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Summary
Learn how to form embedded questions in English by understanding when to change word order, remove auxiliary verbs, and use polite introductory phrases.
Key vocabulary
embedded questiondirect questionauxiliary verbword orderverb beyes or no questionpolitequestion wordtensehelping verb
Grammar notes
**Word order inversion with be verbs — moving is/are after the subject rather than before.** When the direct question is "What is the password?", the embedded form becomes "I'd like to know what the password is" — the verb moves to follow the subject. Example from transcript: "Can you tell me where the car keys are" (not "where are the car keys").
**Removal of auxiliary do/does/did and use of the main verb instead.** The direct question "What time does the bus leave?" becomes "Can you tell me what time the bus leaves?" — does is removed and leaves carries the tense. Example: "I'm not sure what time she starts work" (not "what time does she start").
**Use of if or whether for yes/no embedded questions.** When there is no question word, introduce the embedded question with if or whether: "Are they hungry?" becomes "Let's ask if they're hungry?" Example: "Could you tell me if this is vegetarian?"
About this video
This video teaches beginner learners how to construct embedded questions—questions placed inside other sentences or questions to sound more polite and less direct. Alicia walks through specific examples like transforming "What time does the bus leave?" into "Can you tell me what time the bus leaves?" and shows the three main rules: moving the verb be after the subject, removing auxiliary verbs like does and did, and using if or whether for yes/no questions. A concrete moment is when she demonstrates the mistake "Can you tell me where are the car keys?" versus the correct "Can you tell me where the car keys are?"
The pacing is ideal for shadowing—Alicia speaks clearly at a moderate, natural speed, repeating key examples twice so learners can echo and internalize the patterns. She explicitly marks errors ("that's a very common type of mistake") and explains the reasoning behind each rule, making it easy to follow and speak along.
This suits A1 learners and anyone preparing for polite conversation. You'll gain practical grammar structures, common introductory phrases like "Do you know…?" and "I'd like to know…", and the confidence to ask questions naturally in real situations rather than bluntly.
Idioms & expressions
Do you know — a polite way to introduce an embedded question and ask for information. "Do you know who ate my sandwich?"
Can you tell me — a common, courteous phrase used to open an embedded question request. "Can you tell me what time the bus leaves?"
I'd like to know — a polite and formal way to express a desire for information. "I'd like to know what the password is."
I wonder — used to express curiosity or think out loud about something. "I wonder why the city is so polluted."
I'm not sure — a phrase used to express uncertainty before asking an embedded question. "I'm not sure what time she starts work."
Let's ask/let's find out — a casual way to suggest discovering information together. "Let's ask if they're hungry."
Sound polite/sound less direct — to communicate in a gentler, more courteous manner rather than bluntly. The video explains embedded questions are used to "make questions softer or more polite."
