The phrase “how come” is commonly used in English to ask why something happened or to express curiosity.
However, if you want to expand your vocabulary, there are many alternatives that can make your conversations and writing more engaging.
Whether you’re speaking formally or informally, having a variety of expressions helps improve your communication skills.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 19 other ways to say “how come”, including their definitions, descriptions, and examples. These alternatives will not only help you diversify your language but also boost your writing and speaking skills.
19 Other Ways to Say “How Come”
- Why
- What’s the reason
- For what reason
- How is it that
- What’s the deal with
- How does that work
- How is that possible
- Why is that
- What’s going on with
- What’s up with
- What’s the cause
- What makes you say that
- How do you explain that
- How’s that
- How so
- What’s behind that
- Can you tell me why
- What led to that
- How did that happen
1. Why
Definition: “Why” is a direct way to ask about a reason or cause.
Description: This is the most common and simplest alternative to “how come.” It’s used in both formal and informal conversations to ask for explanations.
Usage Examples:
- Why did you leave the party early?
- Why is the sky blue?
2. What’s the reason
Definition: A phrase used to ask for the explanation behind something.
Description: This phrase is slightly more formal than “how come” and is often used in professional or academic settings.
Usage Examples:
- What’s the reason for the delay?
- What’s the reason you chose that option?
3. For what reason
Definition: A more structured way to ask about the cause or purpose of something.
Description: This phrase is commonly found in written and spoken English, making it a good alternative for formal writing.
Usage Examples:
- For what reason did you cancel the meeting?
- For what reason are you upset?
4. How is it that
Definition: A way to express curiosity or disbelief about something.
Description: This phrase is often used when something seems unexpected or unusual.
Usage Examples:
- How is it that you never get tired?
- How is it that he speaks five languages?
5. What’s the deal with
Definition: A casual phrase used to ask about the meaning or situation of something.
Description: This phrase is very informal and commonly used in everyday speech.
Usage Examples:
- What’s the deal with all the traffic today?
- What’s the deal with your new job?
6. How does that work
Definition: Used to ask for an explanation of a process or situation.
Description: This phrase is helpful when trying to understand how something functions.
Usage Examples:
- You can earn money while traveling? How does that work?
- This new technology predicts weather? How does that work?
7. How is that possible
Definition: A phrase used to express surprise or curiosity about something unexpected.
Description: It’s great for situations where you’re questioning the logic behind an event.
Usage Examples:
- You finished the test in 10 minutes? How is that possible?
- He climbed the mountain in one day? How is that possible?
8. Why is that
Definition: A variation of “why” that adds a bit of emphasis to the question.
Description: It’s a simple and effective way to ask for an explanation.
Usage Examples:
- You don’t like coffee? Why is that?
- You never watch TV? Why is that?
9. What’s going on with
Definition: A casual way to ask about the status or situation of something.
Description: This phrase is commonly used in friendly conversations.
Usage Examples:
- What’s going on with your car?
- What’s going on with the meeting?
10. What’s up with
Definition: An informal phrase to ask about something strange or surprising.
Description: Often used in casual speech to express curiosity.
Usage Examples:
- What’s up with your new haircut?
- What’s up with the new policy?
11. What’s the cause
Definition: A phrase to ask about the reason behind something.
Description: This is useful in both formal and informal contexts.
Usage Examples:
- What’s the cause of the delay?
- What’s the cause of your decision?
12. What makes you say that
Definition: A phrase used to ask why someone has a particular opinion.
Description: This is useful for clarifying statements.
Usage Examples:
- I think he’s lying. What makes you say that?
- This food tastes bad. What makes you say that?
13. How do you explain that
Definition: Used to ask for clarification or a reason behind something.
Description: This phrase is useful for debates and discussions.
Usage Examples:
- You missed the deadline. How do you explain that?
- She suddenly quit. How do you explain that?
14. How’s that
Definition: A short phrase used to express surprise or curiosity.
Description: Often used in spoken English.
Usage Examples:
- You got promoted? How’s that?
- They changed the rules? How’s that?
15. How so
Definition: A quick way to ask for more details.
Description: Used in casual conversations.
Usage Examples:
- She’s a genius. How so?
- The plan won’t work. How so?
16. What’s behind that
Definition: A way to ask about the reasoning behind something.
Description: Often used in in-depth discussions.
Usage Examples:
- The company is making changes. What’s behind that?
- He suddenly left. What’s behind that?
17. Can you tell me why
Definition: A polite way to ask for an explanation.
Usage Examples:
- Can you tell me why you’re upset?
- Can you tell me why he resigned?
18. What led to that
Definition: A way to ask about the series of events that caused something.
Usage Examples:
- He moved abroad. What led to that?
- The business failed. What led to that?
19. How did that happen
Definition: A direct way to ask about the reason behind an event.
Usage Examples:
- You lost your phone? How did that happen?
- They broke up? How did that happen?
Conclusion:
The phrase “How come” is a casual and widely used way to ask why or seek clarification.
However, there are many alternative expressions you can use depending on the tone, formality, and context of your conversation.
Whether you choose “Why is that?” for a polite setting, “What’s the reason?” for clarity, or “How is that so?” for curiosity, having a variety of phrases at your disposal allows for more engaging and nuanced communication.
By expanding your vocabulary, you not only improve your conversational skills but also add depth and variety to your speech and writing.
