Is there an error in the sentence?

Some grammar rules (and embarrassing mistakes!) transcend the uniqueness of different regions and style guides. This new International Grammar section by OnlineBookClub.org ultimately identifies those rules thus providing a simple, flexible rule-set, respecting the differences between regions and style guides. You can feel free to ask general questions about spelling and grammar. You can also provide example sentences for other members to proofread and inform you of any grammar mistakes.

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DURGA P T M
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Is there an error in the sentence?

Post by DURGA P T M »

Neither of them had any idea what would lie ahead if they decided to press on. (would lie ahead)
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Juliet+1
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Post by Juliet+1 »

I don't see any errors. If I wanted to be really picky, I'd suggest replacing "would" with "might." I think that would read a little better. But there are no actual mistakes.
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Vishnu Priya B
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Post by Vishnu Priya B »

The sentence sounds right as it is to me. I don't find any error.
ephemerai
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Post by ephemerai »

If you're asking whether it should be "would lay ahead," the answer is no. If we were to remove the word "would," then "Neither of them had any idea what lay ahead" would be correct as a factual statement (i.e. something was ahead and they did not know); but when we add uncertainty (i.e. there might have been something ahead, but they didn't know) through the use of the conditional "if" and the auxiliary verb "would," the correct verb is "lie."
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Kaitlyn Canedy
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Post by Kaitlyn Canedy »

I don't see any errors here and I couldn't find anything online to suggest that it is wrong. :)
"I see now that the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant, it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are.”- Mewtwo
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Charlize Venter
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Post by Charlize Venter »

DURGA P T M wrote: 30 Jun 2021, 10:59 Neither of them had any idea what would lie ahead if they decided to press on. (would lie ahead)
Not to my knowledge, no.
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Samuel Mamo
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Post by Samuel Mamo »

I think you need a preposition after "idea". try to put some.
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