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

Ghanta's journey began with a simple question: how can the fractional work concept be scaled across industries? —Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 26 June 2024

So how can one organization separate itself and woo free agents? —Kareem Copeland, Washington Post, 26 June 2024

And how can noise cancellation help us out? Check out Vox videos’ latest to find out! —Edward Vega, Vox, 25 June 2024

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