Chante Sez … What in the world?

Mercury retrograde is almost over, folks. Feb. 28, here we come. But with the planets in mind, this week’s tip is about Earth. What in the world is the difference between Earth capitalized, and lower-case earth?

Here’s how to remember it: In reference to the planet Earth, it gets a big “e,” just like the planet is big.

• Earth = the planet. It’s a proper noun, just like your name, or the city you live in.
• earth = the stuff that plants call home, aka dirt, good soil, etc.

Here are a few examples:

Welcome to Earth. (As we greet aliens, of course.)

“I felt the earth move under my feet.”

What on Earth were you thinking?

I like him because he’s down to earth.