In this Grammar video, you’ll learn how to use Embedded Questions in less than 5 minutes. But first, we are going to explain what these questions are.
https://youtu.be/BYypdzhjgQg
What is an Embedded Question?
Embedded Questions are questions inside another question.
NOTICE THAT!
- The most common mistake is the word order!
| Do you know where the restaurant is? |
Do you know….+ where…? |
Do you know where is the restaurant? |
|
| Do you know what time it is? |
Do you know….+ what…? |
Do you know what time is it? |
|
| I was wondering when the plane leaves. |
I was wondering….+when…. |
I was wondering when leaves the plane. |
|
How do we write Embedded Questions?
Sentence structure
- First, let’s take a look at the structure of simple sentences in English.
- The formula is:
| Subject + Verb (+ Object) |
|
| She danced. |
The meal is delicious |
| He walked the dog. |
Sarah reads the newspaper every morning. |
Structure of questions
- Usually, questions are formed differently.
- The formula is:
| Question word + Auxiliary verb + Subject + main verb + (Object) |
|
| Are they here? |
Can you call me later? |
| What did you say? |
How is your sister? |
| Do you like green curry? |
Which is your favorite football team? |
Structure of Embedded Questions
- The question inside of another question follows the formula of a simple sentence.
- The formula is:
| Subject + Verb (+ Object) |
|
| I don’t know who I should call |
I wonder if you could help me. |
| Do you think we can go shopping? |
Do you know if he is a doctor? |
When do we use Embedded Questions?
1. To be more politely
- Embedded questions are used as a polite way of requesting/saying something.
- If you want to ask a stranger for the time or if it’s the first time you meet someone, you can use embedded questions.
| Do you know where my hat is? |
I’m not sure when the train leaves. |
| Excuse me, would you mind telling me what time it is? |
Do you know what time the bank closes? |
| Could you tell me where the police station is? |
Could you tell me where the restroom is? |
2. To add more details
- Sometimes you want to add some information or speak up your mind.
- It could be that you have lost something or you want to express your feelings.
| I don’t know where my bag is. |
Do you mind telling me why you are so late? |
| I was wondering where you were! |
I would like to know what his job is. |
| I wish I knew when this meeting will end. |
She doesn’t know where the keys are. |
3. To use Indirect Speech
- They report the content of what somebody else has said.
| He asked me where I was |
He asked us if we wanted to eat pizza. |
| My boss asked me if I could work abroad 3 months. |
Your friend asked me where the cinema is. |
| My wife asked if my family could come visit me. |
Natalie wondered what the time was already. |
| Mary asked if you could help her. |
The police questioned where the money was hidden. |
NOTICE THAT!
- Verb tenses usually change when embedded questions are used in reported speech.
Present Simple -> Past Simple
| Direct Speech |
Present Simple |
Indirect Speech |
Past Simple |
| What do they want? |
What + do/does…? |
She asked what they want. |
Subject + Past Simple + (Present Simple) |
Present Progressive -> Past Progressive
| Direct Speech |
Present Progressive |
Indirect Speech |
Past Progressive |
| Are you coming to the game? |
Are/is + subject + verb (-ing)..? |
He asked if I was coming to the party. |
subject + was/were + verb (-ing) |
Past Simple -> Past Perfect
| Direct Speech |
Past Simple |
Indirect Speech |
Past Perfect |
| Did she find the key? |
Did + Subject + Infinitive …? |
He asked if she had found the key. |
Subject + had + participle |
Present Perfect -> Past Perfect
| Direct Speech |
Present Perfect |
Indirect Speech |
Past Perfect |
| Have you been to New York? |
Have/has + subject + participle ..? |
She asked if we had been to New York. |
Subject + had + participle |
Future Simple -> Conditional
| Direct Speech |
Future Simple |
Indirect Speech |
Conditional |
| When will they arrive? |
Wh- + will + subject + infinitive? |
I asked them when they would arrive. |
Subject + would + infinitive |
Some examples of questions used with embedded questions.
- Do you know…?
- Would you mind…?
- Do you think…?
- Do you remember…?
- Could you tell me…?
- Who knows…?
Some examples of sentences used with embedded questions.
- I wonder whether (or not)…
- I want to know…
- I’m not sure where…
- I don’t know…
- The question is if…
- Let’s ask whether…
English Grammar
Now that you have learned about ‘Embedded Questions’, take a look at our other English Grammar posts:
Grammar Videos: A, an, the o no artículo en inglés en menos de 5 minutos
Grammar Videos: Usar gerundio o infinitivo en inglés en menos de 5 minu
