📖 Embedded Questions Rules: Word Order and Politeness

Rule 1: No inversion in embedded clauses

Direct: "Where is John?" → Embedded: "Do you know where John is?" NOT "where is John".

Rule 2: Use 'if' or 'whether' for yes/no questions

"Does she drive?" → "I wonder if she drives." / "I wonder whether she drives."

Rule 3: Wh-words stay at the beginning of the embedded clause

"What time does the train leave?" → "Could you tell me what time the train leaves?"

Rule 4: No auxiliary 'do/does/did' in embedded questions

Direct: "What did he say?" → Embedded: "Do you know what he said?" (not "what did he say")

Rule 5: Question mark only at the end of the main sentence

"Could you tell me where the station is?" (question mark at the end, not inside)

Rule 6: Polite forms use 'could', 'would', 'mind'

"Would you mind telling me when the bus leaves?"

💡 Remember: Embedded questions are statement word order. If you can answer with 'yes/no', use 'if/whether'. If the answer is information, use a wh-word.