Mastering English Spelling: “Comming” or “Coming”?

Have you ever been typing an email or working on a report, and found yourself pausing at a word that you’re unsure about spelling? You might think you’ve got it right, but then your fingers type “comming” instead of “coming,” and suddenly you’re faced with a red underline telling you that something’s wrong. It’s a common mistake, but it can make your writing look unprofessional and undermine your credibility.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into why this mistake happens and how you can avoid it. We’ll explore the rules behind correct spelling, common misconceptions, and ways to ensure your writing stays clear and polished. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply a language enthusiast, understanding why “comming” is incorrect and “coming” is correct can help you elevate your writing. Let’s start by getting the basics straight.

Quick Summary: “Comming” vs. “Coming”

Before we dive into the details, let’s get the main point across clearly:

• The correct spelling is “coming”—it’s the present participle of the verb “come.”
• “Comming” is an incorrect spelling, often a result of confusion stemming from similar spelling patterns in English.

Why the Confusion?

At first glance, it’s easy to see why someone might mistakenly type “comming” instead of “coming.” English spelling is notoriously tricky, and this is just one of those instances where the rules don’t follow what seems like an intuitive pattern.

One major reason this mistake happens is due to the way English words are often spelled phonetically, which can trick writers into thinking that certain words should follow a predictable pattern. Let’s break this down a little further:

• Consonant Doubling: English often requires a consonant to be doubled when a word ends with a single vowel and a single consonant before adding a suffix like “-ing.” For example:
  • Run → Running
  • Hop → Hopping

But “come” ends with a silent “e”, which is where the confusion arises. The rule of doubling consonants doesn’t apply here, and instead, the silent “e” is dropped when adding “-ing.”

Detailed Explanation & Correct Usage

So, why exactly is “coming” the correct spelling and “comming” not? Let’s break it down:

1. The Silent “E” Rule:
   When a verb ends in a silent “e,” you simply drop the “e” before adding the suffix “-ing.” This is one of the simplest, yet most common, rules in English spelling. Here’s how it works for a few other words:
   • Make → Making
   • Write → Writing
   • Come → Coming

In each of these cases, the silent “e” at the end is not pronounced, so it’s dropped when adding the “-ing” suffix.

2. Why Doesn’t “Comming” Follow the Doubling Consonant Rule?
   The consonant doubling rule is applied when a word ends in a short vowel sound followed by a consonant, such as “hop” or “run.” But “come” is different. The final “e” is silent and doesn’t have the same phonetic impact, so it’s dropped, and the “m” isn’t doubled. Hence, “comming” isn’t the correct form.
3. How to Avoid the Mistake: The key to remembering this rule is knowing when and why the silent “e” is dropped. If the word ends in a silent “e” (like “come”), just drop it before adding “-ing.” This rule works for most verbs, so once you’ve internalized it, you’ll be able to avoid mistakes like “comming” for good.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Spelling errors like “comming” are common, but they’re easy to fix once you understand the root cause. Here are some frequent errors related to silent “e” words, along with corrections:

Incorrect Spelling	Correct Spelling	Reason
Comming	Coming	Silent “e” rule—drop the “e.”
Baken	Baked	Silent “e” rule—drop the “e.”
Siting	Sitting	Doubling consonants after short vowel sounds.
Hoped	Hopeing	Silent “e” rule—drop the “e.”

Tips to avoid these mistakes:

• Know your rules. Get comfortable with the silent “e” rule and the doubling consonant rule.
• Proofread. Always double-check your writing for these common errors.
• Use writing tools. Programs like Grammarly or ProWritingAid can catch many of these spelling mistakes.

Synonyms or Alternatives

While the focus of this article is on the distinction between “comming” and “coming,” there are instances where you may want to consider synonyms or alternative phrases based on context. Here are a few related expressions:

• Approaching: Can be used instead of “coming” when referring to something or someone nearing.
  • Example: “The deadline is approaching quickly.”
• Arriving: A more formal alternative when someone is physically coming to a place.
  • Example: “He is arriving at the station soon.”
• Forthcoming: More formal and often used for scheduled events or situations.
  • Example: “The forthcoming meeting will cover important updates.”

Each of these terms may be more appropriate depending on the context, so be mindful of the tone and formality of your writing.

Examples in Sentences

Now let’s take a look at “coming” in various sentence examples. We’ll cover both informal and formal settings to give you a well-rounded view of how to use the word correctly.

1. In an Informal Setting:
   • “I can’t believe it’s already coming up so fast! We need to prepare.”
   • “I hope everything is coming together for your birthday party.”
2. In a Formal Business Email:
   • “The annual conference is coming up next month, and we should finalize the schedule soon.”
   • “Please confirm if the revised proposal is coming along as planned.”
3. In Motivational Speaking:
   • “The future is full of opportunities, and many great things are coming our way.”
   • “Change is coming, and with it, new challenges to overcome.”

Origins & History

The word “coming” comes from the Old English word “cumen”, meaning “to arrive” or “to approach.” It’s derived from the Proto-Germanic root “kuman”, which was used to describe movement or arrival. Over time, as English evolved, the spelling was standardized to its modern form.

The concept of dropping the silent “e” when adding suffixes like “-ing” follows a long-standing tradition in English language rules. Spelling was initially inconsistent, especially in the early centuries of the language, but over time, standardized rules were put in place to make writing more predictable. This is why understanding and adhering to these rules is essential for mastering English spelling.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the difference between “comming” and “coming” is rooted in one of the most straightforward spelling rules in English: when a verb ends in a silent “e,” that “e” is dropped before adding the “-ing” suffix. This means that the correct spelling is always “coming,” and “comming” is a mistake that can easily be avoided by understanding the silent “e” rule.

Spelling mistakes, while common, can be avoided by reviewing basic rules and practicing. Whether you’re writing an email, an essay, or giving a presentation, using correct spelling—like “coming”—shows your attention to detail and professionalism. Keep in mind that even small errors can impact how your message is perceived, especially in business or academic settings.

By following the rules, proofreading carefully, and using helpful writing tools, you can master English spelling and ensure that your writing is clear, effective, and error-free. So next time you type “coming,” you can rest easy knowing you’re following the correct spelling rule!