how can/could

idiom

—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?

—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?

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Some are familiar, because how could the show continue without the iconic Red Light/Green Light giant robot girl? —

Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 26 Dec. 2024 Someone who’s as strong, as smart, and as on it as Eva — how could a woman like that find herself in that situation? —

Jen Chaney, Vulture, 24 Dec. 2024 In a completely subjective field, how can the best be determined? —

Chadd Scott, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 If these events happen hundreds of years apart, how can scientists measure their frequency? —

Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for how can/could

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“How can/could.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/how%20can%2Fcould. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

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