Mercury is closest to sun.

Meaning: Mercury is the planet that is the nearest to the sun.

Choice of Words: Mercury is the closest planet to the sun. Is indicates a state of being or existence. Closest means nearest in distance or relationship. To indicates a direction or destination. Sun is the star at the center of our solar system.

Alternative Expressions

Mercury is the nearest planet to the sun.

Meaning: This means the same as the first sentence. It means that Mercury is the planet that is closest to the sun in our solar system.

Choice of Words: Mercury is the name of a planet in our solar system. Nearest means being the closest or having the smallest distance to something. Planet is a large object that orbits a star, like the sun. Sun is the star at the center of our solar system. When you put them together, "Mercury is the nearest planet to the sun" means that Mercury is the planet that is closest to the sun out of all the planets in our solar system.

The sun is the star that Mercury orbits.

Meaning: This means that the sun is the star that Mercury moves around in a regular path.

Choice of Words: Sun is the star at the center of our solar system. Star is a large, hot ball of gas that produces its own light and heat. Mercury is the name of a planet in our solar system. Orbits means to move around a star or planet in a regular path. When you put them together, "The sun is the star that Mercury orbits" means that Mercury moves around the sun in a regular path.

Related Expressions