Phrase: How come?

"How come?" is a short form of “how did it come about that.” The dictionary also says the expression is usually found in the United States and is used in casual speech. 

People have been using "how come?" to mean "why?" since at least the mid-19th century. It's a common question in information spoken English.

Meaning:

  • “How come?” is “used to ask why something has happened or is true.” 
  • We say "how come?" to ask why a particular situation exists.
  • "How come?" expresses surprise by a situation


Example sentences:

  • "How come you got an invitation and not me?"
  • "How come you’re not at work today?"
  • "How come you failed the exam?"
  • "How come you got sick?"

EXAMPLE DIALOGUE


Andy: Do you want to go to the cinema?
Belle: No.
Andy: How come?
Belle: I'm tired.

In this context, "how come?" simply means "why?"




Andy: Let's grab some pizza!
Belle: I'm not hungry.
Andy: How come?

In this context, Andy is wondering how could Belle not feel hungry. 



Andy: I don't eat meat.
Belle: Really? How come?
Andy: I'm a vegan.

In this situation, "how come?" indicates surprise.

* vegan : a person who does not eat meat or any food derived from animals and who typically does not use other animal products.



Transforming "why" questions into "how come" questions:

1. Why was she at the meeting?
  • How come she was at the meeting?
2. Why did you go to New York?
  • How come you went to New York?
3. Why didn't they go to the party?
  • How come they didn't go to the party?



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