Incoming vs Upcoming: When To Use Each One In Writing?

Are you confused about whether to use incoming or upcoming? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we’ll clear up the confusion and help you use the right word in the right context.

Let’s define the terms. Incoming refers to something that is arriving or coming in, while upcoming refers to something that is going to happen soon or in the near future.

So, which one should you use? It depends on the context. If you’re talking about something that is physically arriving, such as a package or a person, then incoming is the appropriate word. On the other hand, if you’re referring to an event or activity that is going to happen soon, then upcoming is the better choice.

Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s dive deeper into the differences between these two words and how to use them correctly.

Define Incoming

When we talk about incoming, we refer to something that is already on its way or is arriving soon. It can be used to describe a variety of things, such as incoming mail, incoming calls, or incoming passengers. In simpler terms, incoming refers to things that are coming towards us or our direction.

For instance, in the context of email, incoming mail refers to the messages that are being received by a particular email account. Similarly, in the context of transportation, incoming passengers refer to people who are arriving at a particular airport or train station.

Overall, the term incoming is commonly used to describe things that are currently in transit or are expected to arrive soon.

Define Upcoming

Upcoming, on the other hand, is used to describe something that is going to happen in the near future. It can be used to describe events, products, or any other thing that is scheduled to take place in the coming days, weeks, or months.

For instance, if we say that there is an upcoming conference, it means that the conference is scheduled to take place soon. Similarly, if we say that there is an upcoming product launch, it means that the product is going to be launched in the near future.

Overall, upcoming refers to things that are yet to happen, but are scheduled or planned to take place in the near future.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence can make a big difference in how your message is conveyed. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “incoming” and “upcoming” in a sentence.

How To Use “Incoming” In A Sentence

“Incoming” is an adjective that describes something that is coming towards you or arriving soon. Here are some examples of how to use “incoming” in a sentence:

• The soldiers were warned of incoming enemy fire.
• I received an incoming call on my phone.
• The incoming tide brought in a lot of seaweed.

As you can see, “incoming” is often used to describe things that are physically coming towards you or arriving soon.

How To Use “Upcoming” In A Sentence

“Upcoming” is an adjective that describes something that is going to happen in the near future. Here are some examples of how to use “upcoming” in a sentence:

• I’m looking forward to the upcoming holidays.
• The company announced its upcoming product launch.
• We need to prepare for the upcoming storm.

“Upcoming” is often used to describe events or situations that are going to happen in the near future. It can also be used to describe things that are coming up in a series or sequence.

By using “incoming” and “upcoming” correctly in your writing, you can ensure that your message is clear and easy to understand.

More Examples Of Incoming & Upcoming Used In Sentences

When it comes to using “incoming” and “upcoming” in sentences, there are a variety of ways to incorporate these words into your writing. Here are some examples of how to use “incoming” in a sentence:

Examples Of Using “Incoming” In A Sentence

• The incoming storm caused widespread power outages.
• Our company is expecting a large incoming shipment of new products.
• The incoming tide brought in a variety of sea creatures.
• As the incoming president, she has a lot of responsibilities to prepare for.
• The airport was filled with incoming passengers from all over the world.
• The incoming call was from an unknown number.
• The incoming class of freshmen is the largest in the school’s history.
• He was hit by an incoming ball while playing baseball.
• The incoming CEO has plans to restructure the entire company.
• She was excited to receive her incoming college acceptance letter.

Similarly, “upcoming” can also be used in a variety of ways in sentences. Here are some examples:

Examples Of Using “Upcoming” In A Sentence

• Our company has several upcoming projects that we’re excited to share.
• The upcoming election is causing a lot of controversy.
• I’m looking forward to the upcoming holiday season.
• The upcoming conference will feature several keynote speakers.
• She’s been preparing for her upcoming performance for months.
• The upcoming deadline is causing a lot of stress for the team.
• He’s been practicing for his upcoming marathon for weeks.
• The upcoming movie has received a lot of buzz from critics.
• Our upcoming vacation is going to be the trip of a lifetime.
• The upcoming product launch is expected to be a huge success.

As you can see, “incoming” and “upcoming” can be used in a variety of ways to convey different meanings and ideas. By incorporating these words into your writing, you can add depth and nuance to your sentences.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the terms incoming and upcoming, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two terms have different meanings, and using them incorrectly can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Incoming” To Mean “Upcoming”

One common mistake people make is using “incoming” to refer to something that is going to happen soon, when the correct term to use in this case is “upcoming”. “Incoming” refers to something that is currently in the process of arriving or being received. For example, “I have an incoming call” means that the call is currently coming in and has not yet been answered. On the other hand, “upcoming” refers to something that is going to happen in the future. For example, “I have an upcoming meeting” means that the meeting is scheduled to happen at a later time.

Using “Upcoming” To Mean “Incoming”

Another common mistake is using “upcoming” to refer to something that is currently happening or being received, when the correct term to use in this case is “incoming”. This mistake can also lead to confusion, as it implies that something is going to happen in the future when it is actually happening right now. For example, saying “I have an upcoming email” implies that the email has not yet been received, when in fact it may have already been delivered to your inbox. In this case, it would be more appropriate to say “I have an incoming email.”

