This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 adjective, noun #42 most common 12 min read

coming

Top 42

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips coming in 30 Seconds

Explanation coming in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'coming' is most often seen as part of the verb 'to come' (e.g., 'I am coming home'). However, you will also see it on signs like 'Coming Soon' at a cinema or a shop. This means something new is arriving very soon. You can think of it as a way to talk about the near future. For example, 'the coming week' means the next seven days. It is a simple word to help you talk about what is happening next. You don't need to worry about the complex noun forms yet; just focus on how it describes things that are on their way to you. It is a very helpful word for making simple plans and understanding advertisements. When you see 'Coming Soon' on a movie poster, it means you can watch that movie in a few weeks or months. When someone says 'the coming Sunday,' they mean the Sunday that is happening this week. It is a very useful word for basic time expressions. You will also hear it in the phrase 'coming and going,' which just means people moving in and out of a place. Try to use it when you talk about your plans for the next few days. It is a friendly and common word that everyone uses.

For A2 learners, 'coming' starts to appear more frequently as an adjective. You will use it to describe time periods like 'the coming months' or 'the coming year.' This is a step up from just saying 'next month.' It sounds a little more natural and fluent. You might also see it in the phrase 'coming attractions' when you go to the movies. This refers to the short videos (trailers) of movies that will be in the cinema soon. At this level, you should also recognize 'coming' in simple idioms like 'coming of age,' which you might see in book titles or movie descriptions. It means growing up. You should also be comfortable using 'coming' to talk about the weather, such as 'the coming storm.' It helps you give more detail to your sentences. Instead of just saying 'It will rain,' you can say 'The coming rain will be heavy.' This makes your English sound more descriptive. You are also beginning to see 'coming' as a noun, like in 'the coming of winter.' This is a nice way to describe the start of a season. Remember that 'coming' usually goes before the noun when it's an adjective. It’s a great word to add to your vocabulary for talking about the future in a more varied way.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'coming' with more precision. You should understand the difference between 'coming' and 'upcoming.' While they are similar, 'coming' is often used for broader time periods (the coming decade) while 'upcoming' is for specific events (the upcoming meeting). You should also be familiar with common phrases like 'a long time coming,' which means something finally happened after a long wait. For example, 'Her promotion was a long time coming.' This adds a layer of meaning to your speaking. You will also encounter 'coming' in more professional contexts, such as 'the coming fiscal year' or 'the coming election.' It is a standard word in news and business English. You should also start using the noun form 'the coming of...' to describe significant changes or arrivals. For instance, 'The coming of the internet changed everything.' This shows you can handle more abstract concepts. Additionally, you should be aware of the idiom 'to have it coming,' which means to deserve something bad. This is a common phrase in movies and stories. Understanding these different uses—adjective, noun, and idiom—will help you reach a solid intermediate level. You can use 'coming' to make your descriptions of the future more sophisticated and varied.

As a B2 learner, you should have a nuanced grasp of 'coming' in various registers. You can use it effectively in formal writing to describe historical transitions or future trends. For example, 'The coming of the Industrial Revolution marked a turning point in human history.' You should also be able to distinguish 'coming' from more intense synonyms like 'impending' or 'imminent.' You know that 'impending' often suggests something negative, while 'coming' is neutral. You can use 'coming' in complex sentence structures, such as 'With the coming of new regulations, companies must adapt.' You should also be comfortable with the plural noun 'comings and goings' to describe a busy scene with lots of activity. Furthermore, you should understand more complex idioms like 'coming to terms with' (accepting a difficult situation) or 'coming clean' (telling the truth). These phrases are essential for high-level conversation and reading. You can also use 'coming' to talk about generations, such as 'the coming generation of leaders.' This shows you can use the word to discuss social and demographic changes. At this level, your use of 'coming' should be fluid and contextually appropriate, whether you are writing a business report or having a deep conversation with a friend. You understand its role in creating anticipation and marking the passage of time.

