Embedded

Questions
What do we mean by embedded questions?

An embedded question is a question that is included

inside another question or statement. They are

common after introductory phrases, such as:

I wonder. Could you tell me?

Direct question Embedded question

Canyou
Can youtell
tellme
me
What are my what my mistakes
mistakes? are are ?
 Which question is more polite to ask your
teacher?

What are my Can you tell me

mistakes? what my
mistakes are?

Embedded questions are generally more polite than direct questions.

Embedded questions are usually questions included within another question or statement.
 Read the direct and embedded Wh-questions and study the differences.

Embedded Questions Direct Questions

Wh-Questions
?Can you tell me what time the meeting is ?What time is the meeting

?Can you explain what Sara wants ?What does Sara want

.I’d like to know when you started studying here ?When did you start studying here

For Embedded questions use an introductory phrase/clause:

What is the time ? Can you tell me what the time is?
When did you start? I’d like to know when you started.
  Read the direct and embedded Yes/No Questions and study the difference.

Embedded Questions Direct Questions

Yes/No Questions
.I wonder if / whether I need to study this part ?Do I need to study this part

I’m not sure if / whether the plane leaves at 8 or ?Does the plane leave at 8 or 8:30
.8:30

For Embedded questions use an introductory phrase/clause:

Do I need a new car? I wonder if I need a new car? Some embedded questions are

Does the plane leave..? I’m not sure whether the plane structured like statements (no
leaves….? question mark (?) )
x
 PRACTICE EXAMPLE Now check your
understanding

Put the words in the correct order to form embedded questions. Add punctuation marks.

1. came/ to / don’t / I / who/ the party/ know

I don’t know who came to the party.
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I don’t know who came to the party.
 PRACTICE Now check your
understanding

Put the words in the correct order to form embedded questions. Add punctuation marks.

1. know/ got / don’t / I / how much/ in/ the test

I don’t know how much I got in the test.
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2. the professor / do you know / said / what

Do you know what the professor said?
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3. any / have taken / I’d like /school assignments / to know /if you /so far
I’d like to know if you have taken any school assignments so far.
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 PRACTICE Now check your
EXAMPLE understanding

Rewrite each direct question as an embedded question. Use the phrase/clause in parentheses.

1. Where is the post office? (can you tell me)

Can you tell me where the post office is?

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 PRACTICE Now check your
understanding

Rewrite each direct question as an embedded question. Use the phrase/clause in parentheses.

1. Where is the administration office? (can you tell me)

Can you tell me where the administration office is?
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2. Which careers are mostly demanded in the market? (I wonder)

I wonder which careers are mostly demanded in the market.
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3. When will we start taking practical lessons? (I’m not sure)

I’m not sure when we will start taking practical lessons.
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 PRACTICE Now check the
possible
answers.
Imagine that you are a new employee. Write 5 embedded questions about your job or work
place. Include at least 2 yes/no question and 3 different question words.

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1- I’m not sure if the work starts at 7 or 7:30.
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2- Can you explain what the manager wants?
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3-I’d like to know when the company was established.
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4- I wonder whether I need training at first.
-
5-Could you explain how I can improve my career?
End of the Lesson