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Embedded Questions – Quiz 1
Embedded Questions Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates students' understanding of embedded questions in English grammar, including their ability to identify and construct proper embedded questions, test subject-verb agreement, and use conditional sentences with uncertainty. It also assesses the skill of converting direct statements into embedded questions while maintaining interrogative nature.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Choose the sentence which is correct.
A) Can you tell me how to get to your apartment from the train station?.
B) Let's find out when is the first available flight to Toronto.
C) Excuse me. Could you tell me what is the time, please?.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because it uses an embedded question, where "how to get to your apartment from the train station" is a subordinate clause embedded within the main sentence "Can you tell me...". This structure is grammatically correct and commonly used in English.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses an embedded question properly.
Option B:
Incorrect. The phrase "when is the first available flight to Toronto" should be a subordinate clause, not a main sentence with a question mark at the end.
Option C:
Incorrect. "What is the time" is a complete interrogative sentence and does not fit within an embedded question structure.
Option D:
Not applicable as Option A is correct.
2.
Will David get a new job?
A) I wonder if David will gets a new job.
B) I wonder if David will get a new job?.
C) I wonder if will David get a new job.
D) I wonder if David will get a new job.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D is correct because it follows the proper structure for an embedded question in English grammar. An embedded question begins with a modal verb (like "will" in this case) followed by the subject ("David") and then the main verb ("get"). This structure maintains the natural flow of conversation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect due to redundant "gets."
Option B:
Correct but unnecessary as Option D is already correct.
Option C:
Incorrect because the subject-verb order is reversed.
Option D:
Correct and properly structured.
3.
You are at a hotel reception. Which sentence sounds the most polite?
A) Where is the restroom?.
B) Where the restroom is?.
C) Tell me where the restroom is.
D) Can you tell me where the restroom is?.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D is the most polite because it uses a question form that includes a request, which is more courteous than direct statements. It also incorporates "can you" which adds an element of politeness and seeks permission to make the inquiry.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This is a simple statement and lacks any polite phrasing or indirectness.
Option B:
This option also uses a statement form, making it less polite than D.
Option C:
While this does include "tell me," which is more polite than A and B, it directly asks for information without the added politeness of using "can you."
Option D:
This option uses a question form that includes both "can you" and "where," making it the most polite choice.
4.
It is uncertain ..... the government will implement the new tax policy this year.
A) When.
B) If.
C) Whether.
D) All of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Whether" is used to introduce an embedded question when the truth of a statement is uncertain, and it is often interchangeable with "if." In this sentence, the speaker is expressing uncertainty about whether the government will implement the new tax policy. Therefore, "whether" fits perfectly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
When introduces questions about time, which does not fit the context of uncertainty regarding implementation.
Option B:
If can be used interchangeably with whether in this context but is less formal and common for such sentences.
Option C:
Whether correctly expresses the uncertainty about the government's action.
Option D:
All of the above would imply that "when" also fits, which it does not.
5.
Is there a petrol station around here?Do you know ..... ?
A) If there is a petrol station here.
B) If there was a petrol station here.
C) If is there a petrol station around here.
D) If was there a petrol station here.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because it properly forms an embedded question, which is a question that is introduced by another sentence and does not require additional words like "do you know" to be grammatically complete. The structure "Is there...?" followed directly by the location phrase "around here?" is appropriate for an embedded question.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Properly forms an embedded question.
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses past tense ("was"), which doesn't fit the context of asking about a current location.
Option C:
Incorrect. Improper structure; should be "Is there...?"
Option D:
Incorrect. Past tense, inappropriate for an embedded question about a current location.
6.
Did you see ..... ?
A) Where did I went.
B) Where did I go.
C) Where I did go.
D) Where I went.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Where I went.
This option correctly forms an embedded question, where the subject and auxiliary verb are inverted to fit within a larger sentence. In this case, "Where" begins the embedded question, followed by the subject pronoun "I" and the past tense verb "went."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; it uses "did I went," which is not grammatically correct.
Option B:
Corrected, but not an embedded question as it stands alone without being part of a larger sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect; it places the auxiliary verb before the subject pronoun, which is not how inverted questions are formed in English.
