Before the seed germinated, I did not know what kind of plants they would be. vs Before the seed germinated, I did not know what kind of plants they can be.

The first phrase 'before the seed germinated, I did not know what kind of plants they would be.' is correct. The modal verb 'would' is used to express uncertainty about the future in the past. The second phrase 'before the seed germinated, I did not know what kind of plants they can be.' is incorrect because 'can' is not used to express uncertainty about the future in the past.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 478 views

Before the seed germinated, I did not know what kind of plants they would be.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to express uncertainty about the future in the past. The modal verb 'would' is used to indicate this uncertainty.

Show examples from the web [+]

Look, I did not know what had happened here.
Although, I admit, I did not know what to expect.
When I started with you all, I did not know what you were capable of.
Since we're being honest, I did not know what bunting was.
I just happened to hear the bell and I came unprepared and, to be honest, I did not know what was going on.
As I did not know what to do, I asked him for advice.
I did not know what housework was until my maid resigned.
I did not know what was wrong with me.
I did not know what prong three was.
In fact I did not know what African authenticity was.
I did not know what to say.
At the time, I did not know that Commissioner Bolkestein was going to appear next week before the Committee on Regional Policy, Transport and Tourism to discuss this matter.
I did not know what prong three was.
You have to believe me. I did not know what Morgana intended.
I did not know what to do, where to go.
I remember returning home... ...and I did not know what to do.
Tony really wanted you here, and I did not know what to do...
I did not know what he meant until I met you.
I did not know what she was to you.
It was a blessing in my early youth that I did not know what was really going to happen.

Before the seed germinated, I did not know what kind of plants they can be.

This phrase is incorrect. 'Can' is not used to express uncertainty about the future in the past.

Show examples from the web [+]

Look, I did not know what had happened here.
Although, I admit, I did not know what to expect.
When I started with you all, I did not know what you were capable of.
Since we're being honest, I did not know what bunting was.
I just happened to hear the bell and I came unprepared and, to be honest, I did not know what was going on.
As I did not know what to do, I asked him for advice.
I did not know what housework was until my maid resigned.
I did not know what was wrong with me.
I did not know what prong three was.
In fact I did not know what African authenticity was.
I did not know what to say.
At the time, I did not know that Commissioner Bolkestein was going to appear next week before the Committee on Regional Policy, Transport and Tourism to discuss this matter.
I did not know what prong three was.
You have to believe me. I did not know what Morgana intended.
I did not know what to do, where to go.
I remember returning home... ...and I did not know what to do.
Tony really wanted you here, and I did not know what to do...
I did not know what he meant until I met you.
I did not know what she was to you.
It was a blessing in my early youth that I did not know what was really going to happen.

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Before the seed germinated, I did not know what kind of plants they would be. vs Before the seed germinated, I did not know what kind of plants they can be.