English is a tricky language, often filled with rules, exceptions, and nuances that can leave even the most experienced writers scratching their heads. One of the most common mistakes in spelling that many people stumble upon is the confusion between the words “comming” and “coming.” While they may seem similar, understanding the subtle differences can significantly improve your writing and communication skills.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into why “coming” is the correct choice and why “comming” is a common error. We’ll break down the rules that govern these words, explain why people make this mistake, and provide helpful scenarios to illustrate their proper use. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to avoid this common pitfall in your writing.
Understanding the Difference: “Comming” vs. “Coming”
At first glance, it may seem like “comming” and “coming” are interchangeable. After all, they both stem from the verb “come” and follow the same basic pattern. However, there is a clear distinction when it comes to spelling.
The correct form is “coming.” It follows a specific rule in English spelling related to silent “e” and the use of the -ing suffix.
When adding the suffix -ing to a verb ending in a silent “e,” the “e” is dropped. This rule applies to many verbs in English, including “come,” which transforms into “coming.”
On the other hand, “comming” is incorrect because it doesn’t adhere to this rule. The misconception behind “comming” arises from the pattern seen in words like “running” or “beginning,” where consonants are doubled. However, this rule does not apply to “come” because it ends with a silent “e.”
Why “Comming” Is Incorrect
The confusion between “comming” and “coming” often stems from a misunderstanding of when to double consonants. In English, the rule for doubling consonants is straightforward: if a word ends in a single vowel followed by a single consonant, the consonant is doubled before adding the -ing suffix. For example, “run” becomes “running”, and “begin” becomes “beginning.”
However, “come” ends in a silent “e”, so it does not follow the consonant-doubling rule. Instead, the silent “e” is simply dropped, resulting in the correct form: “coming.”
Using “comming” in place of “coming” is a spelling error because it breaks this well-established rule of silent “e” dropping when adding suffixes.
Scenario Example: The Incorrect Use of “Comming”
Imagine you’re working on a project and need to send an email to a colleague. Here’s a scenario where “comming” is mistakenly used:
Subject: Update on the Upcoming Presentation
Hi John,
Just wanted to check in about the slides you’re preparing. Is everything comming together as planned?
Let me know if you need any help.
Best,
Sarah
In this case, “comming” is an error. The correct sentence should read: “Is everything coming together as planned?”
The use of “comming” here could confuse your reader, especially in professional communication, where accuracy and attention to detail matter.
The Correct Use: “Coming”
Now that we’ve established that “comming” is incorrect, let’s look at how “coming” is used correctly. The key is to remember the silent “e” rule, which simplifies the spelling of many verbs when adding the -ing suffix.
In the example below, “coming” is used appropriately:
Subject: Follow-Up on the Project
Hi Lisa,
I just wanted to confirm that the revised proposal is coming along well. The client is expecting it by Friday.
Let me know if you encounter any issues.
Regards,
Mark
Here, “coming” is the correct spelling because “come” ends in a silent “e,” and the “e” is dropped when adding the -ing suffix.
Why Do We Make This Mistake?
Spelling errors like “comming” often happen because English spelling rules are not always intuitive. The most common reason people make this mistake is due to the doubling consonant rule, which applies to many other words. It’s easy to assume that a verb like “come” should follow the same rule as verbs like “run” or “begin,” which do double their final consonant when adding -ing.
Additionally, people sometimes overlook silent letters, especially the silent “e” at the end of words. This can lead to errors when writing quickly or not paying close attention to spelling conventions.
Silent “E” Rule and How It Works
The silent “e” rule is crucial to understanding why “coming” is correct. When a verb ends in a silent “e”, the “e” is dropped when adding suffixes such as -ing, -ed, and -ly.
Let’s look at some more examples:
- Make → Making
- Write → Writing
- Come → Coming
As you can see, the silent “e” disappears before the -ing suffix is added. This rule simplifies the pronunciation and flow of the word when spoken or written.
However, it’s important to note that not all words follow this rule. There are exceptions, such as:
- Ageing (British English), where the “e” is retained to preserve the soft “g” sound.
Understanding these rules and exceptions is essential to mastering English spelling.
Common Spelling Errors and How to Avoid Them
Aside from the “comming” vs. “coming” confusion, there are many other common spelling mistakes that people make in English. Here are some key ones:
Doubling Consonants
As mentioned earlier, verbs like “run” and “begin” double their final consonant before adding -ing. However, you should avoid doubling the consonant when a verb ends in a silent “e.”
- Stop → Stopping
- Fit → Fitting
Silent “E” Rule Exceptions
Some words keep the silent “e” even when adding a suffix. For example:
- Age → Ageing (British English)
- Dye → Dyeing
These exceptions are rare but important to note.
Confusing Similar Words
Sometimes, it’s not just the “comming” vs. “coming” confusion that trips people up. Words with similar spellings and sounds can be easily mixed up:
- Hoping vs. Hopping
- Riding vs. Riding
These words may look and sound alike, but they have entirely different meanings and uses.
How Writing Tools Can Help
Spelling mistakes are easy to overlook, but there are plenty of writing tools that can help you spot errors like “comming.” Tools such as Grammarly and ProWritingAid are excellent resources for checking spelling, grammar, and style in your writing.
- Grammarly: Provides real-time spelling and grammar suggestions, highlighting mistakes like “comming” and offering the correct spelling.
- ProWritingAid: Goes beyond spelling checks to improve overall writing style, sentence structure, and readability.
These tools are invaluable when writing professional emails, reports, or any other form of communication that requires accuracy.
Conclusion
In the debate between “comming” and “coming,” the clear winner is “coming.” Understanding why “comming” is incorrect helps you avoid this frequent mistake and strengthens your overall spelling skills.
To avoid similar mistakes in the future, remember the silent “e” rule, practice proper spelling regularly, and make use of writing tools to catch errors before they’re published. Mastering English spelling will not only improve your writing but also enhance your professional communication.