At the C1 level, you should be able to use 'coming' with stylistic flair. You recognize its use in literary and poetic contexts, where 'the coming of...' can create a powerful sense of atmosphere or inevitability. You are also aware of its specific uses in various fields, such as 'the Second Coming' in theology or 'coming-of-age' as a specific literary genre. You can use 'coming' to describe subtle shifts in trends or public opinion, such as 'the coming tide of populism.' Your vocabulary includes sophisticated alternatives like 'advent,' and you know exactly when to choose 'coming' over 'advent' to achieve the right tone. You are also proficient in using 'coming' within complex idiomatic expressions like 'coming to a head' (reaching a critical point) or 'coming apart at the seams' (failing completely). You can use these to add color and precision to your speech and writing. You understand the subtle rhythmic qualities that 'coming' brings to a sentence, often preferring it for its flow in phrases like 'in the coming days and weeks.' You are also sensitive to the potential for ambiguity and ensure that your use of 'coming' as an adjective is clearly distinguished from its use as a verb participle. Your mastery of this word allows you to express complex ideas about time, arrival, and change with ease and sophistication.

For C2 learners, 'coming' is a tool for precise and evocative expression. You can use it to weave intricate narratives or construct highly persuasive arguments. You understand its historical development and how its various meanings have branched out over centuries. You can employ the noun form 'coming' to discuss philosophical or historical concepts of arrival and presence. You are a master of its idiomatic range, using phrases like 'coming full circle' or 'coming out of the woodwork' with perfect timing and context. You can also play with the word's dual nature as both a process and a destination. In academic or professional discourse, you use 'coming' to frame future scenarios with a high degree of nuance, perhaps contrasting 'the coming challenges' with 'the imminent opportunities.' You are also aware of how 'coming' is used in different dialects of English and can adjust your usage accordingly. Your command of the word is such that you can use it to create specific rhetorical effects, such as using the repetition of 'coming' to build a sense of mounting pressure or excitement. You see 'coming' not just as a word for 'next,' but as a rich, multi-layered term that captures the essence of movement through time and the significance of arrival. Your use of it is indistinguishable from that of a highly articulate native speaker, reflecting a deep and comprehensive understanding of English semantics and syntax.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

coming in 30 Seconds

Describes something approaching in time or space.
Used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., coming weeks).
Used as a noun meaning arrival or advent (e.g., coming of winter).
Common in marketing (Coming Soon) and idioms (Coming of Age).

The word coming is a versatile English term that functions primarily as an adjective and a noun, though it originates from the present participle of the verb 'to come'. At its core, it signifies movement toward a specific point in time or space. When used as an adjective, it describes something that is approaching, about to happen, or scheduled for the near future. For instance, if a teacher mentions the 'coming weeks,' they are referring to the period immediately following the present moment. This usage is incredibly common in both professional and casual settings to set expectations and prepare for future events. It carries a sense of inevitability and anticipation, whether the event is positive, like a holiday, or neutral, like a scheduled meeting.

Adjective Usage: Used to describe events, periods of time, or people that are approaching. It typically precedes the noun it modifies, such as in 'the coming attraction' or 'the coming storm'.

We must prepare our budget for the coming fiscal year to ensure we remain profitable.

As a noun, 'coming' refers to the arrival or advent of someone or something significant. This often carries a more formal or even poetic tone. We speak of the 'coming of spring' to describe the transition of seasons, or the 'coming of the digital age' to mark a major historical shift. In this context, it emphasizes the process of arrival rather than just the state of being here. It is frequently paired with the preposition 'of' to indicate what exactly is arriving. This noun form is essential for discussing trends, historical eras, and significant personal milestones.

Noun Usage: Refers to the act of arriving or the beginning of a new period. For example, 'The coming of the steam engine changed the world forever.'

The coming of the new CEO brought a wave of anxiety to the office staff.

In everyday conversation, you will hear 'coming' used in various idiomatic expressions that have moved beyond simple arrival. For example, 'coming of age' refers to the transition from childhood to adulthood, a concept deeply rooted in literature and film. Another common phrase is 'coming clean,' which means to tell the truth about something one has kept secret. These idiomatic uses demonstrate how the word has evolved to represent not just physical or temporal movement, but also metaphorical transitions and revelations. Understanding these nuances is key for B1 learners moving toward B2 proficiency.

It was a classic coming-of-age story about a boy growing up in a small town.

Temporal Context: 'Coming' is almost always forward-looking. It bridges the present with the immediate future, creating a link between current preparation and future reality.

Are you attending the gala this coming Saturday?

