I need a neat and nifty way to ask “What is the numerical place value of the earth from the sun?”

Now obviously I can think of all kinds of elephantine locutions to ask this question of students.

But what I want is something as neat as this question—only grammatical

“Howmanyeth planet is earth in the solar syatem?” or “Howmanyeth planet is earth from the sun?”

No commical locutions spring to mind as yet. But I would expect nothing more from me at this late hour.

I will endeavour to have one by sunrise, but I must say that I don’t work well under pressure.

Perhaps Saparris will have an answer. It’s safe to say that his will comprise a pun of some sort.

“What number planet is earth from the sun?”

This is grammatical if you regard “what number” as an adjectival phrase, as in “[the] number three planet”.

Well over 300 planets have been found around other extra-solar stars.

ACB - 10 September 2009 05:01 AM

“What number planet is earth from the sun?”

This is grammatical if you regard “what number” as an adjectival phrase, as in “[the] number three planet”.

Yes, thanks.  I did toy with this expression, but it got drained of meaning after a while.

It was reassuring to notice that I read your sentence with perfect understanding.

LukeJavan8 - 10 September 2009 08:19 AM

Well over 300 planets have been found around other extra-solar stars.

As you wish, Luke.

I deleted the content of this post.

Whatever.

What number planet is earth from the sun?”

This is grammatical if you regard “what number” as an adjectival phrase, as in “[the] number three planet”.

It has to be regarded as an adjectival phrase.

I also think this is what you should stick with; it is clear, concise, though not funny. ACB wins.

In it solar, circular, orbital condition, what is Earth’s numeric position?
It’s number three, it’s number three, it’s number three (as it ought to be).

saparris - 10 September 2009 07:03 PM

In it solar, circular, orbital condition, what is Earth’s numeric position?
It’s number three, it’s number three, it’s number three (as it ought to be).

What?  Whatwhatwhat?!!?!?

What is this madness?

LMAO!

Okay, Funny Guy!  You just WAIT until I find a joke somewhere to steal! 

THEN we’ll see who laughs last!  HA!

I didn’t steal anything. It’s original. Not very good, but original nonetheless.

I’m not laughing. Don’t see the humor. Neither in the words nor the content.

saparris - 10 September 2009 08:14 PM

I didn’t steal anything. It’s original. Not very good, but original nonetheless.

Yes, I know that your stuff is original.

It is MY material that has to be stolen.

I’m not funny : (

cosmicmeeting - 10 September 2009 08:37 PM

saparris - 10 September 2009 08:14 PM

I didn’t steal anything. It’s original. Not very good, but original nonetheless.

Yes, I know that your stuff is original.

It is MY material that has to be stolen.

I’m not funny : (

And, err…. speaking of which ....

ummm…..

coff coff

Ahhhh, you see ... ummm…. well ....

I intend to steal your jingle! 

THERE!  I said it and I meant it!

entertaining.

saparris - 10 September 2009 07:03 PM

In it solar, circular, orbital condition, what is Earth’s numeric position?
It’s number three, it’s number three, it’s number three (as it ought to be).

Can you make up rhymes for the other planets for me?  Por favor?

In it solar, circular, orbital condition, what is Mars’ numeric position?
It’s number four, it’s number four, it’s number four (with plenty more).