Which describes a half cadence?

• A. Ends on V
• B. Ends on I
• C. Ends on IV
• D. Ends on VI

Answer: (A)

A half cadence is a cadence that ends on the dominant chord, V, which gives a sense of pause or tension without resolving to the tonic. This ending on V creates anticipation for continuation, as the dominant has a strong pull to resolve to I.

In a key like C major, phrases that end on G (the V chord) feel unfinished because the music wants to move to C to complete the sense of closure. Common progressions that lead to a half cadence include I–V, ii–V, or IV–V, all finishing on V.

Ending on I sounds complete and final, which is why that isn’t a half cadence. Ending on IV or VI doesn’t produce the characteristic dominant pause that defines a half cadence. In minor keys, the same idea applies, with the dominant chord (often V or V7) still providing the sense of unresolved tension that asks for continuation.