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

In a completely subjective field, how can the best be determined? —Chadd Scott, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

If these events happen hundreds of years apart, how can scientists measure their frequency? —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 12 Dec. 2024

Justin Tucker is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but how can he be trusted in a big spot after all this? —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 2 Dec. 2024

And while the overall speakers per household were actually up to 3.08 from 3.05 last year, with a slowing new user base, how can Sonos continue to make money in what is looking to be a saturated market? —Verity Burns, WIRED, 1 Dec. 2024