What is the shortest sentence in English?
The shortest complete English sentences have just one word, usually a command, such as Go! or Stop! The subject, you, is understood. The shortest sentence with a written subject and verb is often said to be I am.
A complete sentence needs a subject and a verb and must express a complete thought. In imperative sentences, which give commands, the subject you is implied rather than written. So Go, Run and Wait are complete sentences, even though they contain only one word.
If the subject must be written, two-word sentences like I am, I go or He runs are the shortest. Some people point to I am as the shortest complete sentence because it uses only three letters. One-word answers like Yes or Hi are not considered full sentences in strict grammar.
Famous short sentences
The shortest verse in many English Bibles is Jesus wept, from the Gospel of John. Writers sometimes use very short sentences for dramatic effect. Ernest Hemingway was famous for his short, simple sentences.
Did You Know?
According to a famous story, French author Victor Hugo sent his publisher a telegram with just ?, and the publisher replied with !, meaning his book was selling well.