short forms in reply

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Nov 10, 2011
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Persian
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Iran
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Iran
Are the following answers natural? Can we have short answers like these in English? Or is there misunderstanding if we answer this way?

A: Would you like some coffee?
B: Thanks, I did. / Thanks , I already did. (Instead of I drank some.)

A: (Mother to the son) Tidy up you room.
B: I did, mom. (Instead of I tidied it up.)

A: Please don't forget to buy some bread on your way home.
B: I have. (Instead of I have already bought.)
 

emsr2d2

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Jul 28, 2009
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English Teacher
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British English
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UK
Current Location
UK
Are the following answers natural? Can we have short answers like these in English? Or is there misunderstanding if we answer this way?

A: Would you like some coffee?
B: Thanks, I did. / Thanks, I already did. (Instead of I drank some.)

A: (Mother to the son) Tidy up your room.
B: I did, mom. (Instead of I tidied it up.)

A: Please don't forget to buy some bread on your way home.
B: I have. (Instead of I have already bought some.)

Your second and third examples are fine, although #2 might be better as "I already did". The first is very unnatural. I really can't think of a shorter answer than "No thanks, I've already had some/one" as it gives the answer to the question and explains why. Of course "No thanks" is a perfectly acceptable answer but clearly you wanted to show the reason.
 
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