Is there a term for not starting a sentence with the word "I"?

Question

Is there a name for a statement (either written or spoken) that excludes the subject "I"?

Some example statements are:

"Happy to provide any additional information you might need."
"Appreciate you taking the time to answer my question."
"Obviously, just a huge fan of this site."

I often see this in business communication or situations where the writer/speaker is attempting some kind of "formality" and would love to have a name for the thing that irritates me. A linguistic explanation would be great, although a psychological explanation would be equally welcome.

Could you tell me why the linguistic phenomenon irritates you? I wouldn't be irritated by any of your examples as long as they're spoken (even in a business setting). If in writing, however, I agree it could be a bit inappropriate. — JK2, Jul 16 '21 at 16:38
Another duplicate: Good to hear. vs Glad to hear. And perhaps the best: Why is the subject omitted in sentences like 'Thought you'd never ask'? — Edwin Ashworth, Jul 16 '21 at 18:27
I first noticed the phenomenon at my workplace, in company-wide emails from C-level executives, and interpreted it as an abdication of personal accountability for the statement. Now that I know the name(s) for it I can do more targeted research to see if this association of mine is unique to me or if I can, like, find a support group or something. — Eric Heaton, Jul 16 '21 at 20:55

Cascabel_StandWithUkraine_ · Accepted Answer · 2021-07-16T15:40:26.560

1

left-edge deletion

It is a type of ellipsis sometimes called conversational deletion.

In these cases, the subject, especially the pronoun "I" can be dropped. When the accompanying verb is "be", that can be dropped also.

"Appreciate you taking the time to answer my question."

Notice that in this sentence, the verb is 'appreciate', and that remains; however the other 2 examples have dropped the verb "be"

It is a type of language seen in diaries, informal conversations. and sometimes even in formal ones.

edited Jul 16 '21 at 15:40

answered Jul 16 '21 at 15:34

Cascabel_StandWithUkraine_

20,777

Covered before at least twice. – Edwin Ashworth Jul 16 '21 at 16:33
@EdwinAshworth I couldn't find it in a search...and I don't answer in comment anymore. – Cascabel_StandWithUkraine_ Jul 16 '21 at 16:41
A quick in-house search for left-edge deletion. Conversational deletion will give a lot more: conversational deletion (x29). – Edwin Ashworth Jul 16 '21 at 18:22
Third time's a charm... – Cascabel_StandWithUkraine_ Jul 16 '21 at 18:26

Is there a term for not starting a sentence with the word "I"?

1 Answers1