With the coming of winter, the birds began their migration south.

Using coming correctly requires an understanding of its placement within a sentence and the specific nouns it naturally pairs with. As an adjective, it is almost exclusively used in the attributive position, meaning it comes directly before the noun it describes. You would say 'the coming election' rather than 'the election is coming' (where 'coming' would be the present participle of the verb). This distinction is subtle but important for maintaining the correct part of speech. When you use it as an adjective, you are characterizing the noun as something that is on its way.

Common Adjective Collocations: Coming weeks, coming months, coming years, coming attractions, coming generation, coming season, coming election, coming storm.

The coming decade will likely see unprecedented technological advancements.

When functioning as a noun, 'coming' often requires a definite article ('the') and is frequently followed by the preposition 'of'. This structure identifies the specific entity that is arriving. For example, 'the coming of the light' or 'the coming of the messiah'. It can also stand alone in certain phrases like 'comings and goings,' which describes the constant movement of people in and out of a place. This plural noun form is excellent for describing busy environments like train stations, hotel lobbies, or office buildings.

Noun Phrases: The coming of [event/person], comings and goings, the second coming, a long time coming.

There was so much coming and going in the hallway that I couldn't concentrate.

In terms of sentence variety, 'coming' can be used to add a sense of anticipation or impending change. In formal writing, it serves as a sophisticated alternative to 'next' or 'future'. Instead of saying 'in the next years,' saying 'in the coming years' sounds more professional and fluid. It also works well in complex sentences where you want to emphasize the arrival of a new state of being. For instance, 'With the coming of the internet, traditional media had to adapt quickly.' Here, 'coming' acts as the catalyst for the rest of the sentence's action.

Success was a long time coming for the struggling artist, but she never gave up.

Register and Tone: The adjective 'coming' is neutral and suitable for all registers. The noun 'coming' can range from neutral to highly formal or literary.

Keep an eye out for the coming attractions at the local cinema.

The coming together of these two companies will create a market giant.

You will encounter coming in a wide array of contexts, from the high-stakes world of news and finance to the everyday chatter of social plans. In news broadcasts, journalists frequently use the adjective form to signal future events. You'll hear phrases like 'the coming election cycle,' 'the coming winter storm,' or 'the coming fiscal cliff.' In these scenarios, the word acts as a warning or a preparation signal, alerting the audience to something they need to be aware of. It provides a temporal frame that is more immediate than 'future' but broader than 'tomorrow'.

In Media and News: Used to describe imminent political shifts, weather patterns, or economic trends. It creates a sense of urgency and relevance.

Meteorologists are warning residents about the coming hurricane, urging evacuation.

In the entertainment industry, 'coming' is a staple of marketing. The phrase 'Coming Soon' is perhaps one of the most recognized two-word combinations in the world, appearing on movie posters, trailers, and storefronts. Here, it builds hype and anticipation. Similarly, 'Coming Attractions' refers to the trailers shown before a feature film. This usage is so ingrained that even young children understand 'coming' as a sign that something exciting is about to arrive. It’s a word that bridges the gap between 'not yet' and 'almost here'.

In Marketing and Entertainment: Used to build anticipation for products, movies, and events. 'Coming Soon' is the quintessential example of this usage.

The poster in the window announced that a new Italian restaurant was coming soon to the neighborhood.

In professional environments, 'coming' is used to organize time and projects. During meetings, a manager might say, 'In the coming weeks, we will be focusing on the new product launch.' This helps the team align their efforts toward a common future goal. It is also found in academic writing to describe historical transitions, such as 'the coming of the Industrial Revolution.' In this sense, it describes a gradual but powerful arrival of a new era. Whether in a boardroom or a classroom, the word serves to structure our understanding of time and change.

We need to hire more staff to handle the coming influx of holiday shoppers.

In Professional Planning: Used to define project timelines and prepare for expected changes in workload or market conditions.

The coming of age of the millennial generation has significantly impacted the housing market.

The coming together of the community after the disaster was truly inspiring.

