When to use "be worth VERBing" and when to use "be worthy VERBing"?

Question

Consider this sentence:

I am confused about these two words worth and worthy. When should you use “be worth VERBing” and when should you instead use “be worthy VERBing”?

Barmar · Answer 1 · 2015-07-14T14:39:33.040

3

worthy V-ing is not acceptable at all, so I assume you really meant to ask about worthy of V-ing.

worthy of is usually used with a noun, rather than a verb, as in

The esteemed professor is worthy of respect.

This Google Ngram shows that worthy of watching is used a miniscule amount compared to worth watching.

worth V-ing is the normal way to express this, as per this definition:

2.1 Used to suggest that the specified course of action may be advisable: the company’s service schemes are worth checking out

edited Jul 14 '15 at 14:39

answered Jul 14 '15 at 08:42

Barmar

What about "to be worth V-ing"? what does it mean? – Tom Jul 14 '15 at 10:55
I've added the definition of worth that explains what it means – Barmar Jul 14 '15 at 14:39
Are you sure worthy plus ving is not acceptable? – michael_timofeev Aug 02 '15 at 15:47

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