Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Embedded
Embedded
It is
different from other types of questions, as there must not be any auxiliary verb between the question
word and the subject. And if the embedded question is not part of another question then there’s no
need to use a question mark at the end of that sentence. Sentences that include embedded question
usually begins with common introductory phrases like:
Do you know
I wonder
Let’s ask
There should be no question mark at the end of the sentence if the embedded question is part of a
statement. And if the question is in present or past indefinite form, then the auxiliary verb should be
omitted and the verb needs to be changed to its appropriate form.
For example:
If there’s an “auxiliary” or “to be” verb included within the embedded question, the position of the
subject and the “auxiliary” or “to be” verb needs to be reversed.
For example:
Direct Question: Is the doctor available?
Using verbal contraction at the end of the sentence is not acceptable in the case of embedded question.
Embedded Question: Can you tell me how talkative she is? (correct)
There are some questions which don’t have any question words and so they begin with an auxiliary verb.
In such cases, embedded questions are introduced by whether, if and whether or not.
For example:
Sometimes the question word can be followed by an infinitive, as shown in the following example:
Direct Question: Where could I look for her?
Embedded Question: Could you tell me where I could look for her?
Embedded Question with an Infinitive: Could you tell me where to look for her?
Embedded Question: I’m not sure how I should prepare for a train journey.
Embedded Question with an Infinitive: I’m not sure how to prepare for a train journey.
At times native English speakers tend to use embedded questions rather than direct questions while
inquiring about something. Because it makes the question sound more polite.
For example:
Embedded Question: Can you please tell me when the train leaves for Chicago?