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

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. The first phrase 'before the seeds germinated, I did not know what kind of plants they will be' implies a future tense, suggesting that the speaker is referring to a specific point in the future when the plants will be identified. The second phrase 'before the seeds germinated, I did not know what kind of plants they can be' uses 'can' to express possibility or capability, indicating that the speaker is uncertain about the potential types of plants. Both can be used depending on the intended meaning.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 910 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express uncertainty about the future types of plants.

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

This phrase is used to convey that the speaker was unaware of the specific types of plants that would grow from the seeds before they germinated.

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.

Alternatives:

before the seeds germinated, I did not know what kind of plants they would be

This phrase is correct and can be used to express uncertainty about the potential types of plants that could grow from the seeds.

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

This phrase is suitable for indicating that the speaker was unsure about the range of possible plant types that could emerge from the seeds before germination.

Alternatives:

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

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