Option D:
Correct; forms a proper embedded question within a larger sentence structure.
7.
Choose the best option:Do you know .....
A) A. if we should start now?.
B) B. if should we start now?.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because it properly forms an embedded question, which is a question that is introduced by another clause and does not have its own interrogative word (like "if" or "whether"). The phrase "Do you know" introduces the embedded question "if we should start now?".
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Forms an embedded question properly.
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses "should" twice, which is redundant and grammatically incorrect in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. Includes both correct (A) and incorrect (B), making it ambiguous.
Option D:
Incorrect. None of the options are correct.
8.
Choose the correct embedded question:"Will I pass the exam?"
A) Do you know if I will pass the exam?.
B) Do you know if will I pass the exam?.
C) Do you know if pass the exam I will?.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because it follows the proper structure for an embedded question in English grammar. An embedded question uses "if" followed by the subject and verb, maintaining the natural word order: "Do you know if I will pass the exam?" This maintains clarity and correctness.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct structure: "Do you know if I will pass the exam?"
Option B:
Incorrect verb placement: "Do you know if will I pass the exam?"
Option C:
Incorrect word order and structure: "Do you know if pass the exam I will?".
Option D:
None of the above is not correct since Option A is indeed correct.
9.
Billy and Theo said, "We went to Spain."
A) Billy and Theo said they gone to Spain.
B) Billy and Theo said they had went to Spain.
C) Billy and Theo said that they had gone to Spain.
D) Billy and Theo said that they had went to Spain.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because it accurately reflects the reported speech of Billy and Theo saying that they had gone to Spain. The use of "that" before their statement makes it clear that this is a reported version of what they said, rather than them directly speaking in the past tense.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it uses "gone" instead of "had gone," which changes the meaning and tense.
Option B:
Incorrect for similar reasons; "had went" is not a correct form in English.
Option C:
Correct as it properly reports what Billy and Theo said using the past perfect tense ("had gone").
Option D:
Incorrect because of the same issue with "had went."
10.
Do you want to go?
A) I was wondering do you want to go.
B) I was wondering if you want to go.
C) I was wondering if do you want to go.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it uses the proper structure for an embedded question, which combines a statement with a direct question without using additional words like "do" before the subject in the question part.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. It starts with "I was wondering do you want to go," which is redundant and grammatically incorrect.
Option B:
Correct. Uses proper embedded question structure: "I was wondering if you want to go."
Option C:
Incorrect. It incorrectly places "do" before the subject in the question part, making it grammatically wrong.
Option D:
Not applicable since option B is correct.
11.
A:Do you remember who ..... that book?B:It was Hemingway!
A) Wrote.
B) Did write.
C) To write.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Embedded questions in English often use the simple past tense to ask about a completed action. In this case, "Do you remember who wrote that book?" is an embedded question asking for information about the author of a specific book. The correct answer is "wrote" because it fits grammatically and contextually within the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses simple past tense, appropriate for asking who wrote something.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Did write" is not a proper construction in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "To write" is an infinitive form and does not fit here.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
12.
..... is a mystery.
A) Where he left the country.
B) Why he left the country.
C) How long he left the country.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An embedded question is a type of sentence where one question is contained within another, often introduced by words like "where," "when," "why," "how long," etc. In the given sentence, "..... is a mystery" functions as an answer to a question that has been omitted. The correct option should provide a reason or explanation for something being a mystery.
Option B) Why he left the country correctly identifies the type of embedded question because it asks for a reason, which fits well with the phrase "is a mystery."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Where he left the country - This is a location question and does not fit the context of being a mystery.
Option B:
Why he left the country - Correct, as it asks for a reason, fitting the context of a mystery.
Option C:
How long he left the country - This is about duration and does not fit the context of being a mystery.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect because Option B fits the context well.
13.
Embedded or not?The committee will meet tomorrow to discuss the proposed budget.
A) Embedded.
B) Direct.
C) Statement.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The committee will meet tomorrow to discuss the proposed budget." is a declarative statement, not an embedded question. An embedded question would require that the main clause be a question and the subordinate clause provide information or ask for clarification. Here, there is no questioning element; it simply states what action the committee will take.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Embedded - Incorrect as the sentence does not contain an embedded question.
