how can you ask vs how could you ask

Both "how can you ask" and "how could you ask" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "How can you ask" is used to inquire about someone's ability to ask a question in the present or future, while "how could you ask" is used to express surprise or disapproval about a question that was asked in the past.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1377 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to inquire about someone's ability to ask a question in the present or future.

"how can you ask"

This phrase is used to question someone's capability or permission to ask a question at the current moment or in the future.

Examples:

How can you ask such a difficult question?
I don't understand how can you ask that.
How can you ask for help when you never help others?

Show examples from the web [+]

How can you ask me to represent that man and in the same breath tell me I can't try and save a...
How can you ask so easily to commit treason?
How can you ask that to a lonely guy?
How can you ask me to fight when you won't?
You're sick, how can you ask this question
You're the greatest writer in Korea, so how can you ask that?
How can you ask such a question?
How can you ask me to give them up?
How can you ask me that?
How can you ask me to play soccer?
What? How can you ask me that?
How can you ask me if I'm alright?
Alonso. How can you ask me that?
How can you ask me to live with this?
How can you ask me to accept your help?
How can you ask me to lie for you?
HENRY, HOW CAN YOU ASK ME TO DO THIS?
How can you ask me to forget everything that I am?
Then how can you ask us to stand down?
And how can you ask such a low price for something so holy?

Alternatives:

How are you able to ask
How do you have the ability to ask
How could you possibly ask

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express surprise or disapproval about a question that was asked in the past.

"how could you ask"

This phrase is used to show astonishment or disapproval towards a question that was asked in the past.

Examples:

How could you ask such a personal question?
I can't believe how could you ask that.
How could you ask for money in such a situation?

Show examples from the web [+]

How could you ask such a tomfool question?
How could you ask Ty to give up his platoon for you?
How could you ask me that?
How could you ask me that question?
How could you ask me a question like that?
How could you ask The Blood King to do the same?
Of course we are - how could you ask?
How could you ask for money?
How could you ask such a tomfool question?
How could you ask him to be Santa without talking to me first?

Alternatives:

Why did you ask
What made you ask
How did you dare to ask

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how can you ask vs how could you ask

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