Embedded Questions

Directions: View the video online at https://youtu.be/y41wfqDWI1w and take notes on this note-taking
form. Pause as needed in order to take notes. Then do the exercises in the practice section.
You can also scan the QR Code at the right with a QR Code reader (free apps available for
most devices) to watch the video on a mobile device.

An embedded question is

A question within a question or

A question within a statement (not meant to be answered)

The form of an embedded question is in sentence form

_____________________ + _______________________ no auxiliary

Questions embedded in questions

Have same function as regular questions, but - They are more _______________ because they are less direct
The word ____________________is different from regular question word order.

Examples:
Regular Question:
What will the weather be like tomorrow?
Embedded Question:
Do you have any idea what the weather __________________________________________?
Regular Question:
Why were you absent yesterday?
Embedded Question:
Can you tell me why _________________________________________________________?
Regular Question:
Where is the bookstore?
Embedded Question:
Do you know where __________________________________________________________?
Questions embedded in statements
Regular Question:
Where is the bank?
Question Embedded in a Statement
I dont know where __________________________________________________________.
Regular Question:
Why was the customer angry?
Question Embedded in a Statement
I wonder why ______________________________________________________________.
Regular Question:
What did the teacher say?
Question Embedded in a Statement
I dont know what ___________________________________________________________.

FORM
For embedded questions, use an introductory clause. This is a main clause. It can be a sentence or
a question, such as
I dont know
Id like to know
Do you know ?
Can you tell me ?
I cant remember
I was wondering/wonder
Can you remember ?
Lets ask / Ill ask
Ill find out

Id like to know
Id like to find out
Im not sure
It doesnt say
Could you explain?
I cant imagine
I dont understand
I have no idea

Main clause:
Id like to know
Please tell me
I dont know
I wonder
Do you know
Can you tell me
Do you have any idea

Dependent clause/ embedded question

Wh- questions:
WHEN the class starts.
WHERE computer lab is.
HOW much the book costs.
Yes/No questions:
IF we have a test today?
WHETHER the teacher is sick?
IF its going to rain?

WH- questions:
the dependent clause begins with a WH- word: who, what, when, where, why, how
I dont know who won the game
Can you tell me when she left?

Form
Introductory question/statement + WH word + _______________________+ _____________
** NO Did, Does, Do
NO auxiliary verb is used
Yes/No questions:
have a dependent clause that begins with ______________ or ___________________
*whether = more formal
I dont know if the Padres won.
Can you tell me whether I passed the test?

Form
Introductory question/statement + if/whether + _______________________+ _____________
** NO Did, Does, Do
NO auxiliary verb

Practice: Write each regular question as an embedded or indirect question. Include a question mark,
as needed. Complete statements by embedding the questions.
Wh- questions
1. Where is the restroom? (use: Do you know?)
_______________________________________________________________________
2. Where did Gaby go? (use: Can you tell me?)
_______________________________________________________________________
3. When is our break for the winter holidays? (use: Do you have any idea?)
_______________________________________________________________________
4. Why did she leave? (use: Id like to know)
_______________________________________________________________________
5. Who is the President of the United States? (use: I dont know)
_______________________________________________________________________
yes/no questions (if or whether)
6. Is the teacher sick today? (use: Do you know?)
_______________________________________________________________________
7. Does the Community Learning Center have a library? (use: Can you tell me?)
_______________________________________________________________________
8. Did Felipe leave class early? (use: Do you know?)
_______________________________________________________________________
9. Does Olga have a cell phone? (use: I dont know)
_______________________________________________________________________
10. Do your kids speak English well? (use: Tell me)
_______________________________________________________________________
Finish these five statements with any embedded question (if/whether or WH-question):
1. I wonder _________________________________________________________.
2. I have no idea _____________________________________________________.
3. I dont understand __________________________________________________.
4. Id like to find out ___________________________________________________.
5. I cant remember ___________________________________________________.
Bring your paper to class or submit your answers to the instructor via email or in a Blackboard Message
(in your course, online at blackboard.miracosta.edu), as directed