The independent sentence

Abstract

The topic of this chapter is the C-domain and the main clause. In main clauses the finite verb moves to C. By topicalization, a phrase of any lexical category is obligatorily moved to SpecCP, preceding the finite verb, in declarative main clauses. The verb is thus in second position; Mainland Scandinavian is a V2 language. Complements of prepositions can be topicalized, stranding the preposition. Among possible topicalizations, besides nominal and adverbial categories, are also verb phrases. Topicalization out of noun phrases and across clause boundaries is frequent. By topic doubling, a left-dislocated phrase may be resumed by a pronoun or an adverbial in the following topic position. In sentence questions, SpecCP is empty, and in phrasal questions SpecCP is filled by the interrogative phrase. Imperative sentences usually lack an overt subject.