for what it's worth — offering an opinion tentatively
expressionC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
Used to introduce your opinion or advice in a modest, careful way, suggesting you know it may not be very important or may not change the situation.
Say it like a native
Textbook Although my view may carry little weight, I would suggest the first option.
Native For what it's worth, I'd go with the first one.
The chunk hedges modestly in four words; 'although my view may carry little weight' is laboured.
Pattern: for what it's worth, [clause]
In use
- For what it's worth, I think you handled the situation really well.communication
- For what it's worth, I believe that technology has improved our lives in many ways, but it's also made us more distracted, so we need to find a balance.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ For what is worth, I think you're right.
✓ For what it's worth, I think you're right.
Fixed phrase 'for what IT'S worth' — keep 'it's'.
Common collocations
for what it's worth— for what it's worth,, but for what it's worth, for what it's worth, I think
Don't confuse it
Unlike 'in my opinion', which simply states your view, 'for what it's worth' adds a sense of humility or doubt about how valuable your input is.