Before the seeds germinated, I did not know what kind of plants they can be vs Before the seeds germinated, I did not know what kind of plants they could be

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. The first phrase uses 'can be,' which implies a present possibility, while the second phrase uses 'could be,' which implies a past possibility. Depending on whether you want to convey the idea of present or past possibility, you can choose between the two phrases.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1121 views

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

This phrase is correct and can be used to express a present possibility.

This phrase is used to convey that at a specific point in the past, the speaker did not know what type of plants the seeds could potentially grow into.

Alternatives:

before the seeds germinated, i did not know what kind of plants they might be

Before the seeds germinated, I did not know what kind of plants they could be

This phrase is correct and can be used to express a past possibility.

This phrase is used to convey that at a specific point in the past, the speaker did not know what type of plants the seeds could potentially have grown into.

Alternatives:

before the seeds germinated, i did not know what kind of plants they can be

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Before the seeds germinated, I did not know what kind of plants they can be vs Before the seeds germinated, I did not know what kind of plants they could be