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

Now their daughters are in college, but how can that be? —Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 1 June 2024

The building is there, but after more than 80 years, how could the same formula still be? Family connections Lou Malnati began his pizza career at Pizzeria Uno, managing the restaurant with his father, Rudy Malnati Sr., in the 1950s. —Eric Kim, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2024

So, how could such a city remain a place that middle-class people could even afford? —CBS News, 19 May 2024

But…how can the small muscles in your fingers, hands, and forearms predict what’s going on in the rest of your body? —SELF, 7 May 2024