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
After all, how could John Wick really keep someone from avenging a loved one?
—
Shannon Carlin, Time, 6 June 2025
But how can any form of love take one side in a debate?
—Literary Hub, 5 June 2025
What’s gone wrong, and how can the Dodgers, uh, deshambleize?
—Peter O’Malley, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
Related Stories As the apparel industry tries to overcome its stock issues, how can supply chain partners improve inventory management?
—Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for how can/could
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Shannon Carlin, Time, 6 June 2025
But how can any form of love take one side in a debate?
—Literary Hub, 5 June 2025
What’s gone wrong, and how can the Dodgers, uh, deshambleize?
—Peter O’Malley, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
Related Stories As the apparel industry tries to overcome its stock issues, how can supply chain partners improve inventory management?
—Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for how can/could
Cite this Entry
“How can/could.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/how%20can%2Fcould. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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