Learn how to can safely and easily with our beginner-friendly guide. Discover the differences between water-bath and pressure canning, get essential tips, and preserve fresh produce for winter enjoyment. In English, both “How I can” and “How can I” are correct, but they serve different purposes. “How can I” is used when asking a question. For example, “How can I improve my English skills?” This structure puts the focus on the action you want to take or the information you seek. These expert tips will help you create shelf-stable food to stock your pantry with these two preserving methods. Learn which one you should be using for different kinds of foods. There is a deep satisfaction to opening a pantry shelf in February and seeing rows of jars you put up in August. wikiHow is an award-winning website where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Since 2005, wikiHow has helped billions of people learn how to solve problems large and small. “How can I” is used for direct questions and follows inversion rules. “How I can” appears inside statements or indirect questions where normal word order stays the same. While it might sound daunting to a newbie, it's easier to can than you might imagine. We'll walk you through water bath canning — a popular way to preserve many kinds of foods for long-term storage. “How can I” is the correct structure when you are asking a direct question. When asking a direct question you always change the order of the subject and the main verb. “….how I can” could also be correct if the question is an indirect question. There are two home canning methods: water bath canning and pressure canning. Understanding the components and difference between the two processes will help you choose the best method for food preservation at home. In your case, it's an indirect question. So, the correct form will be how I can because your question is started with could, so no need to form the second question with how can I in the same sentence. The meaning of HOW CAN/COULD is —used to show that one thinks that someone has done or said something shocking or wrong. How to use how can/could in a sentence.