Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[sabrinak]

Hello,

As a learner of English, sometimes capitalization is really confusing.

Please tell me when you have to use Earth and earth.

Look at the following. Which one is correct or better?

Everything on earth/ Earth and outer space is made of atoms.

In fact, everything on earth/ Earth --liquid, solid, and gas--is made out of atoms.


Also, when do you use "the earth" and "the Earth"?


Thank you for your attention.

[CP]

Not everyone capitalizes Earth, even when referring to the planet named Earth. I do, because it is the name of the planet, no different from Mars or Jupiter. Everyone on Earth should capitalize it, I think.

But when I mean soil or dirt, I don't capitalize it. I had to move a lot of earth today to plant my bushes, and now I have dirt under my fingernails.
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You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[sabrinak]

I understand your answer clearly.

Adding to my earlier question, I wonder the article -- the-- is optional.

When you refer to the planet Earth, can you also say "the Earth"?


Thank you for your kind anwer.