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How to Resolve Error "CS1023: Embedded statement cannot be a declaration or labeled statement" in C#

The Compiler Error CS1023 is a syntax restriction error. The message reads: "Embedded statement cannot be a declaration or labeled statement".

In C#, control flow statements like if, else, while, for, and foreach allow you to execute a single statement without using curly braces {}. This single statement is called an Embedded Statement.

However, C# creates a strict rule: You cannot declare a variable or define a label inside an embedded statement. This is because a variable declared in a single-line statement would immediately go out of scope on the very next line, rendering it useless. To declare variables inside a conditional or loop, you must create a block scope using curly braces.

This guide explains the rule and how to fix your control flow blocks.

Understanding Embedded Statements​

  • Block Statement: Code wrapped in { ... }. This creates a new scope.
  • Embedded Statement: A single line following a control keyword (e.g., if (true) DoSomething();).

If you write if (true) int x = 5;, the variable x technically exists only for that one line. By the time the semicolon is reached, x is destroyed. The compiler treats this as a likely logic error and forbids the syntax entirely.

Scenario 1: Variable Declaration in if or else​

This is the most common cause. You want to calculate a value only if a condition is met, so you try to declare the variable directly after the if statement without braces.

Example of error​

public void Process(bool isValid)
{
    // ⛔️ Error CS1023: Embedded statement cannot be a declaration.
    // The compiler forbids declaring 'result' here because it lacks { }.
    if (isValid)
        int result = 100;
        
    // Also happens with 'else'
    else
        string message = "Error";
}

Solution: Add Curly Braces​

To declare a variable inside a conditional branch, you must wrap the branch in a block { ... }.

public void Process(bool isValid)
{
    // ✅ Correct: The braces create a valid scope for 'result'.
    if (isValid)
    {
        int result = 100;
        Console.WriteLine(result);
    }
    else
    {
        string message = "Error";
        Console.WriteLine(message);
    }
}
note

Scope Warning: Variables declared inside { ... } are only visible inside those braces. If you need to use the variable after the if statement, you must declare it before the if statement.

Scenario 2: Declaration inside Loops​

Similarly, attempting to declare a temporary variable inside a single-line loop is invalid.

Example of error​

public void LoopData(List<string> items)
{
    // ⛔️ Error CS1023: Cannot declare 'temp' without braces.
    foreach (var item in items)
        var temp = item.Trim();
}

Solution: Add Curly Braces​

Wrap the loop body.

public void LoopData(List<string> items)
{
    // ✅ Correct: Loop body is now a block.
    foreach (var item in items)
    {
        var temp = item.Trim();
        Console.WriteLine(temp);
    }
}

Scenario 3: Labeled Statements​

A Labeled Statement (used with goto) is technically a marker, not an executable action. Therefore, it cannot stand alone as the single embedded statement of a control structure.

Example of error​

public void CheckStatus(int status)
{
    // ⛔️ Error CS1023: A label cannot be the immediate child of an 'if'.
    if (status == 0)
        MyLabel: Console.WriteLine("Zero");
}

Solution: Add Curly Braces​

Even labels must be enclosed in a block if they are inside a control structure.

public void CheckStatus(int status)
{
    // ✅ Correct
    if (status == 0)
    {
        MyLabel: 
        Console.WriteLine("Zero");
    }
}

Conclusion​

CS1023 is the compiler enforcing useful scoping rules.

  1. The Rule: You cannot declare variables immediately after if, else, for, foreach, or while without braces.
  2. The Fix: Always add Curly Braces { ... } around the body of your control statements if you need to declare variables or define labels inside them.

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