On earth
adverb
Used to emphasize a question, often showing surprise or confusion.
How on earth did you manage to do that?
Often appears as...
- how on earth
- what on earth
Usage tips
Colloquial
adverb
Everywhere in the world.
This product is sold in every country on earth.
Often appears as...
- everywhere on earth
- anywhere on earth
adverb
Used to emphasize a question, often showing surprise or confusion.
How on earth did you manage to do that?
Often appears as...
- how on earth
- what on earth
Usage tips
Colloquial
adverb
Everywhere in the world.
This product is sold in every country on earth.
Often appears as...
- everywhere on earth
- anywhere on earth
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Expressing Astonishment
Use 'on earth' to stress your amazement or disbelief in a situation or fact.
Why on earth would they cancel the show at the last minute?
Pro Tip 2/3Rhetorical Effect
'On earth' can make questions seem rhetorical, implying no answer is expected.
What on earth were you thinking?
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Overuse
Overusing 'on earth' can diminish its impact. Use it sparingly for emphasis.
How on earth do I convince them?
Pro Tip 1/3Expressing Astonishment
Use 'on earth' to stress your amazement or disbelief in a situation or fact.
Why on earth would they cancel the show at the last minute?
Pro Tip 2/3Rhetorical Effect
'On earth' can make questions seem rhetorical, implying no answer is expected.
What on earth were you thinking?
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Overuse
Overusing 'on earth' can diminish its impact. Use it sparingly for emphasis.
How on earth do I convince them?
Pro Tip 1/3Expressing Astonishment
Use 'on earth' to stress your amazement or disbelief in a situation or fact.
Why on earth would they cancel the show at the last minute?
Pro Tip 2/3Rhetorical Effect
'On earth' can make questions seem rhetorical, implying no answer is expected.
What on earth were you thinking?
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Overuse
Overusing 'on earth' can diminish its impact. Use it sparingly for emphasis.
How on earth do I convince them?
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