Our catch phrase is on its way.

Dear Fellow Earthlings,

Yesterday I told you that I would not be using the word "the" when I talk about Earth. However, from time to time, from force of habit, I may inadvertently use "the"...

In English the word "earth" can also refer to "soil" (tsuchi in Japanese). If I am referring to tsuchi, then "the" could be added if proper grammar requires it -- or could be omitted -- again, depending on the grammar. See numbers one and two below, respectively.

In addition "earth " (meaning "soil") will be capitalized only if it occurs at the beginning of a sentence. Number three below gives you an example.

Here are three examples for non-native speakers of English to analyze:

1) When earth is moistened, it becomes mud.

2) The earth in that area is unstable, so we should not attempt to erect a building there.

3) Earth removed from that excavation must be returned to the Seneca people, for it was removed from one of their burial grounds.

Steve Walker Earthsaver and Jingles Creator

© 2013 Steve Walker, The Jingles-The Japan Foundation for English Pronunciation, Summit Enterprises.