Embedded Questions

An embedded question is a type of construction in English grammar where a question is included within another sentence, either as part of a larger question or as part of a statement. Embedded questions can serve various functions and are used in different contexts. Let's explore the three main types of embedded questions with detailed descriptions and examples.

1. Embedded Questions within Statements: In this type, a question is incorporated into a declarative statement. These embedded questions often seek information or express curiosity.

• Sentence Pattern: SVO (Subject + Verb + Object)

• I wonder [where she put the keys].

• He doesn't know [what time the movie starts].

• She explained [how to solve the problem].

• They are discussing [whether he will come to the party].

1. Embedded Questions within Yes/No Questions: In this type, a yes/no question is embedded within a larger question. The embedded question serves as part of the information sought in the overall question.

• Question Pattern: (Question Word) + Auxiliary Verb + Subject + Main Verb (+ Object) or VSVO

• Do you know [where my phone is]?

• Can you tell me [if she will be there]?

• Have you figured out [whether it will rain]?

• Did she ask you [what time the meeting is]?

1. Embedded Questions within Wh-Questions: This type involves embedding a question within another question, typically using question words like who, what, where, when, why, or how.

• Question Pattern: (Question Word) + Auxiliary Verb + Subject + Main Verb (+ Object) or VSVO

• Can you explain [what happened]?

• Do you know [who took my book]?

• Tell me [how you plan to solve the issue].

• Have you considered [where to go for vacation]?

 Examples of normal questions and their corresponding embedded questions:

Normal Question	Embedded Question
What is your favorite color?	Can you tell me [what your favorite color is]?
Where did you go last weekend?	I'm curious [where you went last weekend].
How do you solve this math problem?	Could you show me [how to solve this math problem]?
Are you coming to the party?	Do you know [if you're coming to the party]?
Why did they cancel the event?	I wonder [why they canceled the event].
Did she buy a new car?	Could you find out [if she bought a new car]?
When does the movie start?	Any idea [when the movie starts]?
Have you met the new manager?	Can you tell me [if you've met the new manager]?
Do you like sushi?	I'm curious [whether you like sushi].
Where are my keys?	Could you help me find [where my keys are]?
Is he attending the conference?	I want to know [if he's attending the conference].
What time is the meeting tomorrow?	Can you inform me [what time the meeting is tomorrow]?
Did they win the championship?	I'm not sure [whether they won the championship].
Where is the nearest coffee shop?	Do you know [where the nearest coffee shop is]?
Have you read this book?	I'd like to know [if you've read this book].
Are you free on Saturday?	Can you tell me [if you're free on Saturday]?
How did she learn to play the guitar?	Any idea [how she learned to play the guitar]?
Did you enjoy the concert?	I wonder [whether you enjoyed the concert].
What are your plans for the weekend?	I'm curious [what your plans for the weekend are].
Can you help me with my homework?	I'd appreciate it [if you could help me with my homework].
Have you seen my umbrella?	I'm looking for [where my umbrella is].
Who is that person in the photo?	Can you tell me [who that person in the photo is]?
Why are you late?	I'd like to know [why you're late].
What did you eat for breakfast?	Do you remember [what you ate for breakfast]?
Is it going to rain tomorrow?	I'm curious [if it's going to rain tomorrow].
How long will the journey take?	Can you inform me [how long the journey will take]?
Did she pass the exam?	I wonder [whether she passed the exam].
Where can I buy tickets for the concert?	Can you tell me [where I can buy tickets for the concert]?
Are you familiar with this city?	I'd like to know [if you're familiar with this city].
What is the capital of France?	Could you tell me [what the capital of France is]?
Did they invite you to the party?	I'm curious [whether they invited you to the party].

Uses of embedded questions

Embedded questions serve various purposes in English, adding nuance and versatility to communication. Here are some common uses of embedded questions:

1. Politeness:

• Direct Question: What time is it?

• Embedded Question: Could you please tell me [what time it is]?

• Direct Question: Where is the nearest bank?

• Embedded Question: I'm not sure [where the nearest bank is].

• Direct Question: How did they solve the problem?

• Embedded Question: I wonder [how they solved the problem].

• Direct Speech: "What do you want to know?"

• Reported Speech: He asked me [what I wanted to know].

• Direct Question: When will the concert start?

• Embedded Question: I want to know [when the concert will start].

• Direct Question: Where should we go for lunch?

• Embedded Question: Any ideas on [where we should go for lunch]?

• Direct Question: Will she come to the meeting?

