Abstract
This paper addresses Expletive Constructions (ECs) with a raised subject in Middle English (ME) and early Modern English (eModE). In particular, my major concerns are the following two issues; (i) why could ME and eModE ECs allow optional subject raising, and (ii) why did the relevant ECs decline during eModE? I will provide an account of the first issue by assuming that there-cliticization to [T-C] makes possible the overt subject raising, and that Merge is equal to Move in cost. It will be further suggested that the demise of these constructions is attributable to the loss of the V2 structure.
