phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

"For all it's worth" or "all its worth"

Posted by Brock Harris on June 10, 2003

I am trying to determine the proper spelling of a marketing slogan: "For All It's Worth"

I know the grammatical difference: It's worth (the apostophe indicating contraction and meaning it is worth) implies external criteria. Its worth (the lack of apostrophe indicating possession and meaning the worth of the home) suggest intrinsic, almost absolute value.

I could avoid the problem by changing worth to value: marketing your home for all its value or, a little downmarket, marketing your home for all it's got. Worth, however, is better.

SO my question is, what's the source of the expression and hense the "proper" spelling?

Thanks for your help!

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.