In English, spelling errors like confusing “comming” and “coming” can cause problems in both casual and formal writing. The correct spelling is “coming,” and mastering this difference can significantly improve your communication. Let’s break down the rules behind this common mistake and offer tips to help you avoid it in your writing.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences:
Incorrect Spelling | Correct Spelling | Reason |
---|---|---|
Comming | Coming | Drop the silent “e” when adding “-ing” to verbs like “come”. |
Why “Coming” Is The Correct Spelling
The correct spelling of the word is “coming” because of a specific rule in English spelling. Normally, when a verb ends with a silent “e,” you drop the “e” before adding the present participle “-ing.” For example:
- “make” becomes “making”
- “bake” becomes “baking”
Similarly, the verb “come” follows this pattern, so it becomes “coming” and not “comming”. Writers often overgeneralize spelling rules, leading to mistakes like doubling the “m” in “comming.” But in the case of “come,” there is no need for that, making “coming” the only correct form.
Here’s a useful example:
- Incorrect: “I will be comming to the office tomorrow.”
- Correct: “I will be coming to the office tomorrow.”
Key Points to Remember:
- Correct spelling: “coming”
- The letter “e” is dropped in verbs like “come” when adding “-ing”.
- Never double the “m” for this verb.
What Is “Coming” In Grammar?
In terms of grammar, “coming” is the present participle of the verb “come,” and it’s used in various tenses. You’ll often see it in:
- Future Continuous: “I will be coming to the party later.”
- Present Continuous: “She is coming home right now.”
These verb forms indicate actions that are ongoing or approaching. The word can also appear in casual and figurative contexts, such as “Winter is coming,” which means something is about to happen.
Scenario Example (Email):
- “Hi John, just a quick note to let you know I’m coming to the meeting at 3 PM tomorrow. Let me know if you need anything beforehand. Best, Sarah.”
Can “Coming” Be Used As A Noun?
Yes, “coming” is used as a noun in phrases like “the coming of age,” which refers to significant life stages such as the transition from childhood to adulthood. Another example is the religious phrase “the second coming,” which refers to an anticipated return of a figure or event.
Scenario Example (Event Invite):
- “We are excited to celebrate the coming of age ceremony for our son this Saturday.”
Opposite of “Coming”
The opposite of “coming” is “going.” While “coming” refers to approaching a destination, “going” means leaving or moving away from one. Both terms are essential in English for describing movement and direction.
- Coming: “I’m coming to the office.” (Approaching)
- Going: “I’m going home now.” (Leaving)
Commonly Misspelled Words (Including “Comming”)
Besides “comming,” there are several other commonly misspelled words in English. Here’s a list of frequently misspelled words along with tips to remember their proper spelling:
- Receive: Remember, it’s “i before e, except after c.”
- Definitely: Don’t forget the second “i.”
- Necessary: Think of the phrase “one collar, two sleeves” to remember the “c” and double “s.”
Bullet Point Takeaways:
- The correct spelling is always “coming”, not “comming.”
- Drop the silent “e” when adding “-ing” to verbs like “come.”
- Use tools like a spell checker to catch misspelled words.
- “Coming” can also be a noun, as seen in “the second coming.”
How Can I Improve My Spelling?
Improving your spelling takes practice, but it’s entirely doable. Here are a few tips:
- Use a Spell Checker: Tools like Grammarly or your word processor’s built-in spell checker can catch errors like “comming”.
- Create a Spelling List: If you often make the same spelling mistakes, make a list of those words and practice them.
- Read Regularly: Exposure to written English helps you naturally recognize correct spellings over time.
- Practice Writing: Regular writing practice with attention to spelling mistakes helps build confidence in spelling.
Key Spelling Tips:
- Focus on common phrases and their correct usage.
- Use context to understand spelling rules and improve your writing.
- Practice with tools like a spell checker to catch common errors.
Pro Tips:
The most crucial part of this article is understanding why “coming” is the correct spelling. This section covers the spelling rule: verbs ending in a silent “e” drop the “e” before adding “-ing.” By applying this rule, you avoid mistakes not just with “coming” but also with other commonly misspelled verbs. Mastering this rule simplifies English spelling and helps prevent simple mistakes that can slip into formal writing.
FAQs About “Comming” Or “Coming”: Which Is Correct?
Q: Is “comming” ever correct?
A: No. “Comming” is always a misspelling; the correct word is “coming.”
Q: Can “coming” be used as a noun?
A: Yes. In contexts like “the coming of age,” “coming” functions as a noun, marking an event or transition.
Q: Is there a word that sounds like “comming”?
A: Yes. “Calming” sounds similar, but it has a different meaning and spelling.
Conclusion
In summary, “coming” is the correct spelling, while “comming” is a common mistake. Knowing the present participle rules for verbs can make a world of difference in your writing. Whether you’re writing an email, creating a report, or simply having a casual conversation, getting these small details right will improve your clarity and professionalism.
By paying attention to commonly misspelled words, using a spell checker, and understanding specific rules of English, you can significantly improve your spelling and avoid common pitfalls like confusing “comming” with “coming.“
Emily Olivia is an experienced writer specializing in grammar and English language topics. With a passion for clarity and precision, she shares valuable insights on synonyms, grammar rules, and writing tips to help readers enhance their language skills on Grammar Path.