In the vast and intricate world of English spelling, certain words often lead to confusion, even among the most experienced writers. One such pair is "comming" and "coming." While they may sound similar, only one holds the correct spelling. This article aims to clear up any confusion surrounding these words, providing guidance on their proper usage with examples to enhance your understanding.
Deciphering the Correct Spelling: "Coming"
The correct spelling of the word is "coming." It is the present participle form of the verb "come," which means to move or travel towards the speaker or with the speaker. The confusion usually arises due to the general rule of doubling the final consonant when a verb ends in a consonant and is preceded by a single vowel. However, this rule does not apply in the case of "coming."
Why Not "Comming"?
The rule of doubling the final consonant typically applies when the stress is on the final syllable, as in "admit" becoming "admitting." In "come," the stress is not on the last syllable, and therefore, the 'm' is not doubled.
Example: She is coming to the party tonight.
Common Usage in Sentences
To further clarify, let's look at some examples:
- The train is coming around the bend.
- Are you coming to the meeting tomorrow?
In each instance, "coming" is used to describe the action of moving towards a place or point in time.
Summary and Key Insights
In summary, "coming" is the only correct spelling of the word. Remember, the rule of doubling the final consonant does not apply here because the stress is not on the last syllable of "come."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is "comming" ever a correct spelling?
A1: No, "comming" is always a misspelling. The correct form is "coming."
Q2: How can I remember the correct spelling of "coming"?
A2: Remember that the stress in "come" is not on the last syllable, so you don't double the 'm'.
Q3: Does this spelling rule apply to other words?
A3: Yes, this rule applies to many English verbs. For example, "run" becomes "running" because the stress is on the last syllable.
Q4: Are there exceptions to the rule of doubling the final consonant?
A4: Yes, English has many exceptions. For instance, "edit" becomes "editing," not "editting."
Q5: Can I use software to check spelling?
A5: Absolutely, spell-checking software can be a helpful tool, but understanding the rule helps in cases where you might not have access to one.
