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Tenacious Learner Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
Can 'earth' take or leave the definite article? Should it be capitalised?
Hi teachers,
I've always thought that before 'earth' we should always use the definite article because 'earth' is considered to be unique, jult like 'the sun, the starts, the sky, and the sea'. But then I've found this explanation:
Earth can take it or leave it (unlike world, which always need the article)... "The Earth is flat".
"Climate change threatens the Earth"
"The astronauts returned to Earth".
"It's like nothing on earth".
Another question, should it be capitalised or not?
Thanks in advance.
I've always thought that before 'earth' we should always use the definite article because 'earth' is considered to be unique, jult like 'the sun, the starts, the sky, and the sea'. But then I've found this explanation:
Earth can take it or leave it (unlike world, which always need the article)... "The Earth is flat".
"Climate change threatens the Earth"
"The astronauts returned to Earth".
"It's like nothing on earth".
Another question, should it be capitalised or not?
Thanks in advance.
Top answer
It's kind of like a collocation, some sentences don't work if you use the article. If in doubt, leave out the article. Earth is a proper noun, which should be capitalized.
- It's kind of like a collocation, some sentences don't work if you use the article.
- If in doubt, leave out the article.
- Earth is a proper noun, which should be capitalized.
- Lower case "earth" is a synonym for dirt or soil.
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4 Answers
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It's kind of like a collocation, some sentences don't work if you use the article. If in doubt, leave out the article.
Earth is a proper noun, which should be capitalized. Lower case "earth" is a synonym for dirt or soil.
Earth is a proper noun, which should be capitalized. Lower case "earth" is a synonym for dirt or soil.
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Thinking SpainAnother question, should it be capitalised or not?It depends. The planet is capitalized: Venus and Earth are rocky planets. Other than that, do not capitalize, even when you think you have to: He moved heaven and earth to find her. From angels bending near the earth, to touch their harps of gold. The greatest city on earth.
When it get
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Hi ennon,
Thank you very much for your commentaries. One more question please:
If I have a picture of our planet, I have to say, 'This is the earth', with the 'definite article', haven't I?
TS
Thank you very much for your commentaries. One more question please:
If I have a picture of our planet, I have to say, 'This is the earth', with the 'definite article', haven't I?
TS
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Thinking SpainHi ennon,Thank you very much for your commentaries. One more question please:If I have a picture of our planet, I have to say, 'This is the earth', with the 'definite article', haven't I?TSI used to have a NASA photo of the planet on my wall. I would write that I had a picture of planet Earth. "This is Earth" works, but if you use "the", you hav
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