ESL Grammar: EMBEDDED QUESTIONS (5) – “if”

In this ESL grammar lesson, students learn to use embedded questions with the word “if” to express yes/no questions.

ESL Grammar: What are Embedded Questions with “If”?

Embedded questions with “if” are indirect questions included within a statement or another question. These questions usually come after an introductory phrase and are used to inquire about yes/no questions indirectly.

Structure of Embedded Questions with “If”

The structure involves an introductory phrase, followed by “if,” and then the subject-verb order of a statement:

Introductory phrase + if + subject + verb

Examples of Embedded Questions with “If”

1. Statements:
   • Direct: Are you coming to the party?
   • Embedded: I wonder if you are coming to the party.
   • Direct: Did she finish her homework?
   • Embedded: I’d like to know if she finished her homework.
2. Questions:
   • Direct: Can he help us with the project?
   • Embedded: Do you know if he can help us with the project?
   • Direct: Is it going to rain tomorrow?
   • Embedded: Could you tell me if it is going to rain tomorrow?

The English grammar lesson below introduces the use of embedded questions with “if.” Our series of ESL grammar lessons on subjects and verbs introduce these concepts and reinforce them through helpful and instructive exercises.

This lesson is available for free download, and you can download many more English grammar lessons focusing on advanced aspects of English grammar (past continuous tense, present perfect tense, present perfect continuous tense, passive voice, embedded questions, relative clauses) in our comprehensive, intermediate- to advanced-level ESL grammar textbook Great, Great Grammar! (Book 3: Tenses and More!).