Alexis Irazoque, M.S., CCC-SLP
It’s common for parents to wonder when their toddler might start speaking in sentences. Most toddlers begin combining words into short sentences between ages 2 and 3, but development can vary. This guide, written by licensed speech-language pathologists (SLPs), explains at what age toddlers typically start talking in sentences, signs of a speech delay, and simple ways to help your child say more words at home.
When your toddler can point to a dog and say “woof!,” or ask for their milk using words, it’s an exciting milestone. And as their vocabulary begins to grow, you might find yourself wondering when they’ll start speaking in full sentences. This is especially true if other children the same age seem to be talking more than your kiddo.
The short answer: Most toddlers begin putting words together into short sentences between 2 and 3 years old. But it doesn’t happen overnight. Language develops step by step—from babbling, to single words, to two-word phrases, and eventually to longer, more complete sentences.
In this guide, we’ll explain what counts as a “sentence” for a toddler, the milestones that come before full sentences, and signs of a possible speech delay. We’ll also share practical ways you can support your child’s language development at home.
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Start the screenerWhen should a child start talking in sentences?
As speech therapists, we talk with families every day who are trying to figure out whether their child’s language skills are on track. Some toddlers are early talkers. Others need a little more time or a little extra support. Both can be normal.
Most toddlers begin using short sentences between 2 years old and 3 years old. At around 24 months, many children are still using mostly single words, but you’ll often start to hear two-word phrases, like “more juice” or “Mommy go.” By this age, toddlers typically have a spoken vocabulary of about 50 to 100 words and may begin engaging in short, back-and-forth conversations.
As toddlers move through their second year and into their third, those two-word phrases slowly grow into longer sentences. But keep in mind that every child develops at their own pace, and a wide range of language skills can still be typical at this stage.
What counts as a “sentence” for a toddler?
When we think of sentences, we often picture correct grammar and complete thoughts. But toddler sentences don’t work that way. For young children, a “sentence” is usually just two or three words put together to share an idea.
“Toddlers don’t need to use articles like a or the, plurals like dogs or geese, or correct verb tenses like running or jumped for their sentences to count,” explains Abby Barnes, M.S., CCC-SLP, speech-language pathologist at Expressable. “What matters most is intention and word combinations, not perfection.”
This stage of development is often called telegraphic speech, where toddlers use the most important words and skip the rest. This is exactly what we expect to see.
Here are some examples of typical toddler sentences:
“Want more milk”
“Mommy go work”
“I see dog”
At around 24 months, familiar listeners (like parents and caregivers) can usually understand about 50% of what a toddler says. You may still hear simplified words, such as “nana” for “banana” or “ca” for “cat.” These speech patterns are expected and usually improve as your child’s skills grow.
As long as your toddler is combining words, communicating their needs, and becoming easier to understand over time, they’re building important sentence skills. That’s true even if their speech doesn’t sound “perfect” yet.
Language milestones that come before full sentences
Before toddlers start speaking in sentences, they build many important language skills along the way. If your child isn’t using sentences yet, this may mean they’re still working through these earlier milestones.
6 to 9 months: In the first year, babies begin with early sounds and babbling. Between about 6 and 9 months, babbling becomes longer and more repetitive, like “mamama” or “bababa.” These sounds may sound like words, but they usually don’t have meaning yet.
9 to 12 months: During this time, you may notice big growth in communication. Babies often start imitating sounds, like “vroom” for a car or animal noises like “moo” or “neigh.” Those familiar “mama” and “dada” babbles begin to take on meaning, too. Most children say their first real word around their first birthday, though a little earlier or later can still be typical.
12 to 18 months: At this stage, toddlers usually begin using more meaningful words on their own. They may shake their head “yes” or “no,” imitate new words, and start using words spontaneously, like saying “milk” when thirsty or “ball” when they want to play. During this time, you’ll also hear more consonant sounds, such as /b/, /p/, /m/, /n/, and /d/.
18 to 24 months: Vocabulary continues to grow. Many toddlers have 5 to 10 or more words they use regularly. Their word approximations start sounding closer to real words. This is also when many children begin combining words into simple two-word phrases, like “more snack” or “Daddy go.” These early combinations are an important step toward speaking in full sentences.
Barnes further explains that each of these milestones builds on the last, helping toddlers move from single words to phrases, and eventually, sentences.
How to help your toddler move from single words to phrases
Toddlers learn language by listening to the people around them, especially their parents and caregivers, says Barnes. The more language your child hears, the more likely they are to start using it themselves. That’s why creating a language-rich environment is so helpful at this stage.
