Spelling in English can be tricky. The language has many rules, exceptions, and confusing words that even native speakers sometimes stumble over. One common issue people face is deciding between “comming” or “coming.” While both words might sound similar, their meanings, uses, and correct spellings differ. So, let’s dive into the details and clear up this confusion.
The Common Mistake: “Comming” vs. “Coming”
The word “coming” is the correct form, while “comming” is simply a misspelling. It’s a frequent error made by writers, especially when they are typing quickly or not paying attention to details. But why is it important to get this right?
Why is “Coming” Correct?
“Coming” is the present participle of the verb “come.” It refers to something or someone moving toward or arriving at a particular place. It’s widely used in phrases such as “coming soon” or “coming up next,” and it also appears in more complex verb tenses, like the future progressive tense (e.g., “I will be coming to the party tomorrow”).
When we spell coming, we use “c” and “o,” followed by two “m”s. You can remember this because it’s a common English rule for verbs ending in “-ing.” It’s just one of those spelling quirks that English learners must get used to.
What About “Comming”?
The spelling “comming” is not a word in English. It’s simply a typo or a misunderstanding of the correct form, coming. This mistake might occur because of how similar “m” and “n” sound when typed quickly or carelessly.
Scenario Example: Email Communication
Let’s consider an example where this mistake could happen in an email.
Example 1:
Subject: Event Updates for Tomorrow
Hi Sarah,
I just wanted to inform you that the event is comming soon. We are excited to see you and all the guests. Let me know if you need any further details!
Best regards,
John
What’s wrong with this email?
In this case, the word comming should be spelled coming. The correct phrasing would be:
“The event is coming soon.”
Using comming here creates a typo that would stand out to the recipient. A simple mistake like this can reduce the professionalism of your communication.
Understanding the Right Way to Spell “Coming”
Let’s break down how to spell coming correctly. This word is an essential part of English grammar and is used in many different contexts.
- Coming is the present participle of the verb “come.”
- It’s used to indicate something or someone approaching or arriving.
- Coming soon is a popular phrase that you’ll often encounter in advertising or event promotions. It indicates that something will be available or happen shortly.
When Did “Comming” Change to “Coming”?
Interestingly, the incorrect spelling comming is not a new phenomenon. The error likely comes from older forms of the language, but the modern spelling coming has been standard for centuries. In fact, the change to coming has occurred over time as spelling conventions were regularized in English.
Historically, English spelling was inconsistent. There was no universal standard until the 18th century when dictionaries began to be published. Samuel Johnson’s “A Dictionary of the English Language” (1755) played a significant role in establishing standardized spellings. The use of coming became more widespread, and comming faded into being recognized as incorrect.
How to Pronounce “Coming”
Knowing how to pronounce coming properly can help avoid confusion, especially for non-native English speakers. The word is pronounced as /ˈkʌmɪŋ/, which sounds like “KUM-ing”. It’s quite straightforward, but pronunciation could be a challenge depending on the speaker’s accent or language background.
For example:
- American English: “Coming” might sound more like “kumm-ing,” with a softer “r.”
- British English: Some British accents may emphasize the “o” a bit more, so it may sound slightly different.
Coming vs. Comming: A Simple Comparison
Let’s clarify the difference between coming and comming using a simple breakdown:
Word | Definition | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
Coming | The present participle of “come,” indicating arrival. | “The train is coming soon.” |
Comming | Incorrect spelling of “coming.” | Not a correct word in English. |
As you can see, comming does not exist in standard English and should always be corrected to coming.
The Importance of Correct Spelling in Writing
Whether you are writing an email, text message, or formal report, spelling matters. Incorrect spelling can lead to confusion and may impact the credibility of your writing. Let’s look at why correct spelling is so vital:
- Professionalism: Errors like “comming” instead of “coming” can make you look careless or unprofessional.
- Clarity: Misspelled words can change the meaning of a sentence, leading to misunderstandings.
- Credibility: Writers who consistently use proper spelling appear more trustworthy and competent.
“Coming Soon” – A Phrase You’ll See Everywhere
Have you ever noticed the phrase “coming soon” everywhere? It’s used in various contexts, from movie promotions to product launches. This phrase signifies that something exciting or new is on its way.
Common Usage of “Coming Soon”
- Product Launches:
“Our new smartphone model is coming soon. Stay tuned for updates!” - Movies/Shows:
“The latest action thriller is coming soon to theaters near you.” - Events and Sales:
“A special holiday sale is coming soon. Don’t miss out!“
The use of coming soon helps build anticipation and excitement. It’s effective marketing that encourages people to stay tuned for future events or releases.
Comming Meaning and its Misconceptions
In some languages, like Malayalam or Bengali, people may confuse the misspelling comming with the correct word coming. Let’s take a look at the meanings in these languages.
- Coming meaning in Malayalam: In Malayalam, coming is used to indicate someone or something that is arriving or approaching.
