Table of Contents
The Quick Answer
If you are looking for the correct spelling, here it is: Coming is the only correct spelling in standard English.
The word requires only one "m" (C-O-M-I-N-G). Spelling it as "comming" with a double "m" is universally considered a grammatical error in professional, academic, and casual writing. If you struggle with this word, you are not alone—it is one of the most frequently misspelled words in the American English language.
Correct Spelling
The definitive way to write this word.
C-O-M-I-N-G
Take note of the single "m" in the middle of the word. This is the only accepted spelling in both American and British English dictionaries.
Common Misspellings
The most frequent errors writers make.
Comming
Adding an extra "m". The most common error.
Comeing
Failing to drop the silent "e". A frequent spelling error.
Comin
Missing the final "g". A severe spelling error or slang.
Why Is This Word Misspelled?
The linguistic breakdown of a notorious spelling trap.
The confusion stems from a clash between English spelling rules. Writers know that when a word ends in a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern (like 'run'), you often double the final consonant before adding '-ing' (running). However, 'come' ends in a silent 'e', which dictates a completely different rule.
The Phonetic Trap
Spoken: KUM-ing. The short vowel sound in the first syllable tricks the brain into wanting a double consonant to close it, as seen in 'humming' or 'summing.'
The Suffix Rule
Written: C-O-M-I-N-G. When a word ends in a silent 'e', you must drop the 'e' before adding a vowel suffix like '-ing'. You do not double the consonant.
Correct Spelling Breakdown
Analyzing the word syllable by syllable.
com
Root part 1 (from Old English 'cuman', 'e' dropped)
ing
Suffix (present participle ending)
No intermediate vowels
Base present participle form
Notice how the base word "come" loses its silent "e" when meeting the vowel suffix "-ing". The 'm' is never doubled because the 'e' already did the job of making the 'o' long.
Spelling Pattern
The Latin assimilation rule at work.
To understand why the single "m" exists, we have to look at the base word "come." In English, when a base word ends in a silent 'e', the standard rule is to drop that 'e' before adding a vowel suffix like '-ing'. This prevents the awkward 'ei' cluster and keeps the word clean.
Because you drop the 'e', you are simply left with 'com' + 'ing' = 'coming'. There is no rule that says you should double the 'm' here. Doubling the consonant is reserved for short vowel sounds (like 'hop' becoming 'hopping'), whereas 'come' features a long 'o' sound controlled by the silent 'e'.
Noah Webster, the father of American English spelling, solidified this rule to make spelling more predictable. Words like 'making', 'taking', and 'coming' all follow this exact same drop-the-e pattern without doubling any consonants.
Meaning
What does "coming" actually mean?
Approaching or arriving
Moving toward a location or person.
- The train is coming now.
- Help is on the way, it's coming.
- She is coming to the party.
Happening in the future
Occurring at a later time (Adjective).
- In the coming weeks, we will see changes.
- He is excited for the coming year.
- The coming storm looks fierce.
An arrival
The act of arriving or emerging (Noun).
- The coming of the internet changed everything.
- We await the coming of spring.
- The second coming was prophesied.
Originating from
To be descended or derived from a source.
- She comes from a large family.
- The word is coming from Latin roots.
- That wealth is coming from old money.
To occur to the mind
To suddenly think of an idea.
- A great idea is coming to me.
- The realization came slowly.
- The answer is finally coming to him.
Advancing in rank
To rise in status or popularity.
- He is coming up in the world.
- She is a coming artist.
- The senator is a coming force in politics.
Breaking through
Emerging from clouds or darkness.
- The sun is finally coming out.
- Spring is coming early this year.
- The stars are coming into view.
To be provided
To become available or supplied.
- The money is coming soon.
- Help is coming from the government.
- New inventory is coming tomorrow.
To reach a state
To arrive at a particular conclusion or state of being.
- We are coming to an agreement.
- They are coming to terms with the loss.
- The engine is coming to life.
Achieving climax
Reaching a peak of excitement or success (Informal).
- The crowd is coming unglued.
- The festival is coming to a close.
- She felt like she was coming apart.
Pronunciation (US English)
How to properly say the word in American English.
/ˈkʌmɪŋ/
In American English, the stress is placed on the first syllable (KUM-ing). The 'o' is pronounced as a short 'u' sound, and the second syllable is a soft, unstressed 'ing'.
Syllable Breakdown:
- com
- ing
Part of Speech & Grammar
How the word transforms across different grammatical forms.
Coming
The present participle of 'come'. Used to show ongoing action of arriving or moving toward.
She is coming over.
Coming
The act of arriving or emerging. Often used in the phrase 'the coming'.
We await his coming.
Coming
Describing something that will happen in the near future.
The coming months will be hard.
Word Family
Words that share the same root and spelling patterns.
Words Commonly Confused With It
Understanding the difference between similar concepts.
Coming vs. Going
Coming means moving toward the speaker or a destination. Going means moving away from the speaker. Example: She is coming to my house. She is going to the store.
