Coming vs. Upcoming: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on February 20, 2024
"Coming" refers to something that is about to happen or arrive, while "upcoming" specifically indicates events or occasions in the near future.
Difference Between Coming and Upcoming
"Coming" and "upcoming" both pertain to the future, but they have distinct usages and connotations. "Coming" is a versatile term, denoting something that is on its way or about to occur. For example, the coming storm suggests that a storm is approaching. It carries a broad spectrum of applications, including time, events, and actions.
Muazma Batool
Feb 20, 2024
Conversely, "upcoming" narrows down this focus, almost exclusively denoting events or occasions that are scheduled or expected in the near future. An upcoming wedding, for instance, tells us that a wedding is planned and will happen soon. It's more specific in nature, often signaling an anticipation or preparedness.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 20, 2024
It's also essential to consider grammatical contexts. "Coming" can be used as a verb, noun, or adjective. For example, "They are coming to the party" uses "coming" as a verb. On the other hand, "upcoming" is primarily an adjective and precedes the noun it describes.
Muazma Batool
Feb 20, 2024
When talking about time, "coming" can indicate a more indefinite period, such as the coming years, suggesting a stretch of time in the future. "Upcoming," however, is more immediate, typically indicating something on the horizon, like the upcoming weekend.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 20, 2024
In conclusion, while both terms project into the future, "coming" offers a broader range, and "upcoming" is more event-specific and immediate.
Nolan
Feb 20, 2024
Coming vs. Upcoming Comparison Chart
Time Frame
Can be indefinite or specific.
Generally immediate or near future.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 20, 2024
Grammatical Role
Can function as verb, adjective, or noun.
Mainly used as an adjective.
Muazma Batool
Feb 20, 2024
Anticipation
Might or might not imply anticipation.
Implies anticipation or preparedness.
Olivia
Feb 20, 2024
Specificity
Broader, can be used in various contexts.
More specific, denotes scheduled events.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 20, 2024
Coming vs. Upcoming Definitions
◉Coming
Approaching in time or position.
The coming weeks are going to be busy.
Muazma Batool
Sep 15, 2023
◉Coming
Growing or advancing towards a specific direction.
The deer is coming towards us.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 15, 2023
◉Coming
Approaching; forthcoming; next
the coming season.
a coming report on arms limitation.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Upcoming
Happening or appearing in the relatively near future.
We are ready for whatever is upcoming.
The Federal budget lays out government spending for the upcoming budget year.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Coming
Approaching; of the future, especially the near future; the next.
See you the/this Sunday coming! -Well, maybe I can't the/this coming Sunday but on Sunday week.
She will have two or three paintings in the coming exhibition.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Coming
Newly in fashion; advancing into maturity or achievement.
Ergonomic wallets are the coming thing.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Upcoming
of the relatively near future;
the approaching election
this coming Thursday
the forthcoming holidays
the upcoming spring fashions
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Coming
Approaching; of the future, especially the near future; the next; as, the coming week or year; the coming exhibition.
Welcome the coming, speed the parting, guest.
Your coming days and years.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Upcoming
Scheduled or planned for the next instance.
He's excited about his upcoming birthday.
Muazma Batool
Sep 15, 2023
◉Coming
Specifically: The Second Advent of Christ, called usually the second coming.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Coming
the act of drawing spatially closer to something;
the hunter's approach scattered the geese
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Coming
arrival that has been awaited (especially of something momentous);
the advent of the computer
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Coming
the temporal property of becoming nearer in time;
the approach of winter
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Coming
of the relatively near future;
the approaching election
this coming Thursday
the forthcoming holidays
the upcoming spring fashions
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
Coming vs. Upcoming Frequently Asked Questions
Which term is more immediate?
"Upcoming" generally denotes a more immediate future.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 20, 2024
When should I use "coming" over "upcoming"?
Use "coming" for a broader sense of future or approach, and "upcoming" for specific, near-future events.
Muazma Batool
Feb 20, 2024
Does "coming" always suggest movement?
Not always. It can mean approaching in time or position.
Lucas
Feb 20, 2024
Is "upcoming" more formal than "coming"?
Not necessarily, but "upcoming" is often used in scheduled or official contexts.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 20, 2024
Can I say "coming event" instead of "upcoming event"?
Yes, but "upcoming event" is more common and specific.
Muazma Batool
Feb 20, 2024
How does "coming" relate to the future?
It denotes something approaching, whether in time or position.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 20, 2024
Is "upcoming" always about events?
Primarily, but it can refer to any imminent situation or period.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 20, 2024
Which word should I use for a scheduled conference next week?
"Upcoming" would be the most appropriate choice.
Elijah
Feb 20, 2024
Are both words adjectives?
While both can function as adjectives, "coming" can also be a verb or noun.
Leo
Feb 20, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
