How Come vs. Why: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on October 24, 2023
"How Come" and "Why" both question reasons, but "How Come" is informal and "Why" is universally accepted.
Key Differences
"How Come" is a colloquial expression commonly used in casual conversations. On the other hand, "Why" is a more universally accepted term to question reasons or causes. People might use "How Come" to sound friendlier or less direct, while "Why" is straightforward.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2023
For instance, in a casual chat among friends, "How Come" could be preferred to lighten the tone. In contrast, "Why" is versatile, fitting both formal and informal contexts. When writing for professional or academic purposes, "Why" is the preferred choice over "How Come".
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2023
This distinction doesn't degrade the validity of "How Come" but indicates its suitability in relaxed, conversational settings.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Common Contexts
Conversational, informal writing
All contexts (academic, professional, casual)
Janet White
Oct 24, 2023
Structural Placement
Often starts a sentence without inversion
Can start questions, requiring subject-verb inversion
Sara Rehman
Oct 24, 2023
How Come and Why Definitions
How Come
"How Come" is a colloquial alternative to "Why".
How come the store is closed?
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
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How Come
"How Come" seeks an explanation in a casual manner.
How come it's so cold today?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
How Come
"How Come" mirrors "Why" but in a friendlier tone.
How come she looks so happy?
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
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How Come
"How Come" is an informal way to ask about reasons.
How come you're late?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Why
For what purpose, reason, or cause; with what intention, justification, or motive
Why is the door shut? Why do birds sing?.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Why
The cause or intention underlying a given action or situation
Studying the whys of antisocial behavior.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Why
Introducing a complete question.
Why is the sky blue?
Why did you do that?
I don’t know why he did that
Tell me why the moon changes phase.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Why
Introducing a verb phrase (bare infinitive clause).
Why spend money on something you already get for free?
Why not tell him how you feel?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Why
(relative) For which cause, reason, or purpose.
That's the reason why I did that.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Why
(fused relative) The cause, reason, or purpose for which.
That is why the sky is blue.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Why
Reason.
A good article will cover the who, the what, the when, the where, the why and the how.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Why
An exclamation used to express pleasant or unpleasant mild surprise, indignation, or impatience.
Why, that’s ridiculous!
Why, how kind of you!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Why
For what cause, reason, or purpose; on what account; wherefore; - used interrogatively. See the Note under What, pron., 1.
Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Why
For which; on account of which; - used relatively.
No ground of enmity between us knownWhy he should mean me ill or seek to harm.
Turn the discourse; I have a reason whyI would not have you speak so tenderly.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Why
The reason or cause for which; that on account of which; on what account; as, I know not why he left town so suddenly; - used as a compound relative.
If her chill heart I can not move,Why, I'll enjoy the very love.
The how and the why and the where.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Why
The cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase `the whys and wherefores'
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Why
Question word; what is the reason (`how come' is a nonstandard variant);
Why are you here?
How come he got an ice cream cone but I didn't?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
FAQs
Is "Why" the same as "How Come"?
Both question reasons, but "Why" is more universally accepted, while "How Come" is informal.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2023
Is "Why" more direct than "How Come"?
Yes, "Why" is straightforward, while "How Come" can sound softer.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2023
How should I respond to a "How Come" question?
Like any "Why" question, with an explanation or reason.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2023
Why is "Why" preferred in formal settings?
Because of its universal acceptance and straightforward nature.
Janet White
Oct 24, 2023
What does "How Come" mean?
"How Come" is an informal way to ask about reasons or causes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2023
Can "How Come" be used in formal writing?
It's best to use "Why" in formal writing and reserve "How Come" for casual contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2023
Is "Why" suitable for casual conversations?
Yes, "Why" is versatile and fits both formal and informal contexts.
Janet White
Oct 24, 2023
Why might someone use "How Come" over "Why"?
To sound friendlier, less direct, or more colloquial in conversation.
Janet White
Oct 24, 2023
Do "How Come" and "Why" have the same grammatical rules?
No, "How Come" often starts a sentence without inversion, while "Why" requires subject-verb inversion.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2023
How did "How Come" originate?
It's a colloquialism, likely a shortened form of phrases like "how comes it that..."
Janet White
Oct 24, 2023
Can I use "How Come" in an academic paper?
It's recommended to use "Why" in academic settings for clarity and formality.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2023
Is it wrong to use "How Come"?
No, but it's important to choose based on context and desired formality.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2023
How common is "How Come" in American English?
Quite common, especially in casual conversations.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2023
Do all English speakers understand "How Come"?
Most do, especially in the U.S., though "Why" is more universally recognized.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2023
Is "How Come" accepted in English exams?
Depending on context, but "Why" is usually the safer choice in formal exams.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2023
Why is "How Come" seen as friendlier?
Its colloquial nature gives it a softer, more approachable feel.
Janet White
Oct 24, 2023
How does the tone differ between "How Come" and "Why"?
"How Come" has a friendlier, colloquial tone, while "Why" is neutral.
Harlon Moss
Oct 24, 2023
Why do some people avoid using "How Come"?
They might view it as too informal or prefer the clarity of "Why".
Aimie Carlson
Oct 24, 2023
Is "Why" a more international choice than "How Come"?
Yes, "Why" is more universally understood in various English-speaking regions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
