Coming vs. Comming – Which is Correct?
The correct spelling is coming. The word comming is a common misspelling and should be avoided in all written communication. Always use a single ‘m’ when forming the present participle of the verb “to come.”
Coming or Comming – Which is Correct?
The distinction between “coming” and “comming” is straightforward: only “coming” is correct. The word “comming” is a persistent misspelling, often arising from phonetic confusion or an incorrect application of spelling rules, such as doubling a consonant before adding ‘-ing’ (as seen in words like “running” from “run” or “swimming” from “swim”). However, the base verb “come” already ends in an ‘e’, which is dropped before adding ‘-ing’, resulting in “coming” with a single ‘m’.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To remember the correct spelling, simply recall the base verb: come. There is only one ‘m’ in “come,” and when you add ‘-ing’ to form the present participle, that ‘m’ does not double. You drop the ‘e’ and add ‘-ing’, giving you “coming.” Think of it this way: “come” + “-ing” = “coming.”
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coming | Verb (present participle), Adjective | Approaching, arriving; an upcoming event | The train is coming soon. |
| Comming | Misspelling | An incorrect spelling of “coming” | (Incorrect usage) |
How to Use Coming
“Coming” is primarily the present participle of the verb “to come,” indicating movement towards a speaker or a specified place. It is widely used in various tenses to denote ongoing or future actions. It can also function as an adjective, describing something that is approaching or will happen in the near future. Its usage is standard in both formal and informal contexts.
Example 1: She is coming home for the holidays next month.
Example 2: The coming storm forced us to cancel our outdoor plans.
Example 3: Are you coming to the meeting this afternoon?
What are the different forms of Coming?
“Coming” itself is a form of the verb “to come.” It is the present participle, which can be used to form continuous tenses (e.g., “is coming,” “was coming,” “will be coming”) or as an adjective. The base verb “to come” is irregular. Here are its main forms:
- Base Form: come (e.g., I come)
- Past Simple: came (e.g., I came)
- Past Participle: come (e.g., I have come)
- Present Participle: coming (e.g., I am coming)
- Third-person singular present: comes (e.g., He comes)
Etymology of the word Coming
The word “coming” derives from the Old English verb cuman, meaning “to move, arrive, approach, happen.” This, in turn, has roots in Proto-Germanic *kwemana and Proto-Indo-European *gʷem-, meaning “to step, come.” The ‘-ing’ suffix is a common Old English verbal noun and participial ending, forming the present participle as we know it today.
Related Concepts
Understanding broader grammatical concepts can help solidify why “coming” is correct and “comming” is not.
- Present Participle: This is a verb form ending in ‘-ing’ (e.g., coming, running, eating). It is used to form continuous tenses (e.g., “She is coming“) or as an adjective (e.g., “the coming year”).
- Spelling Rules for -ing: For verbs ending in a silent ‘e’ (like “come”), the ‘e’ is typically dropped before adding ‘-ing’. For single-syllable verbs ending in a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern (like “run”), the final consonant is often doubled before adding ‘-ing’ (e.g., “running”). “Come” does not fit the consonant-vowel-consonant pattern that would require doubling the ‘m’.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “Winter is coming.” – A famous line from George R.R. Martin’s A Game of Thrones.
- “And miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.” – Robert Frost’s poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” often evokes a sense of journey and what is coming.
- “The coming of age story is a popular genre in film.” – A common phrase in film criticism.
- “A new era of space exploration is coming, with missions planned to Mars and beyond.” – A typical phrase found in science news articles.
Coming Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Approaching | Drawing nearer in time or space. |
| Arriving | Reaching a destination. |
| Forthcoming | About to happen or appear. |
| Impending | About to happen; often used for something unpleasant. |
| Upcoming | Occurring in the near future. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Why is “comming” such a common misspelling?
The misspelling often stems from confusion with other ‘-ing’ words where the final consonant is doubled before adding the suffix (e.g., “running,” “swimming”). People incorrectly apply this rule to “come,” overlooking that “come” ends in a silent ‘e’, which is simply dropped.
Question 2: Can “coming” be used as an adjective?
Yes, “coming” frequently functions as an adjective, especially to describe something that is approaching or will happen soon, such as “the coming election,” “the coming year,” or “the coming storm.”
Question 3: What is the base form of “coming”?
The base form of “coming” is the verb “to come.” “Coming” is its present participle form.
Conclusion
In the perennial debate of “coming or comming,” the answer is definitively “coming.” The word “comming” is a persistent misspelling that should be corrected in all contexts. By remembering that the base verb “come” has only one ‘m’ and that the ‘e’ is dropped before adding ‘-ing’, you can confidently use the correct form. Mastering such common distinctions enhances clarity and professionalism in all your written communications.