While coming is a relatively straightforward word, learners often stumble over its distinction from related terms like 'upcoming,' 'forthcoming,' and 'next.' One of the most frequent errors is using 'coming' as a predicative adjective. For example, saying 'The exam is coming' is grammatically correct, but in that sentence, 'coming' is the present participle of the verb 'to come' (meaning the exam is approaching). However, if you want to use it as a pure adjective, it must precede the noun: 'The coming exam.' Learners often confuse these two functions, leading to slightly awkward phrasing in formal writing.

Mistake 1: Confusing Adjective and Verb: Incorrect: 'The weather coming is cold.' Correct: 'The coming weather is cold' or 'The weather that is coming is cold.'

Incorrect: We are ready for the coming of the party. Correct: We are ready for the upcoming party.

Another common pitfall is the over-reliance on 'coming' when 'next' would be more natural. While 'the coming Monday' is correct, in casual conversation, most native speakers simply say 'next Monday.' Using 'coming' can sometimes sound overly formal or dramatic if the context doesn't warrant it. For instance, 'I will see you this coming evening' sounds a bit stiff compared to 'I'll see you this evening.' It’s important to match the word choice to the social context. Use 'coming' when you want to emphasize the approach or the span of time (e.g., 'the coming years').

Mistake 2: Over-formality: Using 'coming' for very immediate, casual timeframes where 'next' or 'this' is more common.

He wasn't very forthcoming about his plans (Correct). He wasn't very coming about his plans (Incorrect).

Finally, learners sometimes misuse the noun form 'coming' by omitting the necessary articles or prepositions. 'Coming of spring' is a fragment; it needs to be 'The coming of spring.' Also, be careful with the plural 'comings and goings.' It is a set phrase. You cannot easily change it to 'the goings and comings' or 'the coming and going' without it sounding slightly 'off' to a native ear. Mastering these fixed expressions and the required grammatical markers will help you sound more fluent and natural.

The coming of the digital age transformed how we communicate.

Mistake 3: Article Omission: Forgetting 'the' before the noun 'coming'. Incorrect: 'Coming of winter is cold.' Correct: 'The coming of winter is cold.'

The comings and goings at the airport were constant throughout the night.

You had it coming after you lied to everyone for so long.

To truly master the word coming, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and understand the subtle differences in meaning and register. The most common alternative is 'upcoming.' While both mean 'happening soon,' 'upcoming' is often used for specific, scheduled events like concerts, meetings, or releases. 'Coming' is broader and often used for time periods (the coming weeks) or natural phenomena (the coming storm). Another close relative is 'forthcoming,' which is more formal and often implies that something is not just happening soon, but is also being made available, like a 'forthcoming book' or 'forthcoming information.'

Coming vs. Upcoming: 'Coming' is more natural for time spans (coming months). 'Upcoming' is better for events (upcoming wedding).

We have many upcoming projects, but the coming year will be our busiest yet.

For a more intense or threatening tone, you might use 'impending' or 'imminent.' 'Impending' usually refers to something large and often unpleasant that is about to happen, like an 'impending disaster' or 'impending doom.' 'Imminent' suggests that something is going to happen at any second—it is extremely close in time. 'Coming' is much more neutral and can refer to things that are still weeks or months away. Choosing between these words depends on how much urgency or emotion you want to convey. 'Approaching' is another alternative, often used as a verb or a participle, emphasizing the physical or temporal movement toward the present.

Coming vs. Impending: 'Coming' is neutral. 'Impending' often carries a negative or serious connotation (impending deadline).

The imminent arrival of the train was announced over the loudspeaker.

In the noun form, 'coming' can be replaced by 'arrival' or 'advent.' 'Arrival' is the most common and neutral term, used for people, packages, or events. 'Advent' is much more formal and is usually reserved for the beginning of a significant new era, technology, or religious period (like Advent in the Christian calendar). You would say 'the arrival of the guests' but 'the advent of the computer age.' 'Coming' sits somewhere in the middle—it can be used for the seasons (the coming of spring) or for people (the coming of the king), offering a touch of literary flair without being as heavy as 'advent.'

The advent of social media has changed how we view the coming generation.

Noun Alternatives: Arrival (neutral), Advent (formal/significant), Approach (focus on movement).

The approaching deadline is causing a lot of stress in the office.

We are looking forward to the forthcoming release of the new software.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The phrase 'Coming Soon' became a standard marketing term in the early 20th century with the rise of the film industry. Before that, it was used more generally for arrivals.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈkʌm.ɪŋ/

US /ˈkʌm.ɪŋ/

The stress is on the first syllable: KUM-ing.

