before the seeds germinated, i did not know what kind of plants they could be. vs before the seeds germinated, i did not know what kind of plants they would be.

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. The first phrase uses 'could be,' which implies a possibility or potential outcome. The second phrase uses 'would be,' which suggests a more definite or certain outcome. The choice between 'could be' and 'would be' depends on the level of certainty or possibility the speaker wants to convey.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 2203 views

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

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to express uncertainty or possibility about the outcome of the seeds germinating into plants.

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.
When we spoke, I did not know the full extent of her transgression.
Guys, I did not know that Jackie worked here.
No, I did not know there was a Schumann Summer Series.
Honestly, I did not know that they were coming.
No, I did not know that.
Sorry, I did not know you...
George Michael, I did not know that you were...
The Rabbi says, I did not know this man.

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 would be.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to express a more definite or certain outcome of the seeds germinating into plants.

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.
When we spoke, I did not know the full extent of her transgression.
Guys, I did not know that Jackie worked here.
No, I did not know there was a Schumann Summer Series.
Honestly, I did not know that they were coming.
No, I did not know that.
Sorry, I did not know you...
George Michael, I did not know that you were...
The Rabbi says, I did not know this man.

Alternatives:

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

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before the seeds germinated, i did not know what kind of plants they could be. vs before the seeds germinated, i did not know what kind of plants they would be.