how can/could

idiom

1

—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?

2

—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?

3

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

And how can everyone reduce their chance of contracting pneumonia and other respiratory infections? Wen is an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University. —Katia Hetter, CNN, 19 Feb. 2025

If the president and vice president are the only executive branch officials accountable to the American people, how can powerful regulatory agencies function without their direct oversight? —James Broughel, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

Drake Kendrick Lamar See latest videos, charts and news After getting drubbed to the point that pop culture and Serena Williams crip-walked on his proverbial grave, how can The Boy mount a comeback bigger than LeBron’s 2016 Cavs? —Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 18 Feb. 2025

If misunderstanding stops being possible, then how can the artwork be engaging? —News Desk, Artforum, 18 Feb. 2025