A cadence in which V resolves deceptively to vi is called...

• A. Half Cadence
• B. Deceptive Cadence
• C. Authentic Cadence
• D. Plagal Cadence

Answer: (B)

In tonal harmony, a cadence is a resting point that signals the end of a phrase, with the dominant chord typically aiming to resolve to the tonic. A deceptive cadence describes a dominant (V) chord resolving to a chord other than the tonic, most often to the vi chord in a major key. This defies the listener’s expectation that V will lead to I, so the progression “deceives” by landing on vi instead of I. For example, in C major, G major (V) moves to A minor (vi), creating a sense of surprise and prolonging tension before moving on to close the phrase. This contrasts with an authentic cadence (V–I) that resolves decisively to tonic, a half cadence that ends on V, or a plagal cadence (IV–I).