how can you do that vs How could you do that

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'How can you do that?' is used when asking about someone's ability or capability in the present or future. 'How could you do that?' is used when expressing surprise or disapproval about something that has already happened in the past.

Last updated: April 05, 2024 • 540 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when asking about someone's ability or capability in the present or future.

"how can you do that"

This phrase is used to inquire about someone's current or future ability to perform a task or action.

Show examples from the web [+]

We want to do the logo on the case, how can you do that?
How can you do that without first living it yourself?
How can you do that to a child?
How can you do that if you're not real?
How can you do that to me!
How can you do that!
Absolutely, when I sold my wonderful New York apartment, in 2005, everyone said: How can you do that?
But how can you do that if...
And how can you do that?
! Lana, how can you do that?
How can you do that from here?
How can you do that?
You, how can you do that.
You are just a secretary, how can you do that?
But how can you do that without sounding like you are bragging? Tell the story of your success using one of these five approaches, which will work for newsletter articles, website content, and press releases...
So the question remains, how can you do that twice in one night in cities over 100 miles apart?
andthenshoothimtodeath? - I mean, how can you do that? -Innocent?
How can you do that with limited time?
How can you do that to the Queen?
How can you do that to the world?

Alternatives:

How are you able to do that?
How do you manage to do that?

This phrase is correct and commonly used when expressing surprise or disapproval about something that has already happened in the past.

"How could you do that"

This phrase is used to show astonishment or disapproval regarding a past action or behavior.

Show examples from the web [+]

Mar 25, 2022 ... How could you do that?” Of the injuries he sustained, Colon says the most painful are five broken ribs. He also has a broken ankle and ...
Nov 18, 2020 ... Synonym for how could you do that How could you did that is incorrect. How could you do that is in the present or hypothetical or happened ...
May 2, 2020 ... 1: How could you do that? = "rhetorical question" - speaker is expressing shock / disapproval that you did it. 2: How could you have done ...
Hello, everyone. Could you please explain to me the difference between How could you do that to me? and How could you have done that to me? when asked as...

Alternatives:

Why did you do that?
What made you do that?

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