CLAUSES WITH NO

MATTER
 Embedded questions: review
A question can be embedded in a noun clause. Use if or whether to
begin an embedded yes / no question.
If and whether have the same meaning.

Yes / no questions Embedded yes / no questions

Does she get fed up when she’s frustrated? Let’s ask whether she gets fed up when
she’s frustrated.
Let’s ask if she gets fed up when she’s
frustrated.
Have you ever asked your boss for a raise? Could you tell me if you’ve ever asked
your boss for a raise?
 Embedded questions: review
Use a period with an embedded question within a statement.
Use a question mark with an embedded question within a question.
Phrases that are often followed by embedded questions

Ask … I don’t know …

Tell me … Let me know …
Don’t tell them … I’d like to know …
I wonder … Do you know …?
I can’t remember … Can you tell me …?
Let’s ask … Can you remember …?
Don’t say … Could you explain …?
 Embedded questions: review
Yes / no questions Embedded yes / no questions

Does she get fed up when she’s Let’s ask whether she gets fed up
frustrated? when she’s frustrated.
Let’s ask if she gets fed up when
she’s frustrated.
Have you ever asked your boss for a Could you tell me if you’ve ever
raise? asked your boss for a raise?
 Embedded questions: review
A question can be embedded in a noun clause. Use a question word
to begin embedded information questions.

Yes / no questions Embedded information questions

What’s she afraid of?
Why have you decided to stay
home?
When was it found?
I can’t remember what she’s afraid
of.
I don’t understand why you’ve
decided to stay home.
Do you know when it was found?
 Embedded questions: review
Use regular statement word order, NOT inverted (question) word
order, in embedded questions.

Why won’t your parents fly?

Do you know why won’t your parents fly?
Do you know why your parents won’t fly?

Does this bus run express?

I wonder does this bus run express.
I wonder whether this bus runs express.
Do you know whether this bus runs express?
 Clauses with no matter

No matter often introduces clauses that express frustration (that no

amount of anything, for example an effort can make something
change) or encouragement (motivation to continue).

No matter when we call, it’s always the wrong time. (F)

No matter where she looked, she couldn’t find what she needed.
(F)
You have to keep trying, no matter how tired you are. (E)
 Clauses with no matter

Use normal, not inverted, word order in the noun clause and don't
use an auxiliary verb.

No matter who do you ask, no one can give you directions.

No matter who you ask, no one can give you directions.