WH Questions

 Subordinate Question-Clause

  • QUESTION WITHIN A  COMMENT

More than ever, we are hearing an embedded question with [Aux+Subj+Verb] word order rather than [Subj+Aux-Verb] word order. This usage is creeping into formal situations such as political speeches and news reports. Is it an error or intentional?

  • ORATORICAL DEVICE

Let's think carefully about (if) ARE we going to deny them equal rights.  (emphasis)  [Aux-S-V] 

  • PARENTHETICAL SPEECH

Let's think carefully, are we going to deny them equal rights? 
Are we going to deny them, let's think carefully, equal rights?

  • THOUGHT SHIFT

Let's think carefully…   Are we going to deny them equal rights." (Mental shift and restart?)

  • PREFERRED USE

Let's think carefully about whether we are going to deny them equal rights.   [S-Aux-V]
 

QUESTION WITHIN A QUESTION

 

An embedded question with [Aux+Subj+Verb] word order doesn't seem to occur as much within a question as it does within a comment, or a wh-question.   This usage occurs mostly in speech. Why do you suppose the speaker is shifting from direct to reported speech?
 
EMPHASIS—NOT USED

*Is there any doubt whether are we going to give them equal rights?  [Aux-S-V] 
PREPARATORY PHRASE

~Is there any doubt— are we going to give them equal rights? [Aux-S-V] 

~The key thing is—will they settle the border issue?  (intonation rising ↑) [Aux-S-V] 
FORMAL SPEAKING—WHETHER OR NOT

Is there any doubt whether we are going to give them equal rights?   [S-Aux-V]
FORMAL SPEAKING—THAT

Is there any doubt that we are going to give them equal rights?   [S-Aux-V]