how can/could

idiom

—used to show that one thinks that someone has done or said something shocking or wrong

"We don't need his help anyway." "How can you say that?!"

How could she just walk away from her children like that?

—used to express doubt that something will happen, is possible, etc.

How could I (ever/possibly) leave this job?

How can I (ever/possibly) thank you?

informal

—used to show disappointment in someone's actions, thoughts, words, etc.

He threw away my gift? Oh, how could he?

Examples of how can/could in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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So, with a record-breaking deal done, how could Alonso’s negotiations possibly be worse? —

Scott Thompson, Fox News, 25 Jan. 2025 Steal Your Face: Grateful Dead Unveil Newest Apron Collection With Hedley & Bennett What Businesses Can Do So, how can businesses get in on the action and contribute to an equitable energy transition? —

Melissa Jun Rowley, Rolling Stone, 24 Jan. 2025 More importantly, how can Black beauty brands adapt and thrive amid these potential challenges? —

Lyric Christian, Essence, 24 Jan. 2025 Other than taking a much-deserved vacation from the stresses and strains of government service and political campaigning, how can Harris spend the next years in her career, which might last another three decades? —

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for how can/could

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“How can/could.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/how%20can%2Fcould. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

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