Grammar for Geeks: The Internet

The Internet, when referred to as a proper noun (as in, when referring to the successor of the ARPAnet) should be capatalized. When referring to a "network of networks" (a thing), use lowercase. For example:

Word Meaning Example

Internet The successor to the DoD ARPAnet. The Internet is home to an impressive array of adult entertainment.

internet A network of networks. Our campus network is an internet made up of the engineering, marketing, sales, and administration networks.

You can use both Internet and internet in the same sentence. For example, Our campus internet which is made up of each department's local area network, has a gateway to the Internet so that employees can search for better jobs on the company's time.

Word	Meaning	Example
Internet	The successor to the DoD ARPAnet.	The Internet is home to an impressive array of adult entertainment.
internet	A network of networks.	Our campus network is an internet made up of the engineering, marketing, sales, and administration networks.

Last updated: Sun Jun 5 12:30:28 PDT 2005