An explanation for intermediate to advanced English language learners explaining when to use the word coming versus going. This is the sixth lesson of the SkimaTalk course Misused and Misunderstood Words written by Michele W. Snider, SkimaTalk teacher and author of My Virtual English blog.

1. ARE YOU COMING OR
GOING?
Learn the distinction between these words

2. The
following
rule
will tell
you
whether
you are
coming
or going.

3. COMING OR GOING DEPENDS ON
WHERE YOU ARE AND WHO'S ASKING
The use of
“coming” versus
“going” is based on
the relationship
between the
speaker and
listener.
Consider the perspective of
a coworker asking, “Are you
coming to work?,”
The coworker wants to
know if you are coming to
join them at work.
versus a non-coworker
asking, “Are you going to
work?”
The non-coworker wants to
know if you are leaving them
to go to work.

4. Note: The physical location of
the person asking the question
will establish whether “coming”
or “going” is used.

5. This is because they are AT your workplace and when you
come to work, you would be coming to them as well.
If a non-coworker stops by
your place of work and
you aren’t there, they
may call you and ask,
“Are you coming to work
today?”

6. This is because you would be leaving the event to go to the office.
This is true even if you "go" home before "going" into the office.
If you and a coworker are
at an event, before you
leave, they may ask,
“Are you going into work
(tomorrow)?”

7. CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING
"I'm going to grab something to eat!* Would you like to come?”
Explain to your teacher what you think is happening in this sentence.

8. TALKING ABOUT GOING TO
PARTIES (OR OTHER EVENTS)
CAN BE TRICKY.
When someone says they are “going
to a party,” this can mean they are
“going to go” meaning “planning to
attend.”
Although, they could also literally be
en route to the party. “Going” can
mean on your way.

9. A GROUP IS ON THEIR WAY TO A PARTY.
THEY ASK, “ARE YOU COMING?”
THEY COULD BE IMPLYING, “ARE YOU
COMING WITH US?”, OR THEY COULD BE
ASKING IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO ATTEND
THE PARTY.
YOU AREN'T PLANNING TO ATTEND.
HOW SHOULD YOU RESPOND?
Answer the question above using "coming" or "going."
Going Steady, St. John's Publications 1955

10. EXPRESSIONS USING COMING AND GOING
"I don't know whether I'm coming or going" = to be confused
(use this expression with he, or she)
Come on! =1. Let's go (see example on slide 9), and
2. an expression of disbelief
Create a sentence for each meaning below
Come from = 1. to originate from, and 2. a perspective.
NOTE: Going is used without "to" with the following words:
home, and downtown *also with verbs expressing activities (e.g., skiing)
Easy come, easy go = Something that is obtained easily is quickly lost

11. ROLE PLAY
(if time allows)
You will be taking
a trip to see a
former classmate
soon.
Have two
conversations:
1.Tell your
coworker about
your upcoming
trip.
2. Tell your
classmate that
you will be visiting.

12. This slide presentation was created by Michele W. Snider, teacher for SkimaTalk,
Inc., and author of
http://www.myvirtualenglish.com
That's it!
We hope you enjoyed
it!