Let’s face it, English spelling can be a real beast sometimes.
You think you’ve got the hang of a word, then BAM! You see it spelled a different way, and suddenly doubt creeps in.
One classic example is the “coming” vs. “comming” dilemma. Which one of these is the real deal, and which one is just a sneaky misspelling?
The Short and Sweet Answer
Here’s the deal: the correct spelling is “coming,” with just one “m”. “Comming” is a misspelling, plain and simple. Now, don’t feel bad if you’ve fallen for this trick before; it happens to the best of us!
Okay, But Why Is It Spelled That Way?
It all boils down to how the word “coming” is formed. It comes from the verb “come.”
When you add “-ing” to a verb to create those handy present participles (fancy term for words that describe ongoing actions), there’s a little rule to remember:
If a verb ends in a single consonant with a vowel before it, you double that final consonant before adding “-ing”. So, “come” becomes “coming”.
Making it Stick – Examples to the Rescue!
Sometimes, seeing things in action makes it click. Here are some other verbs that follow the same rule:
- Run → Running
- Swim → Swimming
- Begin → Beginning
See the pattern? It’s the short vowel sound right before that last consonant that triggers the doubling action.
Why Does “Comming” Even Exist?
Honestly, it’s mostly down to how the word sounds. When we say “coming,” that double “m” can kinda get lost in pronunciation.
So, it’s easy to see why it sometimes gets written that way, even if it’s incorrect.
“Coming” – More Than Just Arriving
The word “coming” has broader uses beyond just physically moving towards something. Here’s where it gets more interesting:
- The Future: “The coming months will be busy.” (Meaning the months that are approaching or on the way).
- Up-and-Comer: “She’s a coming star in the industry.” (Meaning she’s rising and becoming well-known).
- Arrival: “The coming of spring brings new hope.” (Meaning the start or occurrence of spring).
Avoiding the “Comming” Trap
Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, how do you avoid making the “comming” mistake? Here are a few tips:
- Slow Down: When writing, take a second to think about verbs ending in that single consonant-vowel pattern.
- Sound it Out: Saying the word out loud sometimes helps you catch if it seems “off”.
- Consult the Pros: When in doubt, a quick online dictionary search does the trick!
Final Thoughts
English spelling can be weird, but it’s (mostly) not random. Understanding those little grammar rules helps a ton!
So, remember, it’s “coming” with a single “m”, and now you know the reasons why. Go forth and write with confidence!
Want to explore more spelling and grammar questions? Check out our other posts below.
And if you still have any doubts, feel free to drop a comment – we’re here to help!
