How come? vs Why?

Both 'how come?' and 'why?' are commonly used to ask for the reason or cause of something. 'How come?' is more informal and conversational, while 'why?' is more formal and can be used in both spoken and written English. They can be used interchangeably in many situations, but 'how come?' is often used in casual conversations.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1035 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal conversations to ask for the reason or cause of something.

"How come?"

Use 'how come?' in informal situations to ask why something happened or is the way it is. It is often used in spoken English among friends, family, or in casual settings.

Examples:

How come you didn't come to the party?
How come the store is closed today?
How come you're so late?
How come he got the promotion?
How come she's upset?

Show examples from the web [+]

How come? It's gone to ruin.
When I reply to a message, only a part of the message is quoted. How come?
No, not particularly, how come?
And I said, "well, how come?"
How come? Anti-Freedomism is at a new high.
How come? I threw my grandmother down a flight of stairs.
How come? Well, when I was 11, I broke the patio window, and my mother sued me.
How come? Ran into some cubs.
How come? I killed him.
How come? - Tell him.
Look, you feel nothing How come?
"How come?" with the story you made up.
How come? I don't even know the kid!
So the question you want to ask is: How come? Why? What is it about them?
- I can't tell him that - How come?
How come? 'Cause I come here right after school.
So tell me, Lieutenant, how come?
And I said, "how come?"
I know, but all females... how come? ...Female.
You were parked there, how come? I was there.

Alternatives:

Why is that?
What's the reason for that?
What's the explanation?
Can you explain why?
What caused that?

This phrase is correct and can be used in both formal and informal contexts to ask for the reason or cause of something.

"Why?"

Use 'why?' in both formal and informal situations to inquire about the reason behind an action or situation. It is a versatile question word that can be used in various contexts.

Examples:

Why did you do that?
Why is the sky blue?
Why are you crying?
Why are you leaving?
Why is the project delayed?

Alternatives:

How come?
What's the reason for that?
What's the explanation?
Can you explain why?
What caused that?

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How come? vs Why?

"How come?"

"Why?"

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