Syntax

Short answers

To avoid repetition in conversations, we often use short answers.

• "Are you John?" "Yes, I am [John]."
• "Did you lock the door?" "No, I didn't [lock the door]."

A short affirmative answer cannot end with a contraction of the verb be.

• Are you English?
• Yes, I am. / No, I am not. / No, I'm not.
  NOT: Yes, I'm.

When an auxiliary verb is used in the question, the same auxiliary verb is used in the short answer.

• "Do you like beer?" "Yes, I do." / "No, I don't."
• "Would you like a beer?" "Yes, I would." / "No, I wouldn't."
• "Can you swim?" "Yes, I can." / "No, I can't."
• "Will you remember?" "Yes, I will." / "No, I won't."
• "Did you see Oscar?" "Yes, I did." / "No, I didn't."
• "Are you enjoying the meal?" "Yes, I am." / "No, I am not." / No, I amn't.
• "Were you living in London?" "Yes, I was." / "No, I wasn't."
• "Have you seen Wally?" "Yes, I have." / "No, I haven't."