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
Managing PsA So, how can women with PsA minimize pain to live fuller, expansive lives?
—
Marnie Goodfriend, Flow Space, 25 July 2025
So, with South Park back in the news, how can fans catch the latest adventures of Cartman and his friends?
—Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 24 July 2025
So, how can companies adapt to increasingly conscious consumers and meet them on their own terms?
—Dax Dasilva, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
But how can land be protected amid the rapid population growth, job creation and commercial development that has brought the state such economic success?
—Molly Davis, The Tennessean, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for how can/could
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Marnie Goodfriend, Flow Space, 25 July 2025
So, with South Park back in the news, how can fans catch the latest adventures of Cartman and his friends?
—Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 24 July 2025
So, how can companies adapt to increasingly conscious consumers and meet them on their own terms?
—Dax Dasilva, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
But how can land be protected amid the rapid population growth, job creation and commercial development that has brought the state such economic success?
—Molly Davis, The Tennessean, 11 July 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 29 Jul. 2025.
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