• Embedded Question: I'm not sure [if she will come to the meeting].

• Direct Question: Can you lend me your notes?

• Embedded Question: I was wondering [if you could lend me your notes].

Correction

1. Incorrect: Can you explain me where is the library?

• Correct: Can you explain [where the library is]?

• Explanation: The verb "explain" does not require a direct object, so we don't use "me" after it. Instead, use the embedded question structure.

1. Incorrect: I don't know that where did she go.

• Correct: I don't know [where she went].

• Explanation: The conjunction "that" is not needed, and the word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Have you figured out that when the concert starts?

• Correct: Have you figured out [when the concert starts]?

• Explanation: Use the embedded question structure without the unnecessary "that."

1. Incorrect: Where he lives, do you know?

• Correct: Do you know [where he lives]?

• Explanation: Inverting the subject and auxiliary verb is necessary for the correct question structure.

1. Incorrect: I wonder do you have the answer.

• Correct: I wonder [if you have the answer].

• Explanation: The word "if" is needed to introduce the embedded question.

1. Incorrect: Why they canceled the flight, I don't understand.

• Correct: I don't understand [why they canceled the flight].

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: What she said, can you tell me?

• Correct: Can you tell me [what she said]?

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Can you find out that who stole my wallet?

• Correct: Can you find out [who stole my wallet]?

• Explanation: The word "that" is not needed, and the word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: How you solved the problem, I want to know.

• Correct: I want to know [how you solved the problem].

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Is where the party is, known to you?

• Correct: Do you know [where the party is]?

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure. The question word "where" is properly placed at the beginning.

1. Incorrect: Did you ask him that where he went?

• Correct: Did you ask him [where he went]?

• Explanation: The word "that" is not needed in embedded questions.

1. Incorrect: I don't understand what does she mean.

• Correct: I don't understand [what she means].

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Is she aware where did you put the keys?

• Correct: Is she aware [where you put the keys]?

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Why you're upset, can you tell me?

• Correct: Can you tell me [why you're upset]?

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Did she mention why did she resign?

• Correct: Did she mention [why she resigned]?

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: I'm not sure who is that in the photo.

• Correct: I'm not sure [who that is in the photo].

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Can you find out if they know when is the deadline?

• Correct: Can you find out [if they know when the deadline is]?

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Are you aware that what are his plans?

• Correct: Are you aware [of what his plans are]?

• Explanation: The word "that" is not needed, and the word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: What does she want to know, can you tell me?

• Correct: Can you tell me [what she wants to know]?

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Do you know when did the store close?

• Correct: Do you know [when the store closed]?

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Why you think that where is my phone?

• Correct: Why do you think [where my phone is]?

• Explanation: The word "that" is not needed, and the word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Can you explain to me that what happened?

• Correct: Can you explain to me [what happened]?

• Explanation: The word "that" is not needed in embedded questions.

1. Incorrect: Is it known to you where are they now?

• Correct: Do you know [where they are now]?

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: How much does it cost, have you figured out?

• Correct: Have you figured out [how much it costs]?

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: What time does the class begin, do you know?

• Correct: Do you know [what time the class begins]?

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Can you tell me where she bought the dress?

• Correct: Can you tell me [where she bought the dress]?

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: How can I reach you, do you have an idea?

• Correct: Do you have an idea [how I can reach you]?

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Why she is upset, could you find out?

• Correct: Could you find out [why she is upset]?

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: I wonder why did they cancel the meeting.

• Correct: I wonder [why they canceled the meeting].

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Is it clear that where did she hide the gift?

• Correct: Is it clear [where she hid the gift]?

• Explanation: The word "that" is not needed, and the word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Do you know what time is it?

• Correct: Do you know [what time it is]?

• Explanation: The correct structure for embedded questions does not require the inversion seen in direct questions.

1. Incorrect: Where did she ask you to meet at?

• Correct: Where did she ask you [to meet]?

• Explanation: The preposition "at" is not needed at the end of the sentence.

1. Incorrect: I'm curious that what is your favorite movie.

• Correct: I'm curious [what your favorite movie is].

• Explanation: The word "that" is not needed, and the word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Could you tell me how did you solve the problem?

• Correct: Could you tell me [how you solved the problem]?

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Is it known to you where did she go?

• Correct: Do you know [where she went]?

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Have you considered that what should we do next?

• Correct: Have you considered [what we should do next]?

• Explanation: The word "that" is not needed, and the word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: What is the reason that he is upset?

• Correct: What is the reason [he is upset]?

