student asking question

Does the meaning get changed if I say "How couldn't she understand?"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

No, the meaning does not change because these two phrases are similar in meaning. Both of these phrases are questioning how Eddie's mom cannot comprehend that Eddie is in a relationship with this girl, even though Eddie hinted to her that they were dating. However, saying "how couldn't she understand" in the context given sounds a little odd. It's better to use "how could she not understand" in this particular sentence. Here are examples with "could you not" being used. Ex: How could you not believe me? I'm telling the truth! Ex: How could you not believe in ghosts? They are real! Here are examples with "couldn't" being used. Ex: I couldn't believe it. She lied to me. Ex: We couldn't understand why he moved away.

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