Rhymes With

Becoming Humming Drumming Summing Plumbing Numbing Succumbing Thumbing

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'o' like 'go' (it should be 'uh').
Over-emphasizing the 'g' at the end (it should be a soft nasal 'ng').
Pronouncing it like 'combing' (which has a long 'o' and a silent 'b').
Stress on the second syllable (ing).
Confusing it with 'cumin' (the spice).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, especially in 'Coming Soon'.

Writing 3/5

Requires care to use the noun form 'the coming of' correctly.

Speaking 2/5

Very common in daily plans (this coming Friday).

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation and usually stressed.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Come Next Soon Week Future

Learn Next

Upcoming Forthcoming Impending Imminent Advent

Advanced

Paradigm shift Threshold Incipient Proximity Temporal

Grammar to Know

Attributive Adjective Placement

The coming (adj) election (noun).

Noun Phrase with 'Of'

The coming (noun) of (prep) spring (noun).

Present Participle as Adjective

The coming storm is dark.

Fixed Idiomatic Structures

To have it coming (cannot be 'to have coming it').

Pluralization of Gerund-Nouns

Comings and goings (rarely used in singular for this meaning).

Examples by Level

The movie is coming soon to the cinema.

La película llegará pronto al cine.

Used as an adverbial phrase of time.

I am coming to your party tonight.

Voy a tu fiesta esta noche.

Present continuous verb form.

Is the bus coming now?

¿Viene el autobús ahora?

Question form of present continuous.

The coming week will be very busy.

La próxima semana será muy ocupada.

Adjective modifying 'week'.

Spring is coming after winter.

La primavera viene después del invierno.

Present continuous describing a season.

They are coming home for dinner.

Ellos vienen a casa para cenar.

Present continuous for a planned action.

Look! The train is coming.

¡Mira! El tren viene.

Present continuous for an immediate action.

The coming days are going to be sunny.

Los próximos días van a ser soleados.

Adjective modifying 'days'.

We should prepare for the coming winter.

Deberíamos prepararnos para el próximo invierno.

Adjective modifying 'winter'.

I saw the coming attractions at the theater.

Vi los próximos estrenos en el teatro.

Fixed phrase: 'coming attractions'.

The coming of the new year is exciting.

La llegada del año nuevo es emocionante.

Noun form followed by 'of'.

Are you ready for the coming exam?

¿Estás listo para el próximo examen?

Adjective modifying 'exam'.

The coming months will be very cold.

Los próximos meses serán muy fríos.

Adjective modifying 'months'.

She is happy about the coming holiday.

Ella está feliz por las próximas vacaciones.

Adjective modifying 'holiday'.

The coming storm looks very dark.

La tormenta que viene se ve muy oscura.

Adjective modifying 'storm'.

We are waiting for the coming of spring.

Estamos esperando la llegada de la primavera.

Noun form 'the coming of'.

The coming election will be very important for the country.

Las próximas elecciones serán muy importantes para el país.

Adjective in a formal context.

Success was a long time coming for the young musician.

El éxito tardó mucho en llegar para el joven músico.

Idiom: 'a long time coming'.

The coming of the digital age changed how we work.

La llegada de la era digital cambió cómo trabajamos.

Noun form describing a historical shift.

We need to plan for the coming fiscal year.

Necesitamos planificar para el próximo año fiscal.

Adjective in a business context.

There were many comings and goings at the hotel lobby.

Hubo muchos ires y venires en el vestíbulo del hotel.

Plural noun phrase: 'comings and goings'.

He finally came clean about his mistake.

Finalmente confesó su error.

Idiom: 'come clean' (related to 'coming').

The coming generation will face many challenges.

La próxima generación enfrentará muchos desafíos.

Adjective modifying 'generation'.

She felt a sense of dread about the coming meeting.

Sintió una sensación de temor por la próxima reunión.

Adjective modifying 'meeting'.

The coming of the railway transformed the local economy.

La llegada del ferrocarril transformó la economía local.

Noun form used for historical analysis.

He had it coming after the way he treated his colleagues.

Se lo merecía después de cómo trató a sus colegas.