Coming vs. Arriving
Coming implies the journey toward a place. Arriving implies reaching the final destination. Example: The train is coming down the track. The train is arriving at the station.
Similar-Looking Words
Visual traps that cause spelling errors.
Coma
A state of deep unconsciousness. Has one 'm' but no 'ing'.
Comma
A punctuation mark. Has two 'm's but ends in 'a'.
How to Remember the Spelling
Memory tricks & mnemonics to lock it in forever.
1. The "Drop the E" Mnemonic
The most famous trick. Say to yourself: "When you add -ing to come, the 'e' runs away." This plays directly on the spelling rule, tying the missing letter to a visual story.
2. The "No Room" Trick
Think about the word 'come'. It has one 'm'. There is no room for two 'm's in 'coming'. Keep it simple: one 'm' for moving.
3. The "Long O" Pattern
Remember that 'come' has a long vowel sound controlled by a silent 'e'. We only double consonants after short vowel sounds (like 'hopping'). Since 'come' doesn't have a short vowel, we don't double the 'm'.
4. The "Come In" Trick
Remember the phrase 'come in'. 'Coming' is just 'come' plus an 'in' suffix (spelled -ing). You wouldn't write 'comm in', so don't write 'comming'.
Common Collocations
Words that are frequently used together with "coming".
- Coming soon
- Coming up
- Coming of age
- Coming together
- The coming year
- Coming back
50 Example Sentences
See the word in action across 5 distinct contexts.
Travel & Arrival
- The flight is coming in late due to the weather.
- I can see the bus coming down the street.
- Are you coming to the airport with me?
- The package is coming via overnight delivery.
- She is coming over for dinner tonight.
- We are coming into the station now.
- The rescue helicopter is coming to our location.
- He is coming home from college this weekend.
- The train is coming to a complete stop.
- They are coming to visit us next summer.
Future & Anticipation
- In the coming weeks, we will announce the winners.
- The coming storm is expected to drop heavy snow.
- We need to prepare for the coming changes.
- The coming year will be full of challenges.
- He is excited about his coming birthday party.
- The coming election is highly anticipated.
- Investors are worried about the coming recession.
- The coming of spring brings new life.
- We are ready for whatever is coming next.
- The coming generation will face new problems.
Events & Entertainment
- The movie is coming to theaters this Friday.
- The band is coming out with a new album.
- Comedy night is coming up this weekend.
- The festival is coming together nicely.
- Tickets for the coming concert are sold out.
- The parade is coming down Main Street.
- The circus is coming to town.
- The sequel is coming out next year.
- The announcement is coming any minute now.
- The grand opening is coming soon.
Business & Professional
- The Q3 report is coming out tomorrow.
- New software is coming to all company laptops.
- The coming merger will change the industry.
- We are coming to a consensus on the issue.
- The client is coming in for a meeting at noon.
- More funding is coming from the corporate office.
- The coming fiscal year looks promising.
- The project is coming along smoothly.
- New regulations are coming from the government.
- He is coming up with a brilliant marketing strategy.
Abstract & Idiomatic
- The realization is finally coming to him.
- She is coming to terms with her illness.
- Everything is coming up roses for the couple.
- The engine is coming back to life.
- His patience is coming to an end.
- The truth is coming out slowly.
- The pieces of the puzzle are coming together.
- He is coming apart at the seams.
- The idea is coming from a place of love.
- The dark ages are coming to a close.
Everyday Usage
How to use the word in casual, daily life.
In daily conversation, "coming" is heavily used to talk about plans, arrivals, and immediate futures. For example, telling a friend, "Are you coming to the party?" asks about their attendance. It is one of the most common action words in casual speech.
- Are you coming to the airport with me?
- I can see the bus coming down the street.
- She is coming over for dinner tonight.
- The movie is coming to theaters this Friday.
- He is coming home from college this weekend.
Academic Usage
How to use the word in essays and research.
In academic writing, "coming" is frequently used to describe historical arrivals or future projections. For instance, "The coming of the Industrial Revolution altered society." It can also denote the emergence of ideas or eras.
- The coming of the Industrial Revolution altered society.
- In the coming decades, climate change will accelerate.
- The coming of the internet revolutionized communication.
- Scholars are analyzing the coming technological singularity.
- The coming election is highly anticipated.
Professional Usage
How to use the word in business and corporate settings.
In business emails, "coming" is used to manage timelines and expectations. Saying "The report is coming out tomorrow" sets a clear deadline. It implies movement toward a goal or the imminent arrival of a deliverable.
- The Q3 report is coming out tomorrow.
- New software is coming to all company laptops.
- The client is coming in for a meeting at noon.
- The project is coming along smoothly.
- We are coming to a consensus on the issue.
Formal vs. Casual Usage
Knowing when to use "coming" vs. simpler synonyms.
Formal / Professional
- In the coming fiscal year, we anticipate a 10% growth in revenue.
- The delegates are coming to a mutual agreement regarding the treaty.
- The coming of the new administration will bring policy shifts.
- The proposed legislation is coming up for a vote next week.
