Question word "How"

[aprilliana.t]

Would you help me? explain the difference between a question by using How does and how can. Thank you.

[BobK]

Would you help me? explain the difference between a question by using How does and how can. Thank you.

'How does he do it?' has two basic meanings (setting aside the obvious point that it has as many meanings as contexts - but... ):

• Actual: Explain the way in which he does it.
• Figurative: Explain the personal characteristics that make him do it. (This can be a rhetorical question that means 'I'm amazed at how he does it.')

'How can he do it?) - two meanings, paired similarly:

• Actual: Explain how he is physically capable of doing it.
• Figurative: Explain how, in the circumstances, he is morally capable of doing it. (This can be a rhetorical question that means 'I'm amazed at the fact he is morally capable of doing it.')

The figurative meanings can have a similar sense. But the actual/concrete meanings are different: 'does'/function; 'can'/ability.

b