Spelling errors can easily confuse writers and readers. One common mistake that many people make is mixing up the words comming and coming. In this article, we’ll explore why coming is the correct spelling and clear up any confusion around comming. You’ll also learn helpful tips to avoid similar spelling mistakes in the future.
What Does “Comming” Mean?
The word comming doesn’t really have a proper meaning in the English language. It is simply an incorrect spelling of the word coming. People often make this mistake because of the similarity between the two words and the spelling rules that govern English grammar.
When you see the word comming, it’s easy to assume it’s just a typo. But, this misspelling can make your writing look unprofessional or careless. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to understand the correct spelling and follow the basic spelling rules.
How Do You Spell “Coming”?
The word coming is the present participle of the verb come. This form is used to show an ongoing action or an event that is about to happen. For example, “She is coming to the party.” The correct spelling of this word is coming with a double “m”.
The reason for the double “m” in coming lies in English spelling rules. When adding the suffix -ing to a word ending in a single vowel followed by a consonant, we usually double the final consonant if the stress is on the last syllable. This helps maintain the pronunciation of the word. Therefore, coming follows this rule.
Why Not “Comming”?
So, why is comming incorrect? The error likely comes from misapplying certain spelling rules. The rule about doubling consonants applies only to words where the stress is on the final syllable. For example, hop becomes hopping, and run becomes running. However, when the stress is not on the last syllable, like in coming, the final consonant should not be doubled.
In the case of coming, we follow the rule for words with a stressed last syllable. This means that the correct spelling is coming, and comming is a mistake. Understanding this will help you avoid confusion in the future.
Mastering English Spelling: “Comming” vs. “Coming”
When learning how to spell correctly, it’s essential to follow established grammar guidelines and spelling rules. As we’ve seen, the correct spelling of this word is coming. But it’s not always easy to know when to double a consonant and when to leave it alone.
One helpful tip is to remember that doubling the consonant often occurs in words with a stressed syllable at the end. For example, run becomes running, but prefer becomes preferring. These subtle grammar guidelines ensure that words retain their proper pronunciation.
Examples of “Coming” in Sentences
Let’s look at some examples of coming in sentences to help you understand how to use it properly. These examples will show you the correct usage of the word in different contexts:
| Sentence | Context | Meaning of “Coming” |
|---|---|---|
| She’s coming to visit us tomorrow. | Describing a future event or movement. | Approaching or traveling to a specific place. |
| The train is coming soon, so we should hurry. | Talking about an impending arrival. | Approaching or about to arrive. |
| I can’t wait for the weekend; it’s coming quickly. | Refers to the passage of time toward an event. | Approaching or drawing nearer in time. |
| They are coming to the conclusion that it’s time to make a decision. | Indicates the process of forming an idea. | Reaching or arriving at an understanding or decision. |
- She’s coming to visit us tomorrow.
- The train is coming soon, so we should hurry.
- I can’t wait for the weekend; it’s coming quickly.
- They are coming to the conclusion that it’s time to make a decision.
By looking at these usage examples, you can see how coming functions in sentences. It can refer to future events or an action in progress. Remember, the correct spelling is always coming, not comming.
When Spelling Doesn’t Follow the Rules: Exceptions
In English, there are always exceptions to every rule, and spelling is no different. While we’ve covered the rule for doubling consonants, some words do not follow this pattern. For example, consider words like believe or receive. These don’t follow the typical spelling rules, and the final consonant is not doubled.
It’s important to be aware of these spelling exceptions so you don’t fall into the trap of over-applying a rule. Knowing the exceptions and practicing these words will improve your spelling accuracy over time.
Common Spelling Mistakes
Mistakes like comming are common, but they are also avoidable. Many people make spelling errors because they rely too heavily on their memory or don’t double-check their work. Here are a few of the most common spelling mistakes that people make:
- definately instead of definitely
- seperate instead of separate
- occurence instead of occurrence
- wich instead of which
By focusing on accurate spelling and regularly checking your writing, you can avoid these frequent errors. Using tools like spelling and grammar checkers can help you spot and fix mistakes you might have missed.
The Importance of Proper Spelling
Spelling is important not just for correctness but for clear and effective communication. When you make spelling errors, your writing can become harder to understand, which might confuse your reader or give a wrong impression of your work. Writing with proper spelling makes your message clearer and helps you appear more professional.
Correct spelling also makes a difference when it comes to things like job applications, academic papers, or professional correspondence. Using a spelling checker or editing software like ProWritingAid can help you spot mistakes and make sure your spelling is on point.
Using Tools to Avoid Misspellings
Fortunately, there are many tools available that can help with spelling correction. Spelling and grammar checkers like Grammarly, ProWritingAid, or Microsoft Word’s built-in spell checker can help you spot errors before you submit your writing. These tools scan your text for both spelling mistakes and grammatical errors, making it easier to perfect your work.
In addition to spell checkers, you can also use online dictionaries and thesauruses to double-check the correct spelling and meaning of words. These tools can save you time and help you avoid common misspellings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is “comming” ever a correct spelling?
No, comming is never a correct spelling. The proper spelling is coming, which follows spelling rules for doubling consonants in words with stressed syllables.
Q2: How can I remember the correct spelling of “coming”?
One trick to remember the correct spelling of coming is to think of other words that follow the same rule, like running or hopping. If the word ends in a single vowel plus a consonant, and the stress is on the last syllable, the consonant is usually doubled.
Q3: Does this spelling rule apply to other words?
Yes, the rule for doubling consonants applies to many words, especially those with a stressed last syllable. For example, begging, getting, and stopping all follow this pattern.
Q4: Are there exceptions to the rule of doubling the final consonant?
Yes, there are exceptions. In some words, like prefer or cancel, the consonant is not doubled despite the stressed syllable.
Q5: Can I use software to check spelling?
Yes, tools like ProWritingAid, Grammarly, and other spelling and grammar checkers can help you spot misspellings and ensure your writing is error-free.
Conclusion
To sum up, coming is the correct spelling, and comming is simply a spelling error. By understanding the spelling rules and using helpful writing tools, you can avoid making this mistake and improve your overall writing. Whether you’re writing for school, work, or personal projects, having correct spelling will help ensure that your communication is clear and effective.
Sources
- ProWritingAid: This article discusses the confusion between “comming” and “coming,” explaining that “comming” is an older variation now considered an occasional misspelling.
- Grammar Cove: This resource delves into the rules behind the proper spelling of “coming,” highlighting the silent “e” rule and the consonant doubling rule.
- English Twinkle: This article clarifies why “coming” is the correct spelling, emphasizing the silent “e” rule and providing examples of common misspellings.
