Definition of Embedded Questions
Embedded questions are clauses that are used as questions within a statement or phrase. These are similar to standalone questions, but they do not have their own subject, verb, and object. Embedded questions usually work as noun clauses, adjective clauses, or adverb clauses.
For example, look at the following sentence:
- I wonder what happened yesterday.
In this sentence, “What happened yesterday” is an embedded question acting as a noun clause. It is used as the object of the sentence.
How many types of embedded questions?
Embedded Questions are generally of three types:
Noun Clauses:
Noun clauses act as nouns within a sentence. They can be used as objects, subjects,or complements.
Adjective Clauses:
Adjective clauses modify nouns or pronouns within a sentence. They provide extra information about the pronoun or noun they modify.
Adverb Clauses:
Adverb clauses modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs within a sentence. They indicate when, where, how, why, or under what conditions something happens.
Noun Clauses:
Noun clauses act as nouns within a sentence. They can be used as objects, subjects, or complements.
Subject:
- What happened yesterday is a mystery.
In this sentence, “What happened yesterday” is a noun clause that acts as the subject of the sentence.
Object:
- I wonder what happened yesterday.
In this sentence, “what happened yesterday” is a noun clause that acts as the object of the sentence.
Complement:
- The question of what happened yesterday is still unanswered.
In this sentence, “what happened yesterday” is a noun clause that acts as a complement of the sentence.
Adjective Clauses
Adjective clauses modify nouns or pronouns within a sentence. They provide extra information about the pronoun or noun they modify.
- The book I’m reading, which explores time travel, is mind-blowing.
In this sentence, “which explores time travel” is an adjective clause modifying the word “book”. This clause provides additional information about the word “book”.
Adverb Clauses
Adverb clauses modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs within a sentence. They indicate when, where, how, why, or under what conditions something happens.
- She left when the clock struck midnight.
In this sentence, “when the clock struck midnight” is an adverb clause modifying the verb “left”. This clause refers to the verb “left” indicating when “she” left.
Also, there are some other types of Embedded Questions, such as:
Relative Clauses:
Relative clauses are a type of adjective clause that begins with a relative pronoun,
Such as “who,” “which,” or “that.”
Interrogative Clauses:
Interrogative clauses are a type of noun clause that asks a question.
Conditional Clauses:
Conditional clauses are a type of adverb clause that expresses a condition.
When using Embedded Questions, it is important to remember a few things:
Wh-words are usually used at the beginning of embedded questions. However, other words, such as “that” and “whether”, may also be used.
Period or question mark is not used at the end of embedded questions.
Conjunctions are used to join other clauses with embedded questions.
Why is Embedded Question used?
Embedded Questions are used for several reasons.
An embedded question is a question that is embedded within a larger sentence or paragraph. This is similar to a general question, but it asks about a specific fact or idea. Embedded Questions can be used for the following reasons:
Asking about a specific information or idea: Using Embedded Question we can ask about a specific information or idea within a larger sentence or paragraph. For example, in the following sentence, “Is it true that the world’s population is over 8 billion?” Here is an embedded question:
“The world’s population is over 8 billion.”
Understanding a Speaker’s Intent or Attitude: By using Embedded Question we can try to understand a speaker’s intent or attitude. For example, in the following sentence, “Do you think this is a good idea?” Here is an embedded question:
“I think it’s a good idea.”
This question asks about the speaker’s beliefs or views.
Agree or disagree with a speaker: Using Embedded Question we can create an opportunity to agree or disagree with a speaker. For example, in the following sentence, “Do you think this is an important topic?” Here is an embedded question:
“I think it’s an important issue.”
This question creates an opportunity to agree with the speaker.
The use of embedded questions can be seen in a variety of essays. It is used in many fields including literature, research, and technology.
Some specific uses of Embedded Question
To create suspense and intrigue: By using embedded questions, you can keep your readers guessing. For example, you can say, “I wonder who did it.” In this sentence, “Who did it” is an embedded question that creates suspense.
