I am.

Rumor has it that "I am." is the shortest sentence in the English language. Is it a true sentence?

[Tdol]

It's possible, but would require some more context as the obvious question would be 'What are you?' The shortest sentence in English would consist of a single imperative. 'Go!' would probably be the shortest as I cannot think of a single letter imperative, but the imperative does not require a subject as it is understodd.

[Lib]

What about imperatives? I say 'sit!' to my dog (and occasionally my husband) That's only one word, and says everything.

[Tdol]

'Go!' is two letters, so I win. )))

Originally Posted by tdol

'Go!' is two letters, so I win. )))

Hi,

If I did something and someone asked, "Who did this?"
If I answered, "I."
Would that be the world's shortest possible sentence and make me the winner?

Hope so!!!


Have fun.
John D.

[Tdol]

Technically not, because it is an ellipsis for I + verb, whereas an imperative requires no more context. 'I' would be a sentence fragnment or minor sentence. )