If you’ve ever found yourself staring at the words “comming” and “coming,” wondering which one is correct? English can be a tricky language with its rules and exceptions.
In this article, we’ll unravel the confusion surrounding these words, explore their meanings and correct usage, and provide practical examples to help you use them confidently.
By the end, you’ll know exactly when and how to use “coming” without hesitation.
Understanding the Basics: “Comming” vs. “Coming”
Is “Comming” a Word?
No, “comming” is not a correct English word. It is a common misspelling of “coming,” which leads to confusion for many learners and even native speakers. Spelling errors like these can occur due to the doubling of letters in other English words, such as “beginning” or “running.” However, “coming” doesn’t follow this pattern.
Why “Coming” Is Correct
“Coming” is the present participle of the verb “come,” formed by adding “-ing.” This construction follows standard rules in English grammar, where verbs ending in a silent “e” drop the “e” before adding “-ing.”
For example:
- Come becomes coming (not comming).
- Write becomes writing (not writting).
- Move becomes moving (not movving).
Pronunciation of “Coming”
Let’s clear up any pronunciation concerns. “Coming” is pronounced as /ˈkʌmɪŋ/. Pay attention to the soft “-uh” sound in the first syllable and the nasal “-ing” at the end.
Incorrect spelling, like “comming,” may not change how you say the word, but it does create issues in written communication.
Why Spelling Matters
Spelling errors can have unintended consequences. Imagine sending an important email or text message where you accidentally use “comming.” Here’s how it might look:
Incorrect Example:
Subject: Excited for the Meeting!
Hi Mia,
I’m looking forward to our meeting tomorrow. Thanks for comming to the office last week—it was great catching up!
Best regards,
Hannah
This minor mistake could leave a bad impression, especially in professional settings. It’s crucial to use the correct spelling—”coming”—to ensure clear and polished communication.
Correct Example:
Subject: Excited for the Meeting!
Hi Mia,
I’m looking forward to our meeting tomorrow. Thanks for coming to the office last week—it was great catching up!
Best regards,
Hannah
Real-World Scenarios Where “Coming” Is Used
1. Planning Events
Whether you’re organizing a birthday party or a business meeting, “coming” often appears when discussing attendance.
Scenario: Hannah invites Mia to a party.
- Email: Subject: Party at My Place!
Hi Mia,
I’m throwing a small party this Friday at 7 PM. I hope you’re coming! It wouldn’t be the same without you.
Let me know if you can make it.
Cheers,
Hannah
Additions:
- Replace “coming” with “attending” for formal events.
- Use emojis in informal texts for a friendly tone: “I hope you’re coming! 🎉”
2. Announcements and Updates
In work environments or group settings, “coming” is essential for keeping everyone informed about future activities.
Scenario: Announcing a new project timeline.
- Example Email: Subject: Update on the New Launch
Hi Team,
The new project launch is coming up next month! Let’s prepare to finalize all deliverables before the deadline.
Thanks for your hard work!
Best,
Hannah
Additions:
- Replace “coming” with “approaching” for a more formal tone.
- Highlight dates with bold text: “The launch is coming up on March 15th!”
3. Everyday Conversations
“Coming” is a staple in casual chats, whether spoken or written.
Scenario: Making weekend plans.
- Text Message: Hannah: Are you coming to the movie night on Saturday? Mia: Absolutely! I wouldn’t miss it.
Additions:
- Use “joining us” for a slightly different flavor: “Are you joining us for movie night?”
- Add humor for a friendly vibe: “Are you coming, or do I need to drag you there?”
Common Mistakes with “Coming”
Let’s address a few other errors often confused with “coming.”
1. Double Letters (“Comming”)
As we discussed earlier, “comming” is incorrect. Avoid doubling the “m” when adding “-ing” to “come.”
Why? The verb “come” ends with a silent “e.” Standard rules require dropping the silent “e” before adding “-ing.”
2. Apostrophe Confusion
Don’t mix up “coming” with contractions like “it’s coming.”
- Correct: It’s coming soon. (Contraction of “it is”)
- Incorrect: Its coming soon. (Missing apostrophe)
Creative Uses of “Coming”
Inspirational Quotes
You might encounter “coming” in motivational phrases:
- “The best is yet to come.”
- “Keep going—great things are coming your way.”
Adding “coming” can infuse hope and positivity into your language.
Social Media Posts
“Coming” works well for announcing something exciting:
- “Big news coming soon! Stay tuned.”
- “Summer is coming, and we’re ready for it!”
FAQs About “Coming”
1. Can “coming” be used as a noun?
Yes, “coming” can function as a noun in certain contexts, often to mean an arrival or approach.
Examples:
- “The coming of spring brings flowers and warmth.”
- “Everyone is excited about the coming of the new year.”
2. Are there synonyms for “coming”?
Absolutely. Depending on the context, you can use:
- Arriving: “Are you arriving at 6 PM?”
- Approaching: “The deadline is approaching quickly.”
- On the way: “Help is on the way!”
Summary: How to Avoid “Comming”
- Double-check your spelling: Always verify your writing, especially in professional communication.
- Use grammar tools: Apps like Grammarly can catch errors like “comming.”
- Practice: Familiarize yourself with similar verbs to reinforce the rule of dropping the silent “e.”
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll master the correct use of “coming” and avoid embarrassing errors.
In Conclusion
The choice between “comming” and “coming” is simple once you understand the rules. Remember: “Coming” is always the correct spelling. Whether you’re writing an email, crafting a text, or creating social media posts, getting it right ensures clear and professional communication. Now that you’ve mastered this, you can confidently use “coming” in all its forms. So, keep writing and watch your English skills soar!
𝐈’𝐦 𝐎𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 “𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬 “𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫. 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬. 𝐈 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞. 𝐀𝐭 “𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬” 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐝𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫.