i had no idea that they could vs i had no idea that they can

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I had no idea that they could' is used when referring to a past ability or possibility, while 'I had no idea that they can' is used when referring to a present ability or possibility.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 893 views

i had no idea that they could

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to express surprise or lack of knowledge about a past ability or possibility.

Examples:

I had no idea that they could speak French so fluently.
I had no idea that they could run so fast.
I had no idea that they could solve the problem so quickly.

Show examples from the web [+]

17 hours ago ... I had no idea that they could squeeze in all these features!" Jason wrote, "I knew the Doctor was a time traveler, but it took Hulu to inform me ...
... writes Renan B., "I mean, Gigabit Ethernet? PCI Express? I had no idea that they could squeeze in all these features!" 13 Comments - Last Comment @ 11:08 .
... writes Renan B., "I mean, Gigabit Ethernet? PCI Express? I had no idea that they could squeeze in all these features!" 32 Comments - Last Comment @ 16:43 ...
Feb 18, 2015 ... I had no idea that they could sell the things that they "lose" in the warehouse for themselves. Now I'm really mad! Also, I understand about ...

Alternatives:

I had no idea that they were able to
I had no idea that they had the ability to

i had no idea that they can

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to express surprise or lack of knowledge about a present ability or possibility.

Examples:

I had no idea that they can speak French so fluently.
I had no idea that they can run so fast.
I had no idea that they can solve the problem so quickly.

Show examples from the web [+]

I don't have experience with lacrosse, outside of high school gym class, and I had no idea that they can basically beat one another with sticks as they run up and ...
Jan 5, 2015 ... I don't have experience with lacrosse, outside of high school gym class, and I had no idea that they can basically beat one another with sticks ...
Apr 16, 2013 ... wetitnpetit. I've been knowing that dogs can talk but I had no idea that they can crochet. Guest. The french bulldog that Hugh Jackman owns ...
I had no idea that they can review an Internet history. Good to know, learned some interesting stuff. ReplyQuote. Corrine O'Neill 08.09.2013 13:59. Who Knew ?

Alternatives:

I had no idea that they are able to
I had no idea that they have the ability to

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i had no idea that they could vs i had no idea that they can