Minimal Link Condition

The Minimal Link Condition states that derivations with shorter links are preferred over derivations with longer links. Also known as Shortest Link or Shortest Move. In the Minimalist Program, the MLC accounts for superiority condition effects, wh-islands, and super raising. In chapter 4 of the Minimalist Program, the MLC is incorporated into the definition of Attract.

Links
Utrecht Lexicon of Linguistics