How can you even do this vs How could you do this

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'How can you even do this?' is used when expressing surprise or disbelief about someone's ability to do something. 'How could you do this?' is used when expressing disappointment or disapproval about someone's actions.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 1012 views

How can you even do this

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when expressing surprise or disbelief about someone's ability to do something.

This phrase is used to express shock or disbelief at someone's ability to do something. It implies that the speaker finds the action difficult to comprehend.

Examples:

How can you even do this? It's amazing!
How can you even do this? I can't believe it!
How can you even do this? It seems impossible!

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Actually, how can you even do this?
How can you even dare to ask me questions!
How can you even trust that time?
How can you even think that?
How can you even support your family?
How can you even mention the Soviet Union?
How can you even think that?
How can you even suggestsuch a thing?
How can you even see his trail?
How can you even think about dancing?
How can you even say that?
How can you even suggest this?
How can you even... begin to understand what it's like?
No! How can you even ask that?
Sharon, how can you even say that?
How can you even bear to have lunch with us?
How can you even be arguing for this right now?
Chris, how can you even say that?
How can you even consider Lisa as a possible suspect?
How can you even ask me that?

Alternatives:

How on earth can you do this?
How is it possible that you can do this?
How in the world can you do this?
How do you manage to do this?
How are you able to do this?

How could you do this

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when expressing disappointment or disapproval about someone's actions.

This phrase is used to express disappointment or disapproval at someone's actions. It implies that the speaker is questioning the morality or ethics of the person's behavior.

Examples:

How could you do this? I trusted you!
How could you do this? It's so wrong!
How could you do this? I'm so disappointed!

Show examples from the web [+]

How could you do this, Lauren?
How could you do this? Olivia!
How could you do this to your brothers?
How could you do this to the show?
How could you do this to Haskell?
How could you do this to me?
How could you do this without my permission?
How could you do this to Nobunaga...
How could you do this, Jill?
How could you do this, Siobhan?
How could you do this, Uco?
How could you do this to the family?
How could you do this to us, Marty?
How could you do this to your little sister, Marissa?
How could you do this, Jill?
How could you do this to your own people?
How could you do this to a customer?
How could you do this, Fry?
How could you do this to my kids?
How could you do this to Rita, not to mention her kids?

Alternatives:

Why did you do this?
What made you do this?
What were you thinking when you did this?
How did this happen?
What led you to do this?

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How can you even do this vs How could you do this