Using earth in a sentence can be confusing. Is earth capitalized in a sentence, or is it left lowercase? Actually, it depends.
Rather than leave yourself struggling to determine how earth should be written, take a look at our earth capitalization rules to help you get it right each and every time. This guide will show you when to capitalize the word “earth” and when to use lowercase. You’ll also learn whether to put the article “the” before it or not.
When Is Earth Capitalized?
The word “earth” is a noun and can be used as a proper noun or a common noun. Common nouns are nouns that are used in everyday language to describe a group or category of something. Proper nouns are specific items, places, people, or things within those categories.
When Earth is used to describe the actual planet we live on, it is used as a proper noun. Also, notice that when it is used in such a manner, it is not preceded by an article.
Examples of When to Capitalize Earth in a Sentence
- The Blue Whale is the largest animal on Earth.
- It takes sunlight 8 ⅓ minutes to reach us here on Earth.
- Falling stars are meteorites burning up in Earth’s atmosphere.
- The history of Earth’s existence can be found in geological studies.
- Earth is the third planet from the Sun.
When Is Earth Not Capitalized?
When “earth” is used as a common noun to describe the surface of the ground you stand on or the soil you can hold in your hands, then you should refer to it in the lowercase form. You also should add the article “the” in front of it.
Examples of When NOT to Capitalize Earth in a Sentence
- I worked among the salt of the earth and recognized their pride in all their efforts.
- The earth felt cold beneath my feet as I walked home in the early light.
- She knelt and lifted the earth in her hands, letting it sift between her fingers.
How to Remember When to Capitalize Earth
If you’re having difficulty answering “is earth capitalized?”, remember that the ground you stand on is smaller than the actual planet. Therefore, use a small letter e for when earth relates to the ground you are standing on and a big E for the planet Earth you live on. That way, you’ll quickly observe proper capitalization rules.
English capitalization rules state that you should always capitalize proper nouns. Here’s a quick capitalization breakdown of the word earth.
- Capitalize Earth as a celestial body along with other planet names.
- Capitalize Earth when you’re writing a sci-fi piece.
- Make earth lowercase if you’re referring to the ground beneath your soles.
- Make earth lowercase when writing words like salt of the earth, down to earth, or hell on earth.
Let’s Review
To capitalize or not is a common question within the English language, particularly concerning words such as earth which can be categorized as both a common and proper noun depending on its use. Use “Earth” with the capital “E” if you’re referring to the specific planet and “earth” for the soil or surface of a stratum. You can also put “the” before the common noun “earth.”
The word earth often confuses people when it comes to capitalization. Is it earth or Earth? When do you capitalize it?
The confusion arises because Earth can be either a proper noun or a common noun depending on the context in which it is used. If Earth is used as a proper noun, then it is capitalized. If used as a common noun, then the word Earth is lowercased.
According to English capitalization rules, proper nouns are always capitalized. Therefore, when referring to the Earth as a planet or celestial body, it should be capitalized such as in the following sentence:
The Earth takes about 365 days to orbit the Sun.
In this case, both Earth and Sun are proper nouns so they must be capitalized.
When Is Earth Not Capitalized?
When Earth is not used as a proper noun, such as when you are referring to the ground, soil, or surface of the Earth, then the word is lowercase since it is a common noun. The following is an example of when Earth is referred to as a common noun:
The construction workers dug into the earth at the site of the new skyscraper.
It is important to remember that idioms using the word Earth also have to be lowercase such as in: down to earth, what on earth, and four corners of the earth. These are cases where earth takes the definite article so it should not be capitalized.
What about Moon and Sun?
The same is true for other celestial bodies such as moon and sun. If you are referring to a specific sun or moon (i.e. they are proper nouns), then you should capitalize the word.
Read More:
- Is Sun Capitalized?
- Are Planets Capitalized?
For other capitalization questions, check out our FAQs or use our free title capitalization tool.
When should we capitalize the word «earth?» This question has puzzled many students and grammar enthusiasts for years. Some people argue that the word should always be capitalized, while others believe it should only be capitalized when referring to our planet. So, is earth capitalized, and which is correct?
The word «earth» is capitalized when used as part of a proper noun (it is about any specific object or place). For example, I live on this planet called Earth. Earth, in this case, is a specific planet. However, don’t capitalize the word when referring to the ground or soil.
We’ll explore the rules for capitalizing «earth» and provide some examples to boost your comprehension. We’ll also discuss when not to capitalize the word to clear the confusion. Let’s now take a look at the detailed arguments for both sides.
Rules for Capitalizing «Earth»
The three common rules for capitalizing the word «earth» include: when used as a proper noun, referring to the planet you reside in, and in scientific publications.
These rules have to be adhered to; it makes your content relevant. Below is a detailed explanation with examples of the three rules of capitalizing «earth» we’ve just mentioned.
Earth as a Proper Noun
When «earth» acts as a proper noun, then it must be spelled with a capital letter: Earth. There are certain rules in English that state when proper nouns must be capitalized. For instance, when listing the names of specific planets, one must capitalize them.
