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

English spelling often trips up both native speakers and learners alike, thanks to its numerous quirks and exceptions. One of the most common sources of confusion is the difference between “comming” and “coming”. Many people are unsure about which form is correct, leading to spelling errors that can affect both personal and professional communication.

In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of these two spellings, explore why “comming” is incorrect, and help you master the correct spelling once and for all. Along the way, we’ll also look at related spelling rules, such as verb endings, consonant doubling, and the role of silent letters in English spelling. We’ll also provide practical scenarios, such as emails and other forms of writing, where effective communication depends on your spelling skills.

Understanding the Correct Spelling: “Coming”

When it comes to the question of comming or coming, the correct spelling is always “coming.” The word “coming” is the present participle of the verb “to come,” and it is used in a variety of contexts, such as:

• Describing someone’s arrival: “She is coming to the party tonight.”
• Indicating the progress of something: “The train is coming closer.”

Present Participle and Verb Endings

The word “coming” follows the standard rules for verb endings in English. The present participle is typically formed by adding -ing to the base form of a verb. However, there are some rules to follow depending on the final letter of the verb.

Rules for Forming Present Participles:

• If the verb ends in an e, the e is dropped before adding -ing. For example: “make” becomes “making”.
• If the verb ends with a consonant and a vowel, and the consonant is not w, x, or y, you double the final consonant before adding -ing. For example: “run” becomes “running”.

The Role of Silent “E”

In words like “come,” the silent “e” plays a significant role in pronunciation but not in spelling when forming the present participle. The silent “e” is dropped before adding the -ing suffix. Thus, “come” becomes “coming” rather than “comming”. The silent “e” rule is one of the fundamental spelling rules in English.

Why “Comming” is Incorrect

Now that we’ve established the correct form, let’s address why “comming” is wrong. The confusion often arises because English allows some flexibility with vowel and consonant combinations, but there is no reason to double the “m” when forming the present participle of “come.” Simply put, “comming” does not follow any accepted spelling rules in the English language.

To clarify, let’s look at a comparison:

• Correct: “She is coming to the meeting.”
• Incorrect: “She is comming to the meeting.”

If you ever find yourself tempted to use “comming” in your writing, remember that this is a common spelling mistake that can harm your effective communication, especially in professional contexts.

Spelling Rules: How to Avoid Common Spelling Mistakes

To ensure that your spelling is always on point, it’s essential to understand some fundamental spelling rules in English. Let’s explore some of the most important ones that can help you avoid confusion in the future.

Consonant Doubling

As mentioned earlier, when a verb ends in a vowel followed by a consonant, you double the consonant before adding the -ing suffix. However, this rule does not apply to all consonants. For example, the verb “like” becomes “liking”, but “come” drops the e instead of doubling the m.

Examples:

• Run → Running
• Sit → Sitting
• Hop → Hopping

Understanding this rule can prevent you from making spelling errors in writing that could be easily avoided.

Silent Letters

The English language is full of silent letters that can throw off even the most experienced writers. For example, the “e” in “come” is silent, and thus, it is not included in “coming.” Other examples of silent letters include:

• “Know” (silent k)
• “Write” (silent w)
• “Walk” (silent l)

Mastering silent letters is crucial for avoiding mistakes that might cause confusion.

Spelling Correction Tools

In today’s digital age, there’s no excuse for making spelling errors. Many modern spelling correction tools can automatically detect and correct common mistakes. Tools like Microsoft Word’s built-in spell check or browser-based tools such as Grammarly can help identify errors like “comming” and suggest the correct spelling. However, you should always double-check the context and the words suggested by these tools to ensure they are used properly.

Common Spelling Mistakes in Business Email Writing

In professional settings, spelling mistakes like “comming or coming” can undermine your effective communication. Let’s look at a couple of examples from business email writing.

Example 1: Business Email with Correct Spelling

Subject: Meeting Confirmation

Dear John,

I just wanted to confirm that I will be coming to the meeting tomorrow at 10 AM. I look forward to discussing the project updates with you.

Best regards,
Mary

Example 2: Business Email with Incorrect Spelling

Subject: Meeting Confirmation

Dear John,

I just wanted to confirm that I will be comming to the meeting tomorrow at 10 AM. I look forward to discussing the project updates with you.

Best regards,
Mary

In the second example, the use of “comming” instead of “coming” could lead to confusion and create an impression of carelessness, especially in a formal business setting. It’s important to avoid such spelling errors in writing to maintain professionalism.

Comming vs. Coming: Key Takeaways

To sum it up:

• “Coming” is the correct spelling for the present participle of the verb “to come.”
• “Comming” is incorrect and doesn’t follow any standard spelling rules.
• English is full of silent letters and irregular spelling patterns, so always be vigilant when learning and applying spelling rules.
• Utilize spelling correction tools to catch common mistakes, but don’t rely on them entirely.
• In business email writing and other forms of communication, correct spelling is essential for clear, professional, and effective messaging.

By adhering to the correct spelling and understanding the English language quirks that affect words like “coming,” you can avoid confusion and communicate more effectively.

Table: Key Spelling Rules for Present Participles

Rule	Example	Explanation
Silent “E” Rule	Come → Coming	Drop the silent “e” before adding “ing”.
Consonant Doubling	Run → Running, Sit → Sitting	Double the final consonant when it follows a single vowel.
No Doubling for “W”, “X”, or “Y”	Enjoy → Enjoying, Play → Playing	Do not double consonants that are w, x, or y.

By internalizing these simple rules, you’ll find it easier to spell words correctly and avoid confusion.

Conclusion: Mastering “Coming” in Your Writing

Understanding the difference between “comming” and “coming” is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to mastering English spelling. By following spelling rules, staying aware of silent letters, and practicing your verb endings, you’ll significantly improve the accuracy of your writing. Whether you’re composing emails, writing reports, or simply communicating online, taking the time to get the correct spelling will enhance your effective communication and prevent avoidable mistakes.

With these insights in hand, you can confidently navigate the comming vs. coming confusion and ensure that your spelling stands out for the right reasons.