coming

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   the act or moment when someone or something arrives or happens

   Grammar: Often used in the phrase 'the coming of something' or 'someone's coming'.

   Patterns

   • the coming of something
   • someone's coming

   The coming of spring brings warmer weather.

   We celebrated the coming of the new year with fireworks.

   The coming of the railway changed the town forever.

2. 2nounsingularreligion

   in Christianity, the return of Jesus Christ to earth

   Grammar: Capitalized as 'the Second Coming' in religious contexts.

   Patterns

   • the Second Coming

   Many Christians await the Second Coming.

   The sermon was about the coming of Christ.

3. 3adjectivebefore a noun

   happening soon or about to happen

   Grammar: Used before a noun: 'the coming week', 'the coming election'.

   Patterns

   • the coming [time period]
   • the coming [event]

   We have a lot of work in the coming weeks.

   The coming election is very important.

   She is excited about the coming holiday.

Common combinations

the coming year

We plan to expand the business in the coming year.

the coming months

Prices are expected to rise in the coming months.

the coming of age

The novel is a story of a young person's coming of age.

up and coming

She is an up-and-coming young actress.

Synonyms and how they differ

arrival

More neutral and often used for people or things reaching a place; 'coming' is more general and can also refer to events.

approach

Suggests gradual movement closer, while 'coming' focuses on the act of arriving.

advent

Formal and often used for important events or periods; 'coming' is more everyday.

Opposites

Word family

come verb

To move toward or arrive at a place.

comer noun

A person who arrives, especially in phrases like 'newcomer' or 'latecomer'.

Commonly confused: coming or come in?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “coming”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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