That’s why «earth» is a proper noun and must be capitalized. But this does not apply to its occupants, «the people on earth.» You must also capitalize or spell out a proper noun at the beginning of a sentence. More on this later.
Example sentences:
- The last of the Apollo missions was in 1972 and, for over a decade, it appeared that humans would never return to explore Earth’s neighbors again.
- New reports show that Earth is changing, shifting its appearance with each new day.
Earth as a Planet and Place
Earth is a proper noun, and it is the name of our planet. «Earth» is always spelled with a capital letter when used as the name of a planet we live on. Do you know there’s also a place in Texas called «Earth?» Some people have also named some of their businesses and companies «Earth.» In such instances, make sure you capitalize the word.
Example sentences:
- It feels good to live on Earth and enjoy everything the planet offers.
- You should visit Earth, Texas, and experience current agricultural transformations.
When Talking About All the Planets
When you’re talking about other planets and referring to them as proper nouns, make sure you capitalize them. Also, do the same to «earth.» These planets include Mercury, Venus, Mars, Neptune, and Pluto.
Example sentences:
- There is a big comparison in activities around Earth, Mars, and Neptune.
- Mercury, Venus, and Earth are the first three planets in the solar system.
When Used in Scientific Publications
Also, when writing about the planet in a scientific context, it should be capitalized. «Earth» no matter how it appears in your scientific papers, capitalize it.
Example sentences:
- Earth’s most shallow theory on the origin of planets and the solar system: A scientific analysis.
- Is there an exact time an asteroid can spend from Earth’s equator? The truth about asteroid speed.
Exceptions for Capitalizing «Earth»
There are cases when «earth» does not have to be capitalized, but few. For instance, when referring to land, when used as a common noun, in non-technical contexts and when it’s used in idioms or adjectives.
Ready to learn more about these instances? Below are explanations and examples on each case when «earth» is not capitalized:
When Referring to Land
Whenever you refer to «earth» as soil or land, you don’t have to capitalize it. Don’t mistake this with using land as a proper noun. In this case, the word is not specific to anything. The same applies if you mean dirt, stratum, or surface.
Example sentences:
- The contractors excavated the earth early today morning.
- The earth around the ambassador offices is quite expensive.
- Farming on this earth is the best thing you can do.
When Used as a Common Noun
Do not capitalize «earth» if it appears as a common noun. Common nouns are nouns not specific to anything, any place, or anyone. Simply put, they are generic words.
Example sentences:
- The smooth earth around the exit has caused a lot of injuries.
- Every chemical engineer needs to know how metals are extracted from the earth.
- The earth’s climate continues to change due to environmental activities.
When Used in Idioms or Adjectives
Idioms and idiomatic expressions with the word «earth» must always have the word in small letters. Note that these idioms’ meaning doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with the «earth.» All idioms have a symbolic meaning that you’re expected to deduce critically.
Example sentences:
- What on earth is going on?
- She was the most down-to-earth person you could ever meet.
In the sentences above, «what on earth» and «down to earth» are idioms. You’ll notice that their meaning is symbolic.
Some Edge Cases and More Alternative Rules When Capitalizing «Earth»
The two alternative rules when capitalizing earth is when it appears as the first word in a sentence and in titles.
When Earth Starts a Sentence
The word «earth» is always spelled with a capital letter when it starts a sentence, as an abbreviation, or an official name. There are many reasons why it’s always important to start a sentence with a capital letter.
Example sentences:
- Earth is the third planet from the Sun and is also called Gaia, Terra, or Tellus.
- Earth has been present since the creation of the Solar System 4.6 billion years ago.
When Earth Appears in a Title
Whether it’s a book, movie, or article title, capitalize «earth» to showcase its dominance. Normally, the first letter of every word in the title should be capitalized unless it is a preposition. But you can capitalize prepositions that are five or more letters long.
Articles should also be lowercased unless they are at the beginning of a sentence. The same applies to conjunctions.
Example sentences:
- The «Earth Revolution Today» conference is scheduled to occur late this year.
- The article on «Effects of Space Exploitation on Earth» was quite controversial.
10 Example Sentences with Correct Capitalization of «Earth»
Here are diverse sentence examples that cover different uses of «earth» when it’s capitalized or not. Read to have a comprehensive oversight on the word’s use in sentences.
- Do you know that Earth, Venus, and Mars are the only planets suspected to sustain life?
- If you love movies, I recommend watching «From Earth Without Love» when you have time.
- The explorers were the first humans to walk on earth’s surface.
- The forests of Earth are dwindling at an alarming rate.
- Earth is divided into seven continents: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia.
- Mary maneuvered all the four corners of the earth to win the competitive race.
- Thirteen billion years ahead, Earth coverage on the sea will reduce by half. Fact or fiction?
- Earth Water Ltd has the best water deals in town.
- As time passes by, Earth experiences different kinds of weather.
- Some other examples of the earth’s climates include: the tropical rainforest, tropical monsoon, Mediterranean climate and humid.
