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 you get started without a technical team or a huge financial budget? —Crystal Gilmore, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

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