Embedded Questions Flashcards
What is an embedded question?
A question included inside another question or statement.
What introductory phrases commonly precede embedded 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
What is the first rule for using embedded questions?
Use a period at the end if it is part of a statement and omit auxiliary verbs in present or past simple.
Convert the direct question ‘What time did he leave?’ into an embedded question.
I wonder what time he left.
What is the second rule for using embedded questions?
Reverse the subject and auxiliary verb if the embedded question includes an auxiliary or ‘to be’.
Convert the direct question ‘What did he say?’ into an embedded question.
Could you tell me what he said?
What is the third rule regarding contractions in embedded questions?
Do not use a verbal contraction at the end of the sentence.
Convert the direct question ‘Where is she?’ into a correct embedded question.
Do you know where she is?
What is the fourth rule for using embedded questions?
Use ‘whether’, ‘whether or not’, and ‘if’ for yes/no questions without a question word.
Convert the direct yes/no question ‘Will he be there?’ into an embedded question.
Do you know if he will be there?
What is the fifth rule regarding the infinitive in embedded questions?
The infinitive can follow a question word or ‘whether’ in embedded questions.
Convert the direct question ‘What should I do?’ into an embedded question with an infinitive.
Please tell me what to do.
Give an example of using an embedded question to politely ask for information.
Could you tell me what time the bus arrives?
Provide an example of using an embedded question to talk about something unknown to the speaker.
I don’t know why she decided not to come with us.
When should an embedded question end?
With a period, not a question mark when in a statement.