- We are coming to the conclusion that the hypothesis is flawed.
Casual / Everyday
- Are you coming to the game tonight?
- I think a storm is coming, it looks dark outside.
- My folks are coming into town for the holidays.
- The new season of my favorite show is coming out soon.
- He's coming apart because he lost his phone.
Synonyms, Antonyms & Rhyming Words
Words related to, opposite of, and sounding like coming.
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
Common Mistakes
Avoid these frequent spelling pitfalls.
The train is comming.
✓ The train is coming.
Explanation: "Comming" incorrectly uses a double "m". This is the most common error in American English.
Tip: Remember to drop the 'e' from 'come' before adding '-ing'.
Are you comeing to the party?
✓ Are you coming to the party?
Explanation: "Comeing" fails to drop the silent 'e'.
Tip: Never leave the 'e' in when adding '-ing' to 'come'.
In the comming weeks.
✓ In the coming weeks.
Explanation: Even as an adjective, the single "m" is required.
Tip: Apply the same spelling rule to all forms of the word.
She is comming home.
✓ She is coming home.
Explanation: Doubling the 'm' is a frequent typo driven by short vowel sounds.
Tip: 'Come' has a long vowel, so don't double the consonant.
The storm is comming.
✓ The storm is coming.
Explanation: Even in casual writing, the single "m" is strictly required.
Tip: Auto-correct often misses this; proofread manually.
He is comming up with a plan.
✓ He is coming up with a plan.
Explanation: Writers often double the 'm' out of habit.
Tip: Write the word out slowly: C-O-M-I-N-G.
The comeing of spring.
✓ The coming of spring.
Explanation: Retaining the 'e' makes the word visually awkward and incorrect.
Tip: Break it into syllables: com-ing.
The comming election.
✓ The coming election.
Explanation: Political or formal contexts frequently suffer from this typo.
Tip: Remember the rule: drop the 'e', keep the 'm'.
We are comming to an agreement.
✓ We are coming to an agreement.
Explanation: Using a double 'm' in the present participle form is wrong.
Tip: Keep the base word intact: come (drop e) + ing.
What is comming next?
✓ What is coming next?
Explanation: Missing the single 'm' rule due to the schwa sound.
Tip: Say it out loud: "C-O-M-I-N-G."
Correct vs. Incorrect Examples
Grammar and context usage comparisons.
Incorrect
He is coming to home.
Correct
He is coming home.
Incorrect
She is coming from the store to here.
Correct
She is coming here from the store.
Incorrect
I am coming with you to go.
Correct
I am coming with you.
Incorrect
The comming storm is bad.
Correct
The coming storm is bad.
Incorrect
He is coming to my house for to eat.
Correct
He is coming to my house to eat.
Incorrect
The coming of the new year are near.
Correct
The coming of the new year is near.
Incorrect
What is coming up to?
Correct
What is coming up?
Incorrect
We are coming to a conclusion.
Correct
We are coming to a conclusion.
Incorrect
She is coming from money.
Correct
She comes from money.
Incorrect
The comeing attractions.
Correct
The coming attractions.
🎮 Mini Quiz
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions.
Is 'comming' ever an accepted spelling?
No. In both American and British English, 'comming' is universally considered a misspelling. It is never accepted in formal writing, academic papers, or professional publications. The only correct spelling is 'coming' with a single 'm'.
Why do people misspell it as 'comming'?
The primary reason is the misapplication of the consonant-doubling rule. Writers hear the short 'u' sound in 'coming' and assume they need to double the 'm', as in 'humming' or 'running'. They forget that 'come' ends in a silent 'e', which prevents doubling.
What is the best memory trick for this word?
The most famous mnemonic is: 'Drop the E, keep the M.' This reminds you to drop the silent 'e' from 'come' before adding '-ing', without doubling any consonants.
Is 'coming' spelled differently in the UK?
No. Unlike words such as 'color/colour' or 'center/centre', no spelling reform was applied differently to 'coming.' It is spelled with one 'm' on both sides of the Atlantic.
Can 'coming' be used as an adjective?
Yes. As an adjective, it means happening in the near future. For example, 'the coming year' or 'the coming storm.' It retains the exact same spelling with the single 'm'.
What is the origin of the word coming?
It comes from the Old English word 'cuman', which means 'to move toward or approach.' It has Germanic roots and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages.
How do you use coming in a sentence?
You use it as a verb to show movement toward you (e.g., 'She is coming over') or as an adjective for the future (e.g., 'The coming months'). You can also use it as a noun for an arrival (e.g., 'The coming of spring').
Is coming a formal word?
Yes, it is a standard English word suitable for all contexts, from casual conversation to highly formal academic and legal documents.
Does coming have a prefix and a root?
No. It is made of a base word ('come' with the 'e' dropped) and a suffix ('-ing'). There is no prefix involved in this word.
What is the difference between coming and arriving?
'Coming' implies the journey toward a destination, especially toward the speaker. 'Arriving' implies reaching the final destination. Someone can be 'coming' for hours, but they only 'arrive' once.
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