Embedded Questions

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

The investor is asking, implicitly, whether this founder understands the market deeply enough, whether the numbers are grounded in reality, and whether this team can adapt when the original plan fails.

Grammar Reference · Embedded Questions

Statement word order

After a question word, use subject-before-verb order: I'd like to know what the plan is, not 'what is the plan'.

Whether vs if

Use whether for yes/no embedded questions in professional English: Please clarify whether the patent is registered.

Softening phrases

Begin with phrases like I was wondering, Could you tell me, or I'd like to understand to add formality.

Common error

Never invert inside the embedded clause: Explain what is the margin ✗ → Explain what the margin is ✓.

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Embedded Questions

1.Could you explain the company plans to scale into new markets within two years?

2.I'd like to understand the co-founders met and decided to build this together.

3.Do you know the lead investor from the seed round is still on the cap table?

4.Could you tell me the gross margin is expected to reach once you hit scale?

5.I was wondering the product had already been tested with paying customers.

6.I'd be interested to know the team intends to allocate the Series A funds.

02Exercise 2 — Find and Correct the Error

find the error · rewrite the sentence

1.Tell me what is your competitive advantage in this segment.

2.I'd like to know how much does it cost to acquire a single customer.

3.Could you clarify if has the team completed a full financial audit?

4.We need to understand what are the main risks to your growth projections.

5.I was wondering can the product be localised for three new markets simultaneously.

6.Please explain why did the previous CFO leave the company last quarter.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

Personalise: complete five sentences about yourself using the target grammar.

Embedded Questions01EnglishPlans.com