ABSTRACT
Across languages, subjects tend to be nominal phrases. However, many languages also allow for what appears to be sentential subjects, that is, subjects that would ordinarily be analyzed as sentences. This chapter provides some relevant background regarding clausal architecture and sentential subjects. It examines the relevant literature regarding sentential subjects in English, presenting evidence for and against both the subject and the topic analysis. The chapter argues that sentential subjects in Norwegian cannot sit in the canonical subject position. It discusses subject–verb agreement and Subject–auxiliary inversion. The chapter deals with whether or not sentential subjects pattern with topics. It suggests that sentential subjects cannot generally occur in embedded clauses even for speakers who allow sentential subjects in SpecIP in main clauses. Koster. J pointed out that sentential subjects are much less acceptable in the subject position of embedded clauses than in main clauses.