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it is important to understand the difference between “incoming” and “upcoming” and use them correctly in context. Here are some tips to help you avoid using these terms interchangeably:

• Think about the timing of the event or action you are referring to. If it is currently happening or being received, use “incoming”. If it is going to happen in the future, use “upcoming”.
• Consider the context in which you are using the term. If you are referring to something that is related to communication (such as a call, message, or email), “incoming” is usually the correct term to use.
• If you are unsure which term to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus to confirm the correct definition and usage.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “incoming” and “upcoming,” context is key. Both words refer to events or situations that are going to happen, but the specific context in which they are used can make all the difference.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “incoming” and “upcoming” might change:

1. Military

Context	Word Choice	Explanation
Preparing for an attack	Incoming	“Incoming” is often used in military contexts to refer to an attack or enemy fire that is coming towards the soldiers. It is a warning to take cover or prepare for impact.
Planning future missions	Upcoming	“Upcoming” might be used to refer to future missions or operations that are being planned. It implies a sense of anticipation and preparation, rather than an immediate threat.

2. Business

• Incoming: In the business world, “incoming” might be used to refer to incoming revenue, sales leads, or job applications.
• Upcoming: “Upcoming” might be used to refer to upcoming product launches, conferences, or deadlines.

3. Personal

• Incoming: In a personal context, “incoming” might be used to refer to incoming phone calls, text messages, or emails.
• Upcoming: “Upcoming” might be used to refer to upcoming events, like birthdays, vacations, or weddings.

As you can see, the choice between “incoming” and “upcoming” depends on the specific context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of each word, you can choose the right one to convey your intended meaning.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the usage of incoming and upcoming is generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to the rules that must be taken into account. In certain contexts, the rules may not apply, and it is important to recognize these exceptions to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding.

Exceptions For “Incoming”

One exception to the rule for using “incoming” is in the context of mail or packages. In this case, “incoming” refers to mail or packages that are being received or delivered, rather than the time frame in which they will arrive. For example, a package that has already arrived at a sorting facility may be referred to as “incoming,” even though it has already been delivered to the facility.

Another exception to the rule for “incoming” is in the context of military or police operations. In this case, “incoming” refers to a missile, bomb, or other projectile that is currently in flight and headed towards a target. For example, soldiers may yell “incoming!” to warn their comrades of an incoming attack.

Exceptions For “Upcoming”

One exception to the rule for using “upcoming” is in the context of events that have already been scheduled or announced. In this case, “upcoming” refers to events that will occur in the future, regardless of whether they are imminent or not. For example, a concert that is scheduled for next month may be referred to as an “upcoming concert.”

Another exception to the rule for “upcoming” is in the context of promotions or releases. In this case, “upcoming” refers to products or services that are set to be released or promoted in the near future, regardless of whether they have a specific release date. For example, a company may advertise an “upcoming product” that is still in development and has not yet been given a release date.

Exceptions to the Rules for “Incoming” and “Upcoming”

Context	Exception	Example
Mail or Packages	“Incoming” refers to mail or packages being received or delivered	“The incoming package has already arrived at the sorting facility.”
Military or Police Operations	“Incoming” refers to a missile, bomb, or other projectile that is currently in flight and headed towards a target	“Soldiers yelled ‘incoming!’ to warn their comrades of an incoming attack.”
Events	“Upcoming” refers to events that have already been scheduled or announced	“The upcoming concert is scheduled for next month.”
Promotions or Releases	“Upcoming” refers to products or services that are set to be released or promoted in the near future	“The company advertised an upcoming product that is still in development.”

Practice Exercises

Learning how to use incoming and upcoming correctly can be challenging, but with practice, it becomes easier. Here are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (incoming or upcoming) to fill in the blank in the following sentences:

1. The __________ train is delayed by 30 minutes.
2. We need to prepare for the __________ meeting next week.
3. The __________ storm is expected to hit the coast tomorrow.
4. My __________ flight is at 7 am.

Answer Key:

1. The incoming train is delayed by 30 minutes.
2. We need to prepare for the upcoming meeting next week.
3. The incoming storm is expected to hit the coast tomorrow.
4. My upcoming flight is at 7 am.

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Complete the following sentences using either incoming or upcoming:

1. There’s an __________ deadline for the project.
2. The __________ concert is sold out.
3. The __________ guests arrived at the hotel.
4. We’re excited about the __________ vacation.

Answer Key:

1. There’s an upcoming deadline for the project.
2. The incoming concert is sold out.
3. The incoming guests arrived at the hotel.
4. We’re excited about the upcoming vacation.

By practicing these exercises, you’ll gain confidence in using incoming and upcoming correctly in your writing and speech.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between incoming and upcoming, it is clear that these two words are not interchangeable. Incoming refers to something that is currently arriving or coming in, while upcoming refers to something that is going to happen in the future. It is important to use these words correctly in order to effectively communicate with others.

One key takeaway from this article is the importance of paying attention to context when using similar sounding words. While incoming and upcoming may sound similar, they have distinct meanings that can drastically change the message being conveyed. Additionally, this article highlights the significance of having a strong grasp on grammar and language use in order to effectively communicate ideas.

As language and communication continue to evolve, it is important for readers to continue learning and expanding their knowledge on these topics. By doing so, they can improve their communication skills and ensure that their message is accurately conveyed to their audience.