Idiom: 'have it coming' (deserve something bad).

The coming together of these two cultures was a slow process.

La unión de estas dos culturas fue un proceso lento.

Noun phrase: 'coming together'.

In the coming weeks, we will implement the new policy.

En las próximas semanas, implementaremos la nueva política.

Adjective used in a professional timeline.

The film is a poignant coming-of-age story.

La película es una conmovedora historia de iniciación a la vida adulta.

Compound adjective: 'coming-of-age'.

We must be prepared for any coming changes in the market.

Debemos estar preparados para cualquier cambio próximo en el mercado.

Adjective modifying 'changes'.

The coming of autumn brings a change in the colors of the leaves.

La llegada del otoño trae un cambio en los colores de las hojas.

Noun form 'the coming of'.

She is coming to terms with her new reality.

Ella está aceptando su nueva realidad.

Idiom: 'coming to terms with'.

The coming of the messiah is a central theme in many religions.

La llegada del mesías es un tema central en muchas religiones.

Noun form in a theological context.

The situation is rapidly coming to a head.

La situación está llegando rápidamente a un punto crítico.

Idiom: 'coming to a head'.

The coming tide of technological change is unstoppable.

La marea que se avecina de cambio tecnológico es imparable.

Metaphorical use of 'coming tide'.

His world was coming apart at the seams.

Su mundo se estaba desmoronando.

Idiom: 'coming apart at the seams'.

The coming of the storm was preceded by an eerie silence.

La llegada de la tormenta fue precedida por un silencio inquietante.

Noun form used for atmospheric effect.

In the coming years, we will see a shift in global power.

En los próximos años, veremos un cambio en el poder global.

Adjective in a geopolitical context.

The project is finally coming full circle.

El proyecto finalmente está completando el ciclo.

Idiom: 'coming full circle'.

The coming of age of the internet has brought both benefits and risks.

La madurez de internet ha traído tanto beneficios como riesgos.

Metaphorical use of 'coming of age'.

The poet captures the melancholy of the coming of winter.

El poeta captura la melancolía de la llegada del invierno.

Noun form in a literary context.

The coming of the information age was a paradigm shift.

La llegada de la era de la información fue un cambio de paradigma.

Noun form in a sociological context.

She sensed the coming of a great change in her life.

Sintió la llegada de un gran cambio en su vida.

Noun form used for personal intuition.

The coming together of disparate ideas led to a breakthrough.

La unión de ideas dispares llevó a un gran avance.

Noun phrase describing intellectual synthesis.

The coming attractions of the city were many and varied.

Los atractivos futuros de la ciudad eran muchos y variados.

Adjective used creatively for urban planning.

The coming of the storm felt like a physical weight.

La llegada de la tormenta se sentía como un peso físico.

Noun form used for sensory description.

The coming generation must grapple with the legacy of the past.

La próxima generación debe lidiar con el legado del pasado.

Adjective in a philosophical context.

The coming of the dawn brought a glimmer of hope.

La llegada del amanecer trajo un rayo de esperanza.

Noun form used for symbolic effect.

Common Collocations

Coming weeks

Coming years

Coming attractions

Coming of age

Coming soon

Coming together

Coming storm

Coming election

Coming generation

Coming of winter

Common Phrases

Coming and going

— People moving in and out of a place constantly. It describes a busy atmosphere.

There's a lot of coming and going in this office.

This coming [Day]

— The very next occurrence of a specific day of the week. Used for making plans.

Are you busy this coming Saturday?

Coming up next

— The very next item in a sequence, often used in TV or radio. It signals an immediate transition.

Coming up next, we have the weather report.

Coming into view

— Something becoming visible as it approaches. It describes a visual arrival.

The mountains are finally coming into view.

Coming to an end

— Something that is finishing or reaching its conclusion. It describes a temporal boundary.

The summer is coming to an end.

Coming out with

— A company or person releasing a new product or statement. It signifies a public arrival.

They are coming out with a new phone next month.

Coming in first

— Winning a race or competition. It describes a successful arrival at a goal.

She is coming in first in the marathon.

Coming to power

— A person or group gaining control of a government. It describes a political arrival.

The new party is coming to power after the election.

Coming of the light

— The arrival of dawn or metaphorical enlightenment. It is often used poetically.

