How come? means “why?” or “how did that happen?”. It is an informal question about a reason, and it shows surprise: the speaker didn't expect this. In formal speech and in writing, use why instead.
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How come + subject + verb?; How come?
- How come the office is empty? Is there a meeting upstairs?
- 'I'm not going to the party.' 'How come? You were so excited yesterday.'
- How come you speak Spanish so well if you've never lived there?
What changed
First versionHow come are you still at the office? It's nearly midnight.
RevisionHow come you are still at the office? It's nearly midnight.
After how come, the words stay in normal statement order: you are, not are you. The mistake comes from why, where the order is reversed: Why are you still at the office?
How come and why are close, but why is neutral and fits any style: Why did the company change its policy? How come is informal: don't use it in an IELTS essay, but in Speaking it sounds natural.
Your turn
My colleague is never late, but today she came in an hour after everyone else, so I asked, 'How come ___ so late?'
Show the answer
you are — After how come you need statement order: first you, then are. The order are you works after why, but with how come it is a mistake.
Think of a change at work or in your studies that surprised you. Ask a question with how come and say in it what exactly has changed.
How come the canteen closes at two now? It used to stay open until five.
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