's' for emails.
'Worth' is used for value ('worth $5', 'worth doing'). 'Worthy' means deserving of something ('a worthy cause').
Only if you are being funny or very serious. It's usually too long for a quick text.
No. It only implies that the idea is 'valuable enough to think about.' It's a neutral way to start a discussion.
Always 'worth considering.' The infinitive 'to consider' is a common mistake.
Change it to 'It bears considering whether...' or 'It is perhaps worth considering whether...'
No, it is an introductory phrase. It needs a clause after it to make sense.
Yes, especially in law, medicine, and high-level business.
'It is not worth considering' or 'It is irrelevant whether...'
Related Phrases
It goes without saying
contrastSomething is so obvious it doesn't need to be mentioned.
Be that as it may
similarEven if that is true...
Food for thought
similarSomething to think about.
In light of the fact that
builds onBecause of this information...