The coming of the light signaled the end of the night.

Coming through

— A request for people to move so someone can pass. It describes physical movement.

Coming through! I have a heavy box.

Often Confused With

coming vs Upcoming

Upcoming is usually for specific events; coming is for time periods.

coming vs Forthcoming

Forthcoming is more formal and can mean 'willing to share information'.

coming vs Combing

Combing (like hair) sounds similar but has a long 'o' and silent 'b'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Coming of age"

— The transition from childhood to adulthood. It often refers to a genre of stories.

The movie is a beautiful coming-of-age drama.

Neutral

"Have it coming"

— To deserve something bad that happens to you. It implies a sense of justice.

He lost his job, but he had it coming because he never worked.

Informal

"Coming clean"

— To tell the truth about something you kept secret. It is a form of confession.

I decided to come clean about where I was last night.

Informal

"Coming to terms with"

— To gradually accept a sad or difficult situation. it is a psychological process.

She is still coming to terms with the loss of her dog.

Neutral

"Coming out of the woodwork"

— When many people suddenly appear to claim something or offer opinions. Often used negatively.

When he won the lottery, old friends started coming out of the woodwork.

Informal

"Coming to a head"

— When a situation reaches a critical point where action must be taken. It implies a climax.

The tension between the two countries is finally coming to a head.

Neutral

"Coming apart at the seams"

— When a system, plan, or person is failing completely. It suggests total collapse.

Their marriage was coming apart at the seams.

Informal

"Coming full circle"

— When something ends up back where it started after a long series of events. It implies completion.

His career came full circle when he returned to his first school to teach.

Neutral

"Coming up roses"

— When everything is going perfectly well for someone. It is a very positive idiom.

Since she got the new job, everything has been coming up roses.

Informal

"Coming down with"

— Starting to get sick with a minor illness like a cold or flu. It describes the onset of sickness.

I think I'm coming down with a cold.

Neutral

Easily Confused

coming vs Upcoming

Both mean 'happening soon'.

Upcoming is more common for scheduled events (upcoming meeting). Coming is more common for time spans (coming years).

The upcoming meeting is at 2 PM, but the coming year will be busy.

coming vs Forthcoming

Both mean 'about to happen'.

Forthcoming is more formal and often implies something is being released or provided.

The forthcoming report will clarify the coming changes.

coming vs Imminent

Both mean 'approaching'.

Imminent means it will happen almost immediately and often carries a sense of urgency.

The storm is coming, but the danger is imminent.

coming vs Next

Both refer to the future.

Next is more direct and casual. Coming is slightly more descriptive and often used for longer periods.

I'll see you next week in the coming months.

coming vs Approaching

Both describe movement toward a point.

Approaching is often a verb or participle focusing on the movement itself.

The approaching car was coming fast.

Sentence Patterns

The [Noun] is coming.

The bus is coming.

The coming [Time Period]...

The coming week will be cold.

The coming of [Noun]...

The coming of the new year is fun.

[Something] was a long time coming.

The rain was a long time coming.

In the coming [Weeks/Months]...

In the coming weeks, we will finish.

[Person] had it coming.

He had it coming after he lied.

With the coming of [Abstract Noun]...

With the coming of peace, the city grew.

The [Adjective] coming of [Noun]...

The inevitable coming of winter chilled the air.

Word Family

Nouns

Coming

Comer

Income

Outcome

Overcoming

Verbs

Come

Overcome

Become

Adjectives

Coming

Upcoming

Forthcoming

Incoming

Outgoing

Advent

Arrival

Approach

Future

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

The weather coming is cold. → The coming weather is cold.
As an adjective, 'coming' must precede the noun. In the incorrect version, it looks like a misplaced verb.
He wasn't very coming about his secrets. → He wasn't very forthcoming about his secrets.
'Coming' does not mean 'willing to share'. You must use 'forthcoming' for that specific meaning.
I'll see you coming Friday. → I'll see you this coming Friday.
When referring to a specific day, you usually need 'this' before 'coming' to make it grammatically complete.
The coming of winter are cold. → The coming of winter is cold.
'The coming of winter' is a singular noun phrase, so it requires a singular verb.
There were many coming and goings. → There were many comings and goings.
In this fixed plural phrase, both 'comings' and 'goings' should be plural.

