Embedded Questions

 Introduction

An embedded question is a question that is included inside another question. It is different from any type of questions. 

I wonder
Could you tell me
Do you know
Can you remember
Let's ask
We need to find out
I'd like to know
I'm not sure
Would you mind explaining

Five Rules for Using Embedded Questions

Rule One

If the embedded question is part of a statement, we should use a period and not a question mark at the end of the sentence. Also, if the question is in the present or past simple verb tense, we have to omit the auxiliary verbs do, does, and did and change the verb to its appropriate form, as in the example below.

Direct QuestionWhat time did he leave?
Embedded QuestionI wonder what time he left.

Rule Two

If the embedded question includes an auxiliary verb or the verb "to be", reverse the positions of the subject and the auxiliary verb. For example:

Direct QuestionWhere is she?
Correct Embedded QuestionDo you know where he is?

Rule Four

Embedded questions are introduced with yes/no questions.

Direct Yes/No QuestionWill he be there?
Embedded QuestionDo you know if he will be there?

Rule Five

The infinitive can follow a question word.

Direct QuestionWhat should I do?
Embedded QuestionPlease tell me what I should do.
Embedded Question with an InfinitivePlease tell me what to do.

 

Using Embedded Questions

There are times when native English speakers prefer to use embedded rather than direct questions. Here are two examples.

1. Politely Asking for Information

Direct QuestionWhat time does the bus arrive?
Embedded QuestionCould you tell me what time the bus arrives?
(more polite)

2. Talking About Something Which Is Unknown to the Speaker

Direct QuestionWhy did she decide not to come with us?
Embedded QuestionI don't know why she decided not to come with us.

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