Why do you come late vs Why did you come late

Both phrases are correct, but their verb tenses are different. 'Why do you come late?' is in the present tense and refers to a habitual action or behavior. 'Why did you come late?' is in the past tense and refers to a specific instance of coming late.

Explained by Michele A.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: August 07, 2024

Why do you come late

This phrase is correct when asking about a habitual action or behavior in the present tense.

This phrase is used to inquire about a recurring pattern of arriving late.

Alternatives:

Why are you always late?
Why do you consistently arrive late?
Why do you tend to come late?
Why do you keep coming late?
Why do you arrive late so often?

Why did you come late

This phrase is correct when asking about a specific instance of arriving late in the past tense.

This phrase is used to inquire about a particular occasion when someone arrived late.

Alternatives:

Why were you late?
Why did you arrive late?
What made you come late?
Why did you end up being late?
Why did you get here late?

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Why do you come late vs Why did you come late

Why do you come late

Why did you come late

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