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

So how can business leaders take advantage of everything SASE offers to increase security, reduce complexity and minimize a company's threat landscape? —Maxwell Alles, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

And how can supply chain operations align more efficiently with demand forecasts? —Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 10 Jan. 2025

Not ranked: New Jersey Devils — So how can a team be in first place in its conference and the top three overall without earning a spot in our top five? —Sean McIndoe, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024

If everyone is in purgatory, how can Heather come and go? —Claire Franken, TVLine, 29 Dec. 2024