how come
Reason-seeking question
How come is an informal way of asking why: How come you didn't call?
How come she gets to go and I don't?
The phrase functions as a question opener but doesn't require the inverted word order of standard questions—you say how come you're here rather than how come are you here.
It's casual and conversational, more common in speech than writing.
Reason-seeking query
- inquiryRequest for information
- curiosityDesire to learn
- wonderingFeeling curiosity about something
- askingPosing questions
probing · puzzlement · confusion · bewilderment · perplexity · uncertainty · doubt · incomprehension
Intense sudden wonder
- amazementOverwhelming surprise and wonder
- disbeliefRejection of truth claims
- incredulityInability to accept something
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
unexpected · unforeseen · wonderment · bafflement · gobsmacked · speechless · startling · bewilderment
why
Reason-seeking query
asking · probing · puzzlement · confusion · bewilderment · perplexity · uncertainty · doubt · incomprehension · interest
astonishment
Intense sudden wonder
- amazementOverwhelming surprise and wonder
- disbeliefRejection of truth claims
- incredulityInability to accept something
shock · unexpected · unforeseen · wonderment · bafflement · gobsmacked · speechless · startling · bewilderment · dumbfounded
- explanationswhy, explication, what happened, definition, description
- confusionconfusion, confused, bewilderment, perplexity, baffled
- curiosityinquisitiveness, wonder, questioning, inquiry, interest
- question wordswhat, when, where, which, who
- open-ended questionsessay question, why questions, free response, explain, what if
- reactionsreaction, response, gasp, wince, flinch