Option B:
Direct - Correct because the sentence directly states a fact without any questioning element.
Option C:
Statement - Incorrect for the same reason as Option A; it is a direct statement, not an embedded question.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect since Option B correctly identifies the sentence type.
14.
We are glad ..... could join us.
A) What you.
B) That you.
C) What.
D) That.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) That you.
In this sentence, "That you" functions as an embedded question used to express gladness about someone's participation. The phrase "We are glad that you could join us" is a common way to politely and formally express happiness over someone’s attendance or involvement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"What you" does not form a grammatically correct embedded question in this context.
Option B:
"That you" is the correct choice, forming an embedded question that fits naturally into the sentence structure.
Option C:
"What" alone cannot be used to express gladness about someone's participation in a sentence like this.
Option D:
"That" by itself is not sufficient to form a complete embedded question here.
15.
Do you speak English fluently?I want to know .....
A) If you are speaking English fluently.
B) If you were speaking English fluently.
C) If you speak English fluently.
D) If you spoke English fluently.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because it uses the present tense "speak" which aligns with the embedded question format, where the main verb should match the tense of the subordinate clause in a reported speech context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it starts with "If you are speaking," which is in present continuous and does not fit the embedded question structure.
Option B:
Incorrect as it uses past continuous tense, which is inappropriate for an embedded question about a current ability or habit.
Option C:
Correct as it uses "speak" in simple present tense, fitting the context of asking about fluency in English.
Option D:
Incorrect as it uses past tense "spoke," which is not suitable for a question about current ability or habit.
16.
I'm not sure .....
A) If they've had enough coffee.
B) Whether they've had enough or not coffee.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The question "I'm not sure ...." is an example of an embedded question, which asks for a clarification about whether someone has had enough coffee or not. The correct answer is Option A: "If they've had enough coffee." This option directly addresses the uncertainty expressed in the initial statement and forms a complete embedded question.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. It directly asks about the amount of coffee consumed, which aligns with the original sentence's context.
Option B:
Incorrect. This option is redundant as it includes both "enough" and "not enough," making it unclear.
Option C:
Incorrect. It suggests that all options are correct, which contradicts the clarity needed in embedded questions.
Option D:
Incorrect. At least one option (A) is correct.
17.
Could you explain how companies use demand forecasting in purchasing?
A) They use it to decide what, when, and how much to buy.
B) They use it to fire employees.
C) They use it to decorate the office.
D) They use it to post on social media.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Demand forecasting is a critical tool for companies to predict future customer demand accurately. By using historical sales data, market trends, and other relevant factors, businesses can make informed decisions about their purchasing needs. This process helps them determine the specific products or services they need (what), the timing of these purchases (when), and the quantity required (how much). Proper demand forecasting minimizes stockouts and overstock situations, ensuring that inventory levels align with customer demand.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Companies use demand forecasting to decide what, when, and how much to buy.
Option B:
Incorrect. Demand forecasting is not used for employee management decisions like firing employees.
Option C:
Incorrect. There's no connection between demand forecasting and office decoration.
Option D:
Incorrect. Social media posting isn't a function of demand forecasting in purchasing.
18.
What is the embedded question form of 'What is the password?'?
A) I'd like to know what the password is.
B) Can you tell me what is the password?.
C) Do you know what is the password?.
D) What is the password?.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An embedded question is a question that is introduced within a sentence, often to ask for information indirectly. The correct answer should be a sentence where the question "What is the password?" is embedded within another sentence without changing its interrogative nature.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option uses an indirect request ("I'd like to know") and rephrases the original question, making it not a true embedded question.
Option B:
This is a direct embedded question within a sentence, maintaining its interrogative nature. It fits the definition of an embedded question perfectly.
Option C:
Similar to Option A, this uses "Do you know" as a way to ask indirectly and does not maintain the original interrogative form.
Option D:
This is the original direct question and not embedded within another sentence.
19.
Embedded or not?Where did you find that rare book?
A) Embedded.
B) Direct.