Tips

Adjective Placement

Always place the adjective 'coming' before the noun it modifies, like 'the coming season.' Placing it after usually turns it into a verb.

Use for Time Spans

Use 'coming' when talking about weeks, months, or years to sound more natural and fluent in your planning.

Deserving Results

Remember 'have it coming' for situations where someone gets what they deserve. It's a very common native expression.

Historical Transitions

Use 'the coming of...' to describe the start of major historical periods or technological shifts in your essays.

Clarifying Plans

Use 'this coming [Day]' to avoid confusion when making plans for the very next occurrence of that day.

Avoid Overuse

While 'coming' is great, don't forget 'next' for simple, casual contexts to keep your English sounding balanced.

News Keywords

In news, 'coming' is a keyword that signals a shift to future predictions or scheduled events. Listen for it!

Coming Soon

Recognize 'Coming Soon' as a universal sign for anticipation. Use it in your own business or project announcements.

The 'UH' Sound

Make sure the 'o' in 'coming' sounds like the 'u' in 'up'. This is the most common pronunciation mistake.

Genre Awareness

If you see 'coming-of-age,' you immediately know the story is about a character's growth into adulthood.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'C-O-M-I-N-G' as 'Calendar On My desk, It's Next Goal.' This helps you remember it's about the future on your calendar.

Visual Association

Imagine a train approaching a station with a big sign that says 'COMING' on the front. It's moving toward you.

Word Web

Future Arrival Next Upcoming Soon Approach Advent Event

Challenge

Try to use 'coming' as both an adjective and a noun in a single paragraph about your plans for next year.

Word Origin

The word 'coming' comes from the Old English 'cumende', which was the present participle of 'cuman' (to come). This traces back to the Proto-Germanic '*kwem-'. It has been used in English for over a thousand years to describe movement toward the speaker.

Original meaning: Approaching or arriving.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Be aware that 'coming out' has a specific cultural meaning related to sexual orientation and identity.

Commonly used in 'this coming [Day]' to clarify plans for the immediate week.

The Second Coming (poem by W.B. Yeats) Coming of Age (literary genre) Coming to America (famous movie)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather Forecasts

The coming storm
In the coming days
The coming winter
Coming rain

Business Planning

The coming fiscal year
Coming weeks
Coming challenges
Coming changes

Movie Marketing

Coming soon
Coming attractions
Coming to a theater near you
Coming this summer

Social Plans

This coming Friday
The coming weekend
Coming over
Coming to the party

Historical Discussion

The coming of the war
The coming of the age
The coming of the revolution
A long time coming

Conversation Starters

"What are you most excited about in the coming months?"

"Do you have any big plans for this coming weekend?"

"How do you think the coming year will be different from the last one?"

"What 'coming attractions' are you looking forward to at the cinema?"

"Do you think the coming of AI will change your job significantly?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a goal you want to achieve in the coming year and how you will do it.

Describe the 'comings and goings' of a busy place you visited recently.

Reflect on a time when success was 'a long time coming' for you.

What are the most significant 'coming changes' you see in your community?

Write a short story that is a 'coming-of-age' tale about a small realization.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It can be both! In 'The coming week,' it is an adjective. In 'He is coming home,' it is the present participle of the verb 'to come.' Context is key.

It means that something has finally happened after a very long wait or delay. For example, 'His success was a long time coming.'

Yes, you can. It means the very next Monday. However, in casual speech, most people just say 'next Monday' or 'this Monday.'

This is a specific term used in cinemas to refer to the trailers of movies that will be released in the future.

The adjective 'coming' is neutral. The noun form 'the coming of...' can sound more formal or literary depending on the context.

It is an idiom meaning someone deserves a bad thing that happened to them because of their past actions. 'He was mean to everyone, so he had it coming when he was fired.'

Use it to describe a place where there is a lot of activity and people are constantly arriving and leaving, like a busy station.

They are very similar, but 'upcoming' is usually for specific events, while 'coming' is better for periods of time like weeks or years.

It is a story about a young person growing up and learning important life lessons as they become an adult.

Yes, but almost exclusively in the phrase 'comings and goings.' You wouldn't say 'two comings' in most other contexts.