HOW COME?

Good morning. I hope you had a relaxing weekend.

Today's expression is: How Come?

It means: why? or how is it that...? and is used in spoken, colloquial English. It is used to say that you do not understand how something could happen, or the reason for something, and would like an explanation.

Example 1:
Anthony: I'm not going to be able to accompany you to the party tonight.
Maya: How come? You promised me!
Anthony: I know...I know, but my mother is ill and I'm the only one who can take care of her. You can go with Mark.

Example 2:
Erik: How come you moved the sofa?
Jenny: Oh, I don't know honey. I simply needed to make a change in the house. I hope you don't mind.

For more information about the origins of this strange expression, you can visit the following website: http://www.randomhouse.com/wotd/index.pperl?date=19970501.

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I hope you have a good day.