Coming vs. Upcoming — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 13, 2024
Coming refers to something that is about to occur or approach in time, focusing on the imminence of events or arrivals. Upcoming, on the other hand, specifically highlights future events or items that have been scheduled or are expected to happen.
Difference Between Coming and Upcoming
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Key Differences
Coming is a term that emphasizes the nearness or impending nature of an event, person, or item. It is often used to signify that something is on its way or will happen soon, without necessarily indicating a specific timeline. Upcoming, whereas, is more precise, typically used to describe events, releases, or activities that have been planned and are expected to occur in the near future. It carries a connotation of preparation and anticipation.
In the context of events, coming could refer to anything approaching in the near future, without any indication of its exact timing. It's a general term that suggests imminence. On the other hand, upcoming is often associated with events that not only are approaching but also have a defined timeline or schedule, highlighting their organized and anticipated nature.
When talking about releases, such as movies or products, coming is used to suggest that they will be available soon, focusing on the aspect of arrival. Whereas, upcoming is specifically used for releases that have a set launch date, emphasizing the planning and anticipation that surrounds them.
In everyday language, coming can be used in a broader sense to refer to anything that is approaching, be it time, events, or even given time, emphasizing the aspect of approach. Upcoming, on the other hand, is more likely to be used in contexts where there is a sense of scheduling and anticipation, such as in professional or formal settings.
Regarding announcements, coming might be used to create a sense of immediacy and promptness, suggesting that something is just around the corner. Upcoming is typically employed when making formal announcements about events or releases, providing a sense of scheduled anticipation and allowing for preparation.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
About to occur or approach.
Scheduled to happen in the future.
Connotation
Immediacy, without specific timing.
Anticipation, with a clear timeline.
Usage Context
General, broader approach.
Specific, often formal or planned events.
Emphasis
On the approach of an event or item.
On the scheduling and anticipation.
Compare with Definitions
Coming
Approaching in time.
The coming summer is expected to be very hot.
Upcoming
Scheduled to occur soon.
The upcoming meeting is on Monday.
Coming
About to happen.
There are coming changes to the law.
Upcoming
Being prepared for the near future.
The upcoming book release is highly anticipated.
Coming
Near future events.
In the coming weeks, we'll see a lot of changes.
Upcoming
Expected to happen.
The upcoming holiday season is a busy time for everyone.
Coming
Soon to be or to arrive.
She is the coming star of the theater scene.
Upcoming
Next in line or sequence.
She's excited about her upcoming birthday.
Coming
Imminent in nature.
The coming elections are causing a lot of discussions.
Upcoming
Imminent and planned.
Upcoming events include a seminar and a workshop.
Coming
Approaching; forthcoming; next
The coming season.
A coming report on arms limitation.
Upcoming
Upcoming (formerly Upcoming.org) is a social event calendar website that launched in 2003, founded by Andy Baio.
Coming
Showing promise of fame or success.
Upcoming
Occurring soon; forthcoming.
Coming
Arrival; advent
The coming of spring.
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.
Coming
Present participle of come
Upcoming
Eggcorn of up-and-coming
Coming
The act of arriving; an arrival.
Upcoming
Pertaining to to upcome
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.
Upcoming
The act of coming up.
Coming
Newly in fashion; advancing into maturity or achievement.
Ergonomic wallets are the coming thing.
Upcoming
Comeuppance; deserts
Coming
(obsolete) Ready to come; complaisant; fond.
Upcoming
The activity of to upcome
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.
Upcoming
Present participle of upcome
Coming
Ready to come; complaisant; fond.
Upcoming
Of the relatively near future;
The approaching election
This coming Thursday
The forthcoming holidays
The upcoming spring fashions
Coming
Approach; advent; manifestation; as, the coming of the train.
Coming
Specifically: The Second Advent of Christ, called usually the second coming.
Coming
The act of drawing spatially closer to something;
The hunter's approach scattered the geese
Coming
Arrival that has been awaited (especially of something momentous);
The advent of the computer
Coming
The temporal property of becoming nearer in time;
The approach of winter
Coming
Of the relatively near future;
The approaching election
This coming Thursday
The forthcoming holidays
The upcoming spring fashions
Coming
Yet to come;
Coming generations
A future-day Gibbon of Macaulay
Common Curiosities
Can coming and upcoming be used interchangeably?
While they are similar in meaning, they are not always interchangeable. Upcoming is more specific and often used for scheduled events, whereas coming is more general and can refer to anything approaching in time.
Is upcoming more formal than coming?
Yes, upcoming tends to be used in more formal contexts or when referring to planned, scheduled events, while coming is used more broadly and can be informal.
How do promotions differ when using coming vs. upcoming?
Promotions using upcoming might focus on specific details and anticipation, such as dates and preparations, while coming could be used for more immediate or soon-to-occur promotions without specific dates.
What is the main difference between coming and upcoming?
Coming emphasizes the nearness or imminent approach of something, without a specific timeline, while upcoming specifically refers to events or items that are planned and expected to occur in the near future, often with a scheduled date.
Are there contexts where only one of the terms is appropriate?
Yes, for formal announcements or when referring to specific dates, upcoming is preferred. Coming is more suitable for general references to the future without specific dates.
Can coming refer to past events?
No, coming is used to refer to future events or situations approaching in time.
How do I know when to use coming or upcoming?
Use upcoming to refer to planned or scheduled events that have a definite timeline. Use coming for a broader, more general sense of something approaching in time.
How do coming and upcoming affect audience anticipation?
Upcoming tends to build anticipation by highlighting scheduled and planned events, while coming may signal that something is imminent, possibly creating a sense of urgency or immediate interest.
Is upcoming always related to events?
Primarily, but it can also refer to anything expected to happen or be released in the near future, like products, movies, or books.
Do coming and upcoming have the same level of urgency?
Coming might imply a more immediate approach, whereas upcoming often involves a sense of anticipation for something scheduled.
Are there idiomatic uses for coming and upcoming?
Coming is often used idiomatically in phrases like "the coming of age," while upcoming is less frequently used in idiomatic expressions and is more straightforward in its anticipation of future events.
Can I use coming for things that are not time-related?
Generally, coming is used in the context of time. Its usage outside of time-related contexts would be metaphorical or less common.
Is there a difference in how coming and upcoming are used in professional settings?
Yes, in professional settings, upcoming is more commonly used to refer to scheduled events or anticipated happenings, reflecting a more organized and planned context.
Does coming imply a shorter timeframe than upcoming?
Not necessarily. Coming emphasizes the approach of something without specifying time, while upcoming is more about being scheduled, regardless of the exact timeframe.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
