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.

And for her next act, Renée Zellweger is giving us Ziggy Stardust on the red carpet—and how could anyone not be into this? —

Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 6 Feb. 2025 Where did 2022 go so wrong and how can 2023 go right? —

Jim Cramer, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025 So how can boards more effectively enforce CEO accountability in the face of poor performance? —

Stevo Pavićević thomas Keil, Harvard Business Review, 4 Feb. 2025 So, with a record-breaking deal done, how could Alonso’s negotiations possibly be worse? —

Scott Thompson, Fox News, 25 Jan. 2025 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 21 Feb. 2025.

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