C) Statement.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The question "Embedded or not? Where did you find that rare book?" is a direct question, not an embedded one. Direct questions are straightforward and do not contain any other clauses within them. Embedded questions, on the other hand, include additional information or clauses.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The question is not embedded.
Option B:
Correct. The question is a direct one.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option does not apply to the given question structure.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
20.
Who did the homework?Don't tell me .....
A) Who did the homework.
B) Who the homework did.
C) Who did the homework.
D) Who the homework did?.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Embedded questions are introduced by a question word (who, what, where, when, why, how) and require the main verb to be in base form after the subject of the embedded question.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Who did the homework" is an embedded question with "did" as the base form of the verb following the subject.
Option B:
Incorrect. The structure should be "who + base form of verb," not "who + past tense."
Option C:
Incorrect. Same reason as Option A, it uses "did" instead of the base form "do."
Option D:
Incorrect. This option adds a question mark at the end which is unnecessary for embedded questions.
21.
Rewrite this embedded question as a direct question: "I'm not sure where he lives."
A) Where does he live?.
B) He lives where?.
C) Does he live where?.
D) Where he lives?.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is Option A: "Where does he live?". This option directly converts the embedded question into a direct question by removing the subject and auxiliary verb, making it clear and straightforward.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Directly asks about his place of residence.
Option B:
Incorrect. This option is awkward and unclear in meaning.
Option C:
Incorrect. The structure does not form a proper question.
Option D:
Incorrect. This option lacks clarity and is grammatically incorrect.
22.
Which of the following is an example of an embedded question?
A) Tell me where the nearest hospital is.TagsDOK Level 3:Strategic Thinking.
B) Can you tell me where the nearest hospital is?.
C) Where is the nearest hospital?.
D) Where is the nearest hospital, can you tell me?.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it contains an embedded question, which is a type of indirect question where the question words (in this case "where") are used within a declarative sentence structure. The main clause "Can you tell me" sets up the request for information in a more polite and formal manner.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Direct statement, not an embedded question.
Option B:
Correct example of an embedded question.
Option C:
Simple direct question, not part of a declarative sentence structure.
Option D:
Combination of direct and indirect questions, but primarily structured as a statement with a question at the end.
23.
I wonder if ..... really telling the truth.
A) They are.
B) Are they.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Embedded questions in English are introduced by a wh-word (who, what, where, when, why, how) and begin with a capital letter. The correct form of an embedded question is often used to ask for information within a sentence. In the given example, "I wonder if they really telling the truth," it should be rephrased as a complete question: "I wonder if they are really telling the truth." This makes option A) They are., incorrect.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. It does not follow the structure of an embedded question.
Option B:
Incorrect. It is a standalone question, not an embedded one.
Option C:
Correct. Both "Are they" and "They are" can be part of an embedded question, but only "Are they" fits the structure correctly in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. At least one option is correct.
24.
Is it Direct or Embedded Question?I wonder what her name is.
A) Direct Question.
B) Embedded Question.
C) None of these.
D) Both.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An embedded question is a type of question that is introduced within the flow of a sentence, often to ask for information without starting with a direct question word like "who," "what," etc., at the beginning. The given sentence "I wonder what her name is" fits this description because it introduces a question about her name within a statement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Direct Question - Incorrect, as the sentence does not start with a direct question word.
Option B:
Embedded Question - Correct, as the sentence asks for information embedded in a statement.
Option C:
None of these - Incorrect, as "Embedded Question" is correct.
Option D:
Both - Incorrect, as only one option (Embedded Question) is correct.
25.
(Choose the correct option for the following sentence.)"I haven't decided what I should wear."
A) I haven't decided I wear what.
B) I haven't decided what to wear.
C) I haven't decided what should wear.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it uses the proper structure for an embedded question, which in this case is "what to wear." The phrase "I haven't decided what to wear" is a complete sentence that follows the structure of an indirect question used as the object of a main clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. This option incorrectly places "what" after "wear," which disrupts the proper syntax.
Option B:
Correct. Uses the appropriate embedded question structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. The phrase "should wear" is not necessary and changes the meaning of the sentence.
