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 companies stay ahead of these challenges? —Ted Kail, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

The film asks how can community nurture strong individuals, and can a community of divergent individuals still manage to hold together? —Rachel Israel, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2025

So how can teachers be encouraged to stay in the profession? —Gail Richmond, The Conversation, 4 Aug. 2025

But how can Europe even begin to turn this tide, even if the sense of urgency is real? —Peter Vanham, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2025