We communicate by Internet.

[diamondcutter]

We communicate by Internet.

(From Kid’s Box 6, an English textbook for kids, CUP)

Generally speaking, “the Internet” is a proper noun, the definite article ‘the’ is necessary and the first letter of the word ‘Internet’ should be capitalized. But in the sentence above, the definite article is left out. I wonder if the reason is that there is a preposition ‘by’ before the word ‘Internet’. And I’d also like to know if there’s a situation that it’s not necessary for the word ‘Internet’ to be capitalized.

 

[Rover_KE]

We say 'We communicate by internet' like we say 'We communicate by phone' or 'by email'.

There has been no need to capitalise internet for some years now. The textbook needs to be updated.

 

[GoesStation]

"Internet" is capitalized only when it's the first word of a sentence or part of a name. It was considered a proper noun for a few years after its inception but quickly shifted to common noun status.

We don't use an article when describing the way we do something with the preposition "by": we go places by car, boat, plane, balloon, etc. and we communicate by phone, by internet (though that's not a common usage), by carrier pigeon, etc.

 

[diamondcutter]

Thanks, Rover and GoesStation.

What about the definite article?

When we say ‘on the internet’, is the definite article still necessary?

 

[Rover_KE]

Yes.

 

[emsr2d2]

Most people I know would say "We communicate online".