Question

Consider the following question and determine where was is moved finally, in accordance with the minimalist assumptions: Was John, who wrote the book, angry?

• A. T to C
• B. C to T
• C. V to T
• D. T to V

Hint:

In transformational grammar, for yes/no questions, the auxiliary verb typically moves from the T (tense) position to the C (complementizer) position.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In the minimalist theory of syntax, particularly in the context of questions, the movement of elements in a sentence is governed by a few fundamental principles. In this case, we are considering the structure of the question "Was John, who wrote the book, angry?".
1. The sentence is initially in a declarative form: "John, who wrote the book, was angry."
2. To form a question, the auxiliary verb was must be moved. According to the minimalist framework, the verb moves from its base position (T, the tense position) to C, the complementizer position, which is required for forming yes/no questions.
3. Therefore, the correct movement is from T (tense) to C (complementizer), forming the question structure.
Hence, the answer is T to C.