• Explanation: The word "that" is not needed, and the word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Where he works, do you know?

• Correct: Do you know [where he works]?

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Can you explain to me that what does this term mean?

• Correct: Can you explain to me [what this term means]?

• Explanation: The word "that" is not needed, and the word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: I wonder why was the concert canceled.

• Correct: I wonder [why the concert was canceled].

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Can you find out that where she is now?

• Correct: Can you find out [where she is now]?

• Explanation: The word "that" is not needed, and the word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Do you know what does this button do?

• Correct: Do you know [what this button does]?

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Are you aware where is your sister?

• Correct: Are you aware [where your sister is]?

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: How he managed to complete the project, I want to know.

• Correct: I want to know [how he managed to complete the project].

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Can you tell me that where she found the book?

• Correct: Can you tell me [where she found the book]?

• Explanation: The word "that" is not needed, and the word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Why she left the party, can you explain?

• Correct: Can you explain [why she left the party]?

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: Have you considered where should we go for vacation?

• Correct: Have you considered [where we should go for vacation]?

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: How did he react, can you tell me?

• Correct: Can you tell me [how he reacted]?

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: What do you think that why she is upset?

• Correct: What do you think [why she is upset]?

• Explanation: The word "that" is not needed, and the word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

1. Incorrect: I wonder where did they find that information.

• Correct: I wonder [where they found that information].

• Explanation: The word order in the embedded question should follow the correct structure.

 Identify whether the embedded question is accurate or needs correction. If correction is required, provide the corrected version.

Exercise:

1. **Do you know where did she hide the treasure?

• Correction: ______________________________________________

1. **I wonder why did he quit his job.

• Correction: ______________________________________________

1. **Can you tell me that where is the nearest grocery store?

• Correction: ______________________________________________

1. **Have you figured out when is the deadline?

• Correction: ______________________________________________

1. **Where he lives, do you know?

• Correction: ______________________________________________

1. **I'm curious that what are your plans for the weekend.

• Correction: ______________________________________________

1. **Did she ask you that where you got those shoes?

• Correction: ______________________________________________

1. **What is the reason that she is upset?

• Correction: ______________________________________________

1. **Can you explain to me where did you find that rare book?

• Correction: ______________________________________________

1. **Are you aware where is your passport?

• Correction: ______________________________________________

Answers:

1. Do you know where she hid the treasure?

2. I wonder why he quit his job.

3. Can you tell me where the nearest grocery store is?

4. Have you figured out when the deadline is?

5. Where he lives, do you know? (No correction needed; the sentence is already correct.)

6. I'm curious what your plans for the weekend are.

7. Did she ask you where you got those shoes?

8. What is the reason she is upset?

9. Can you explain to me where you found that rare book?

10. Are you aware where your passport is?

 Identify the errors and provide the corrected versions.

Exercise:

1. **Did you ask him that why he left early?

2. **I wonder that where is my umbrella.

3. **Can you explain me that how did you fix the computer?

4. **Where did they say that where the new restaurant is?

5. **Do you know where did she put the car keys?

6. **Have you considered where should we go for vacation?

7. **What is the reason that she's not attending the meeting?

8. **Did you find out that where are my sunglasses?

9. **Can you tell me that where is the best place to buy books?

10. **Why she is upset, can you figure it out?

11. **I'm curious that what is your favorite book.

12. **What did he ask you that where is the train station?

13. **Have you thought about where can we find a good restaurant?

14. **Can you inform me that where will the concert be held?

15. **I wonder that how can I improve my language skills.

16. **Did you understand what is the reason for the delay?

17. **Can you find out where is the nearest ATM?

18. **What does she want to know, can you tell me?

19. **Do you have an idea where should I apply for a job?

20. **Did they mention where did they go on vacation?

21. **Can you tell me that how did they manage to complete the project?

22. **Why he is not here, can you explain?

23. **I'm curious that what are the ingredients for this recipe.

24. **Where she found the lost wallet, can you know?

25. **Did you ask her where did she purchase the new phone?

26. **What is the reason that they canceled the flight?

27. **Have you considered where did he hide the birthday gift?

28. **Do you know that where did your friend go for the holidays?

29. **What is the reason that the computer crashed, do you have any idea?

30. **Can you explain me that how does this machine work?

Identify the incorrect ones. If a sentence is incorrect, provide the corrected version.