Option D:
Not applicable since Option B is correct.
26.
I was wondering why ..... take the train; it'll be quicker
A) We don't.
B) Don't we.
C) We not.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The question "I was wondering why ... take the train; it'll be quicker" is an embedded question, which requires a response that acknowledges the speaker's suggestion and explains their reasoning. The correct answer should reflect agreement with the suggestion.
Option A) We don't. is appropriate because it directly addresses the embedded question by agreeing with the suggestion to take the train.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Agrees with the suggestion and explains why taking the train will be quicker.
Option B:
Incorrect. This option does not address the embedded question directly.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option is grammatically incorrect and does not make sense in context.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
27.
Katie's mum said, "Katie ran very quickly."
A) Katie's mum said that Katie would have ran very quickly.
B) Katie's mum said that Katie had ran very quickly.
C) Katie's mum said Katie ran very quickly.
D) Katie's mum said that Katie had run very quickly.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is D) Katie's mum said that Katie had run very quickly. This option correctly uses the past perfect tense ("had run") to indicate an action completed before another past action (implied by "ran very quickly"). The embedded question structure is maintained with the reported speech.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; would have indicates a hypothetical future in the past, not a completed past action.
Option B:
Incorrect; had ran is redundant and awkward phrasing for reported speech.
Option C:
Correct grammatically but lacks the past perfect tense indicating a completed action before another past event.
Option D:
Correct; uses past perfect to show an action completed before another in the past.
28.
We are trying to find out ..... the shipment will arrive.
A) How does.
B) When.
C) Where does.
D) When does.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because the sentence "We are trying to find out when the shipment will arrive" is an embedded question, where "when" introduces a subordinate clause that provides the information being sought. The structure of this sentence follows the pattern of an embedded question, which asks for specific timing.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
How does does not fit grammatically or contextually as it would imply asking about the method rather than the time.
Option C:
Where does is incorrect because "where" refers to a location, which is not what the sentence is inquiring about.
Option D:
When does is grammatically correct but functions as a main question rather than an embedded one. The original sentence uses "when" to introduce the subordinate clause directly.
29.
Complete this question. Do you know how tall ..... ?
A) He's?.
B) Is it?.
C) They are?.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C) "They are?" is correct because the question "Do you know how tall they are?" is an embedded question, which requires a subject and verb to be complete. Option A and B do not include necessary subjects or verbs. Option D is incorrect as option C is valid.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because it lacks a subject and verb.
Option B:
Incorrect because it lacks a subject and verb.
Option C:
Correct as it completes the embedded question with "they are".
Option D:
Incorrect as option C is valid.
30.
Has the washer been repaired yet?The repairman hasn't told me .....
A) A. if has it been repaired yet.
B) B. if it has been repaired yet.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it maintains the proper structure of an embedded question, which asks for information within a statement. The phrase "if it has been repaired yet" correctly embeds the question within the sentence without changing its meaning or grammatical form.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as "A" is not a valid option in this context.
Option B:
Correct as it properly forms an embedded question.
Option C:
Incorrect as "C" does not represent any of the given options.
Option D:
Incorrect as the correct option is identified in B.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are embedded questions?
Embedded questions are indirect questions that are introduced within a sentence, often to seek information or clarification. They typically begin with words like 'where', 'when', 'how', or 'why' and are used in reported speech.
How do embedded questions differ from direct questions?
Direct questions start with a question word like 'who', 'what', 'where', and are independent clauses that can stand alone. Embedded questions, on the other hand, are dependent clauses within a sentence and require a response.
Can embedded questions be used in any context?
Yes, embedded questions can be used in various contexts to provide information or ask for clarification. They are commonly found in written and spoken English, especially in formal writing and reported speech.
Why are embedded questions important in grammar?
Embedded questions help improve sentence structure and clarity. They allow for more sophisticated communication, enabling writers and speakers to convey complex ideas or ask nuanced questions within a broader context.
How can I practice using embedded questions?
You can practice by incorporating embedded questions into your writing and speaking. Start with simple sentences and gradually increase complexity. Reading and analyzing texts that use embedded questions effectively can also enhance your understanding and usage.