how come?

INFORMAL
This page is about the conversational phrase how come?

Meaning

You can say this if you want to know why something's happened, or why a situation exists.

For example

  • "Tomorrow's meeting has been cancelled."
    "Really? How come?"
    "Arthur said he can't make it."

  • "I'm quitting my job."
    "How come? I thought you liked it."

Quick Quiz

You can say "How come?" if you want to know

a. the schedule for something

b. the location of something

c. the reason for something
a) the schedule for something b) the location of something c) the reason for something

Contributor: Matt Errey