ESL Grammar: EMBEDDED QUESTIONS (6) – “whether … (or not)”

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

ESL Grammar: What are Embedded Questions with “Whether … or Not”?

Embedded questions with “whether … or not” are indirect questions that provide two possible outcomes within a statement or another question. They are useful for expressing uncertainty and making polite inquiries.

Structure of Embedded Questions with “Whether … or Not”

The structure involves an introductory phrase, followed by “whether,” the subject, and the verb, with “or not” usually placed at the end of the phrase.

Introductory phrase + whether + subject + verb + or not

Examples of Embedded Questions with “Whether … or Not”

1. Statements:
   • Direct: Is she coming to the meeting?
   • Embedded: I wonder whether she is coming to the meeting or not.
   • Direct: Did he receive the email?
   • Embedded: I’d like to know whether he received the email or not.
2. Questions:
   • Direct: Can you help us tomorrow?
   • Embedded: Do you know whether you can help us tomorrow or not?
   • Direct: Is the store open on Sundays?
   • Embedded: Could you tell me whether the store is open on Sundays or not?

The English grammar lesson below introduces the use of embedded questions with “whether … or not” 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!).

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