Tomorrow vs. Tommorow – Which is Correct?
The correct spelling is tomorrow. The variant “tommorow” is a common misspelling and should always be avoided in written English. This error frequently stems from phonetic pronunciation, but the standard and universally accepted spelling features a single ‘m’ and a double ‘r’. Using “tomorrow” ensures accuracy and maintains professional communication.
Tomorrow or Tommorow – Which is Correct?
Between “tomorrow” and “tommorow,” only tomorrow is the correct spelling in English. “Tommorow” is a widespread misspelling that often occurs due to phonetic confusion, where the sound of the word might lead writers to incorrectly double the ‘m’ or misplace the double ‘r’. The root cause of this error is typically a simple typing mistake or a lack of familiarity with the standard orthography.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
A helpful trick to remember the correct spelling of “tomorrow” is to break it down into its historical components: “to” and “morrow.” While “morrow” is an archaic word for “morning” or “the next day,” it clearly shows the single ‘m’ and the double ‘r’. You can also remember that “tomorrow” has two ‘r’s (like “arrive”) and only one ‘m’. Visualize “to-morrow” in your mind to solidify the correct letter sequence.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| tomorrow | Adverb, Noun | The day after today; on the day after today. | “Let’s meet tomorrow for coffee.” |
| tommorow | Incorrect | Misspelling of “tomorrow.” | “I hope to finish it by tommorow.” (Incorrect) |
How to Use Tomorrow
The word “tomorrow” functions primarily as an adverb indicating time, or occasionally as a noun. As an adverb, it specifies when an action will occur – on the day following the present day. As a noun, it refers to the day itself. It is a neutral word in terms of tone, suitable for both formal and casual contexts.
Example 1: “The project deadline is rapidly approaching; we must submit the final report tomorrow.”
Example 2: “I have an important appointment set for tomorrow morning, so I need to prepare tonight.”
Example 3: “She always says, ‘There’s always a tomorrow for new beginnings,’ which is a beautiful sentiment.”
Etymology of the word Tomorrow
The word “tomorrow” originates from Old English. It is a compound of the preposition “to” and the noun “morrow,” which meant “morning” or “day.” The Old English form was “tō morgene” (meaning “on the morrow” or “in the morning”). Over time, “morrow” evolved to mean “the next day,” and the phrase “to morrow” eventually merged into the single word “tomorrow” as we know it today.
Related Concepts
Understanding these related grammatical and linguistic concepts can help reinforce why “tomorrow” is spelled the way it is and how to avoid similar errors.
- Adverbs of Time: These words specify when an action takes place. “Tomorrow” is a prime example, alongside words like “today,” “yesterday,” “now,” and “soon.” Recognizing its function helps understand its fixed spelling.
- Common Misspellings: Many words are frequently misspelled due to phonetic similarities, silent letters, or unusual letter combinations. “Tomorrow” falls into this category, where the sound doesn’t perfectly dictate the spelling, leading to common errors like “tommorow.”
Examples from Media and Literature
The correct spelling of “tomorrow” is consistently used across various forms of media and literature, reinforcing its standard usage.
Similarly, understanding the nuances of other frequently confused words, such as Yesterday’s vs. Yesterdays, can further improve writing accuracy.
- In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the famous soliloquy begins: “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day…”
- The popular musical Annie features the iconic song “Tomorrow,” with lyrics that optimistically declare, “The sun’ll come out tomorrow.”
- From Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach. Oh, tell me I may sponge away the writing on this stone!” — a promise to change starting tomorrow.
- A headline from The New York Times on June 1, 2026, might read: “New Policy Takes Effect Tomorrow, Affecting Millions.”
Tomorrow Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| The next day | Referring to the day immediately following the current one. |
| The following day | Similar to “the next day,” often used in narrative. |
| On the morrow (archaic) | An older, poetic way of saying “on the next day.” |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Why is “tommorow” such a common misspelling?
“Tommorow” is a common misspelling largely due to how the word sounds. The double ‘r’ often gets confused with a double ‘m’ by those who are spelling phonetically, or it’s a simple oversight in typing. The correct spelling, “tomorrow,” has a single ‘m’ and a double ‘r’.
Question 2: Can “tomorrow” be used as a noun?
Yes, “tomorrow” can function as a noun, referring to the day itself. For example, you might say, “Tomorrow holds new possibilities,” or “We need to plan for tomorrow.”
Question 3: Is “tomorrow” a formal or informal word?
“Tomorrow” is a neutral word in terms of formality. It is appropriate for use in all contexts, from casual conversation to highly formal academic or business writing. Its usage is standard across all registers of English.
Conclusion
In the debate between “tomorrow” and “tommorow,” the clear victor is “tomorrow.” It is the only correct and universally accepted spelling for the day after today. While “tommorow” is a frequent misspelling, likely arising from phonetic approximations, it should be diligently avoided in all written communication.
Pro Tip: Always proofread your work carefully, especially for common misspellings like “tommorow.” Consistent use of correct grammar and spelling, even in seemingly minor details, significantly enhances your credibility and professionalism in any written context.
