What are the Embedded Questions? Embedded Questions Examples and Exercises
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Embedded Questions
What Are Embedded Questions?
A sort of question that is embedded within another question or sentence is known as an embedded question. There must be no auxiliary verb between the question word and the subject, which sets it apart from other sorts of inquiries. There’s no need to include a question mark at the end of the statement if the embedded question isn’t part of another question. Embedded inquiry sentences are generally preceded by common opening words.
- I am not so sure…
- I would like to know…
- Could you tell us…
- Do you know…
- I wonder…
- Would you mind…
- Let’s ask…
If the embedded question is part of a statement, there should be no question mark after the sentence. If the question is in the present or past indefinite form, the auxiliary verb should be dropped and the verb transformed to its proper form.
Direct Question: What work did your cousin do best?
Embedded Question: I would like to know what work did your cousin best.
If the embedded question contains an “auxiliary” or “to be” verb, the subject’s position and the “auxiliary” or “to be” verb’s position must be inverted.
Direct Question: Is the teacher available?
Embedded Question: Could you tell me if the doctor is available?
Direct Question: What was her job here?
Embedded Question: I wonder what her job was here?
In the event of an embedded question, using verbal contraction after the phrase is not permissible.
Direct Question: How tall are they now?
Embedded Question: Do you know how tall they are now?
Direct Question: How talkative is your friend’s best friend?
Embedded Question: Can you tell me how talkative your friend’s best friend is?
Some queries start with an auxiliary verb since they don’t contain any question terms. Embedded questions are presented in such circumstances by if, if, and whether or not.
Direct Question: Was your sister sick?
Embedded Question: Could you tell me if your sister was sick or not?
Or: Could you tell me whether or not your sister was sick?
Or: Could you tell me whether your sister was sick or not?
Direct Question: Are you mad at him?
Embedded Question: I wonder if you are mad at him or not.
Or: I wonder whether or not you are mad at him.
Or: I wonder whether you are mad at him or not.
As seen in the following example, the inquiry word can sometimes be followed by an infinitive:
Direct Question: Where could we look for our class teacher?
Embedded Question: Could you tell us where I could look for our class teacher?
Embedded Question with an Infinitive: Could you tell us where to look for our class teacher, please?
Direct Question: How should I prepare for a train journey for our summer holiday?
Embedded Question: I’m not sure how I should prepare for a train journey for our summer holiday.
Embedded Question with an Infinitive: I’m not sure how to prepare for a train journey for our summer holiday.