- Coming meaning in Bengali: The meaning in Bengali is similar, indicating the act of arrival or approaching.
So, while comming is not a word, coming holds significance in many languages, and people across the world use it in similar contexts, such as waiting for an event, arrival, or announcement.
Comming or Coming Soon – Which is Correct?
Let’s say you’re promoting a new product or event. You may want to use the phrase coming soon to create anticipation. Here’s an example:
Example 2:
Subject: Exclusive Sneak Peek – Coming Soon!
Dear Emily,
I’m excited to inform you that our new collection is coming soon! We can’t wait for you to see the new designs. Keep an eye on your inbox for the official launch date!
Warm regards,
Sarah
In this case, coming soon is correct. The phrase builds excitement and promises something exciting in the near future. Don’t confuse it with comming soon, as that would be a mistake.
20 Key Points to Remember About “Coming” and “Comming”
- Coming is the correct form; comming is a misspelling.
- “Coming” is the present participle of “come.”
- Comming does not exist in standard English.
- Correct spelling ensures professional communication.
- “Coming soon” is a common phrase used for promotions and events.
- The word coming has existed for centuries.
- Coming is used to indicate arrival or approach.
- Comming is often typed as a typo, not a valid word.
- Misusing comming can reduce your writing’s credibility.
- Coming is pronounced “KUM-ing.”
- The phrase coming soon builds excitement and anticipation.
- The spelling of coming has remained consistent over time.
- The use of comming might be influenced by regional dialects or typing errors.
- Correct spelling can impact the clarity of your message.
- Comming meaning is irrelevant because it’s not a word.
- Many languages like Malayalam and Bengali use similar words to express “coming.”
- The correct spelling helps your audience trust your writing.
- Always double-check for spelling mistakes like comming in your drafts.
- In email communication, correct spelling ensures professionalism.
- When in doubt, refer to a dictionary to verify spellings like coming.
How Writing Tools Can Help
In today’s digital age, writing tools have become an invaluable asset for writers, students, professionals, and anyone looking to improve their writing skills. These tools can significantly aid in the spelling and grammar checking process, ensuring that your work is polished and free from common errors, like confusing “comming” and “coming.”
1. Spell Checkers
One of the most helpful writing tools is the spell checker. These tools automatically detect and highlight misspelled words, offering corrections in real time. This is particularly beneficial for words that sound alike but are spelled differently, like “coming” and “comming.” For example, most word processors (like Microsoft Word or Google Docs) will underline misspelled words in red and suggest alternatives.
Using spell checkers can save time and help you catch errors you might overlook, especially when you’re typing quickly or under pressure.
2. Grammar Checkers
Grammar checkers, such as Grammarly or Hemingway Editor, go a step further than spell checkers by analyzing sentence structure, punctuation, and overall readability. These tools can suggest improvements for clarity, conciseness, and flow. They also identify common mistakes like subject-verb agreement or punctuation errors.
For example, if you use the wrong form of “coming” in a sentence, grammar checkers can alert you to the error and provide the correct form. They also suggest alternative ways to improve sentence construction, helping to avoid awkward phrasing.
3. Thesaurus and Synonym Finders
Sometimes, finding the right word to express your ideas is a challenge. Thesaurus tools help you discover synonyms and alternative expressions that can make your writing more dynamic and engaging. Tools like Thesaurus.com or the built-in thesaurus feature in word processors allow you to find words with similar meanings, helping you avoid repetition.
4. Style Checkers
Some writing tools focus specifically on the style and tone of your writing. These tools analyze your text for clarity, consistency, and overall readability. Hemingway Editor, for example, highlights sentences that are difficult to read and suggests simpler alternatives. These tools help you maintain a consistent voice, ensuring your writing sounds natural and professional.
5. Plagiarism Checkers
If you’re working on academic or professional projects, plagiarism checkers can help ensure that your work is original. These tools compare your text against vast databases of existing content and highlight sections that may be unintentionally similar to other works. Popular tools like Turnitin and Copy scape are widely used to ensure proper citation and prevent unintentional plagiarism.
Conclusion
Mastering English spelling—like understanding the difference between “comming” and “coming”—is essential for effective communication. While comming is an incorrect spelling, knowing the right spelling of commonly confused words helps maintain clarity, professionalism, and trust in your writing.
Utilizing writing tools can dramatically improve the quality of your writing. Spell checkers, grammar checkers, style checkers, and other resources provide invaluable assistance in detecting and correcting errors, ensuring your work is error-free and engaging. These tools allow you to focus on expressing your ideas clearly and persuasively without worrying about technical mistakes.
Johan is an professional & experienced blogger passionate about language and writing on Grammar root. He shares his expertise in grammar, punctuation, and effective communication, making complex rules simple and accessible for readers. With a knack for clear explanations and engaging content, Steel aims to help others master the art of language.