To add texture and detail: Using Embedded Questions, you can add additional information to your writing. For example, you could say, “The book I’m reading, which explores time travel, is mind-blowing.” In this sentence, “which explores time travel” is an embedded question that adds additional information about the book.
To express complex ideas: Using embedded questions, you can express complex ideas in your writing. For example, you can say, “I’m not sure if I should go to the party, because I don’t know anyone there.” In this sentence, “because I don’t know anyone there” is an embedded question that expresses a complex idea.
Easy Ways to Identify Embedded Questions
An easy way to recognize an embedded question is to change the sentence into a question. If the sentence can be changed into a question, then it is an Embedded Question.
For example, look at the following sentence:
- I wonder what happened yesterday.
Change this sentence into a question:
- What happened yesterday?
This sentence is a question, so the first sentence is also an Embedded Question.
Also, wh-words (who, what, when, where, why, how) are usually used at the beginning of embedded question. However, other words, such as that and whether may also be used.
For example, look at the following sentence:
- I know that you are going to the party.
In this sentence, that you are going to the party is an Embedded Question. It functions as a noun clause.
Period or question mark is not used at the end of embedded question. They are terminated with a period.
For example, look at the following sentence:
- I don’t know who did it.
In this sentence, who did it is an embedded question. It functions as a noun clause.
By keeping these rules in mind, you can easily recognize embedded questions.
Here are some more tips that can help you recognize embedded questions:
- Embedded questions are usually connected to other clauses with a conjunction.
- Embedded question usually works as an adjective or adverb.
- An embedded question is usually used as the object or subject of a verb.
- By following these tips, you can become more proficient at recognizing embedded questions.
Examples of some embedded questions that appear in the exam
Here are some examples of embedded question that may appear on the exam:
Noun Clauses:
- What was the purpose of the meeting?
- Whose car did you borrow?
- Where did you go on vacation?
- When will you be back?
Adjective Clauses:
- The book that I am reading is very interesting.
- The man who is standing over there is my father.
- The house that we just bought is very big.
- The car that I was driving broke down.
Adverb Clauses:
- I will go to the store when I have time.
- I will eat dinner after I finish my homework.
- I will call you as soon as I get home.
- I will go to the party if I am invited.
Also, there may be different forms of embedded questions in the exam. For example:
Inverted questions:
- Was it you who called me?
- Is this the book that you wanted?
- Will they be able to do it if they try?
Passive voice:
- The question that was asked was very difficult.
- The man who was arrested was carrying a gun.
- The house that was built in 1800 is still standing.
Indirect questions:
- I asked him what his name was.
- She told me where she was going.
- He asked me why I was late.
These examples are sample embedded questions to appear in your exam.
An embedded question is a question that is incorporated into a larger sentence or statement. It is often used when reporting or expressing uncertainty. The structure of an embedded question is similar to that of a direct question, but it is embedded within another sentence.
Example:
Direct Question: Where is the nearest grocery store?
Embedded Question: Could you tell me where the nearest grocery store is?
An embedded sentence is a sentence that is incorporated into another sentence, often functioning as a clause or a part of a larger statement. This construction is commonly used to provide additional information or context within a broader context.
Example:
Original Sentence: She loves to read.
Embedded Sentence: She loves to read, especially novels by classic authors.
The form of embedded questions is similar to that of direct questions but within a larger sentence. The typical structure involves a statement or phrase followed by an embedded question using words like “if,” “whether,” “what,” “where,” “who,” “why,” etc.
Example:
Direct Question: What is the time?
Embedded Question: Could you please tell me what the time is?
The main difference lies in their presentation and context. A direct question is presented as an independent question, while an embedded question is part of a larger sentence or statement. Direct questions usually start with question words (e.g., who, what, where), while embedded questions can be introduced by phrases such as “I wonder,” “Do you know,” “Can you tell me,” etc.
Example:
Direct Question: Who is coming to the party?
Embedded Question: I wonder who is coming to the party.