Exercise:

1. Why did she went to the store?

2. Do you know what time is the meeting?

3. I'm curious that how did they solve the puzzle.

4. Can you tell me that where she keeps the spare key?

5. Where is your brother, do you know?

6. Did you ask him where is he from?

7. I wonder why did they cancel the flight.

8. Have you figured out that where did she hide the gifts?

9. What is the reason that she is so upset?

10. I don't understand that why is he so late.

11. Can you explain to me that what are the rules?

12. Where did she said she will meet us?

13. I wonder where did they find this amazing restaurant.

14. What is the explanation that why they are leaving?

15. Can you find out that what does this button do?

16. I'm curious that who is the person in the photo.

17. Did you ask them what are their plans for the weekend?

18. I wonder what is the meaning that she wants to convey.

19. Are you aware where did they park the car?

20. Can you tell me that what time will the movie start?

21. Where did she went for her vacation, do you know?

22. I'm curious what is the reason that he resigned.

23. Did she ask you that where did you get those flowers?

24. Can you explain to me that how does this machine work?

25. Have you figured out where is the lost city?

26. Do you know that where did they find the missing keys?

27. Why he left the party, can you explain?

28. I'm curious why is she looking so worried.

29. Did she mentioned that why she is not attending the event?

30. Can you find out that where did he leave his wallet?

Here are the corrected versions for each of the sentences:

1. Why did she go to the store?

2. Do you know [what time the meeting is]?

3. I'm curious how they solved the puzzle.

4. Can you tell me [where she keeps the spare key]?

5. Where is your brother, do you know? (No correction needed; the sentence is already correct.)

6. Did you ask him [where he is from]?

7. I wonder why they canceled the flight.

8. Have you figured out [where she hid the gifts]?

9. What is the reason why she is so upset?

10. I don't understand why he is so late.

11. Can you explain to me [what the rules are]?

12. Where did she say she will meet us?

13. I wonder where they found this amazing restaurant.

14. What is the explanation for why they are leaving?

15. Can you find out [what this button does]?

16. I'm curious [who is the person in the photo].

17. Did you ask them [what their plans for the weekend are]?

18. I wonder what is the meaning she wants to convey.

19. Are you aware [where they parked the car]?

20. Can you tell me [what time the movie will start]?

21. Where did she go for her vacation, do you know?

22. I'm curious [what the reason is that he resigned].

23. Did she ask you [where you got those flowers]?

24. Can you explain to me [how this machine works]?

25. Have you figured out [where the lost city is]?

26. Do you know [where they found the missing keys]?

27. Why did he leave the party, can you explain?

28. I'm curious [about why she is looking so worried].

29. Did she mention why she is not attending the event?

30. Can you find out [where he left his wallet]?

Identify the incorrect embedded questions and provide the corrected versions.

Exercise:

1. What is the reason that he didn't come to the party?

2. Can you explain me where is the nearest bus stop?

3. Why she left her job, I want to know.

4. Have you considered where should we go for dinner?

5. I'm curious what are their plans for the weekend.

6. Did she ask you that where did you buy those shoes?

7. Do you know what time is the train arriving?

8. Can you find out that where did they find the missing cat?

9. What is the explanation that why she is upset?

10. I wonder where did they go for their honeymoon.

11. Did she mention that why she is resigning?

12. Can you tell me where is the best place to buy groceries?

13. I'm curious about what is the meaning of this symbol.

14. Where did she said she will meet us?

15. Do you know where is your passport?

16. What do you think that why they canceled the event?

17. Can you explain to me where did they hide the treasure?

18. Have you figured out where is the secret entrance?

19. I wonder why was the concert postponed?

20. Did she ask you where you got that delicious cake?

Corrected versions for each of the sentences:

1. What is the reason [why] he didn't come to the party?

2. Can you explain [to] me where the nearest bus stop is?

3. Why did she leave her job, I want to know.

4. Have you considered [where we should go] for dinner?

5. I'm curious [about] what their plans for the weekend are.

6. Did she ask you [where you bought those shoes]?

7. Do you know [what time the train is arriving]?

8. Can you find out [where they found the missing cat]?

9. What is the explanation [for] why she is upset?

10. I wonder [where they went] for their honeymoon.

11. Did she mention [why she is resigning]?

12. Can you tell me [where the best place to buy groceries is]?

13. I'm curious [about] what the meaning of this symbol is.

14. Where did she say she will meet us?

15. Do you know [where your passport is]?

16. What do you think [about] why they canceled the event?

17. Can you explain [to] me where they hid the treasure?

18. Have you figured out [where the secret entrance is]?

19. I wonder [why the concert was postponed].

20. Did she ask you [where you got that delicious cake]?