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

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

And how could the institution guarantee that a sovereign nation would not violate a loan agreement? —Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 6 May 2024

So how can patients become better advocates for themselves and help take charge of their health in the process? —Carly Weeks, TIME, 6 May 2024

If gender apartheid were officially recognized in the world, gender apartheid would be taking place in Afghanistan, and in this situation, how could a film that talks about women’s resistance be allowed to be shown there? —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Apr. 2024

And how can people get in contact with your organization and get involved? —J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2024

After all, with no gene mutations, no history of cancer in my entire family, no smoking or drug use, no hormone replacement, and no sign of obesity, how could my lifetime risk be so high? —Andrea Mandell, Peoplemag, 21 Apr. 2024

So how can someone figure out which rituals will work for them? —Grace McCarty, SELF, 11 Apr. 2024

What do these fees mean for the industry, and how can travelers avoid them? —Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2024