Conclusion
We believe that you now have the answer to «is earth capitalized?» As you can see, the answer to this question will depend on what you are writing. In general, we don’t capitalize earth when used as a common noun. However, if you are talking specifically about our homeworld as a proper noun, then yes-capitalize!
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.
When it comes to writing, this common English word confuses many native speakers who aren’t sure whether to use Earth or earth. Why is this an issue? Earth can be either a proper noun or a common noun. In English, proper nouns (nouns which signify a particular person, place, or thing) are capitalized.
Following this rule, when Earth is discussed as a specific planet or celestial body, it is capitalized: It takes six to eight months to travel from Earth to Mars. When Earth is a proper noun, the is usually omitted.
When you are talking about the ground or soil as a surface or stratum, then you must lowercase the word: The archaeologists excavated the earth at the site. It is acceptable to leave earth lowercase and use the with earth if you are talking about it as the planet we live on: The earth rotates on its axis.Keep in mind that idioms follow their own rules. Down to earth, what on earth, and move heaven and earth do not capitalize the planet, and four corners of the earth or salt of the earth take the definite article. Also note, there is a town called Earth, Texas. Since it’s a proper noun, it is always capitalized.
- A handful of earth.
- The earth under this house.
- The earth beneath my feet.
- …
- The heavens above and the earth below.
- The earth moved.
- …
In the examples above, earth should be lowercased. In all the examples cited, earth is synonymous with the following common nouns: soil, land, dirt, terrain, ground, and world. In addition, the expression in number 6. is idiomatic but it doesn’t normally refer to earthquakes, it means that something, often a sexual experience, was highly pleasurable.
For example,
- A handful of soil/dirt
- The ground under this house
- The land beneath my feet.
- …
- The heavens above and the world (or ground) below.
- The terrain moved OR The world moved
- …
I feel example 4. could go either way, Googling the phrase does not really help to clarify.
- What on earth?
What on Earth?
On the first page of Google, earth is capitalised 14 times out of 20 but many of the instances cite the name of an American TV series, the titles of podcasts; events and shows; science exhibitions; they also form the name of several websites, e.g. What on Earth is Happening?; a BBC science page, and titles of books.
Cambridge Dictionary says of the phrase
what on earth
used for showing surprise:
What on earth is going on in there?
Lexico, formerly Oxford Dictionaries, has an entry for on earth, lowercased
on earth
Used for emphasis, especially in questions and negative statements.
‘who on earth would venture out in weather like this?’
‘So my question is, how on earth do you keep tabs on all of the available programming?’
‘So why on earth does he want to make yet another death-defying walk in the Grand Canyon?’
Dictionary.com uses lowercase for the following idioms
- move heaven and earth.
on earth, in the world:
Where on earth have you been?
Merriam-Webster includes another idiom, earth is still spelled with a lowercase «e»
(a) heaven on earth
and when earth used to be flat,
from the four corners of the earth
People came from the four corners of the earth to see the sight
The following definition by Macmillan Dictionary
on earth
used for emphasizing that someone or something is the best, worst, biggest etc in the world
The Great Wall is the largest man-made structure on earth.nothing/nowhere etc on earth used for adding emphasis to negative statements
Nothing on earth could get me to speak to her.
But in one dictionary, TFD, the word earth is capitalised
go to the ends of the Earth
To do all that one can in an attempt to achieve something.
I would go to the ends of the Earth to help my children.
The one sentence where I would capitalise earth is the last one
- We returned quickly to Earth.
The MLA Style Center says
We usually lowercase sun, moon, and earth, but, following The Chicago Manual of Style, when the does not precede the name of the planet, when earth is not part of an idiomatic expression, or when other planets are mentioned, we capitalize earth:
The earth revolves around the sun.
The astronauts landed on the moon.
The space shuttle will return to Earth next year.
The four planets closest to the sun—Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars—compose the inner solar system.
I’m surprised by their first example, it’s clear that the term earth refers to the planet on which we live, and it cannot be replaced by soil, land, ground, dirt etc. Even though it is preceded by the definite article the, it does not dissuade me from wanting to capitalise that all-important «e»
Lexico provides the following example sentences
- ‘The discovery suggests that life could exist on planets very different from Earth.’
- ‘The course of life on planet Earth might even turn out to be described by such a picture.’
- ‘Mercury is also the only planet other than Earth that has a global magnetic field.’
- ‘Imagine a perturbation of the Earth’s orbit big enough to change the size of the sun in the sky.’
In none of the above examples could the word earth be substituted with any of counterparts without affecting or changing its meaning substantially.
Interestingly, in the article Scott Kelly’s Year in Space, published in February, 2016. The New York Times journalist cleverly avoids using the article with Earth.
The International Space Station zips around Earth at more than 17,000 miles per hour, or once every 90 minutes.
Of course, on the space station, Mr. Kelly was never more than about 250 miles from Earth.
Water is heavy and expensive to transport from Earth, so for efficiency, water is continually recycled.
Whatever Earthly things Mr. Kelly may have been missing during the mission, the Internet was not one of them.