One of the easiest ways to do it is by modeling short phrases during everyday routines. Try narrating what you’re doing throughout the day during meals, bath time, getting dressed, or when going to the park. These small moments add up and give your toddler lots of examples of how language works.
A powerful strategy you can use is called a natural language expansion. This means taking a word your child says and gently turning it into a short phrase.
Here’s what language expansion can look like in real life:
If your child says “milk,” you might respond with, “I want milk,” or “drink milk.” You’re using the word they offered and modeling just two or three words, without asking them to repeat it.
If your toddler says “bubbles” while playing outside, you might say, “Yes, big bubble!” and repeat “big bubble” a few times. As your child becomes more comfortable using two-word phrases, you can start modeling slightly longer ones, like “I see bubbles” or “I love bubbles.”
The key is to keep it natural and pressure-free. There’s no need to ask your child to repeat after you. Just model the language, give them time, and trust that they’re soaking it all in. Over time, these gentle expansions help toddlers begin using longer phrases on their own.
How to help your toddler move from phrases to sentences
Once your toddler starts using short phrases, the next step is helping those phrases grow into simple sentences. The best way to do this? Keep modeling language throughout the day, as naturally and as often as you can.
Narrating what you’re doing may feel a little silly at times, but it helps your child connect words with actions and ideas. Barnes notes, “While it’s important to model adult-like speech, don’t forget that short, simple sentences are easier for toddlers to imitate than long or complex ones.”
Here are some more speech therapist-approved tips and tricks:
Use expansion and repetition
One of the best strategies at this stage is expansion and recasting. This means repeating what your child says and adding just one new word.
Child: “Car!”
You: “Car, please!”
Child: “Big truck!”
You: “Big blue truck!”
By using mostly familiar words and adding only one more, you make it easier for your child to copy the longer phrase. Pause and wait…many children will try to imitate when given the chance.
Build language through play and daily routines
Children are most talkative when they’re engaged. Use favorite toys, games, or routines to model slightly longer sentences during moments your child already enjoys.
Play-based language modeling works especially well with toys like cars, dolls, animals, or pretend food. You can also build language while getting dressed, eating meals, or going for a walk. Basically, anytime your child is tuned in and interested is a good time for language growth!
Read, talk, and ask open-ended questions
Reading together is another powerful way to support sentence growth. Books help children learn new words and hear how phrases and sentences are put together. While reading, try modeling short phrases that match the pictures or story, and encourage your child to join in.
You can also ask simple, open-ended questions like, “What do you see?” or “What’s happening?” Even if your child answers with just a word or two, you can expand it into a longer sentence for them to hear.
Focus on building vocabulary
As your child learns more words (like nouns, verbs, adjectives, and pronouns), their phrases naturally get longer. A stronger vocabulary gives them more building blocks to create sentences that sound clearer and more complete.
With consistent modeling, playful practice, and lots of repetition, toddlers begin using longer sentences on their own.
Is my toddler’s speech delayed?
It’s true that every child develops at their own pace. No two toddlers learn language in exactly the same way. But there are general milestones that help us know whether a child may need extra support.
A toddler speech delay (sometimes referred to as a child being a “late talker”) may be worth exploring if your child:
Isn’t using two-word phrases by age 2 (like “more snack” or “my turn”)
Has fewer than about 50 words around their second birthday
Has trouble answering simple questions like “What’s that?”
Uses gestures or sounds much more than words to communicate
Gets frustrated often when trying to express themselves
Has difficulty understanding directions or basic language
Stops using words they previously said (regression of skills)
Frustration is often one of the biggest signs. When toddlers know what they want but don’t yet have the words to say it, this can lead to tears or meltdowns.
What to do if you’re concerned about your toddler’s speech
If you’re noticing these signs of a speech delay, it’s a good idea to talk with your child’s pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist, also known as a speech therapist. Even if you’re unsure, getting an expert opinion can bring peace of mind.
Early support makes a big difference. The sooner a child starts speech therapy, the faster they can build communication skills. Speech and language skills develop quickly in the first few years, and early support helps children stay on track for school, play, and everyday life.
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Get startedWhat speech therapy looks like for toddlers
Assessment first: A speech therapist evaluates your child’s expressive and receptive language skills to identify strengths and areas to support.
Play-based sessions: Therapy uses games, toys, and everyday activities to keep toddlers motivated while practicing new skills.
Parent-supported learning: Caregivers learn strategies to practice language at home, helping children make progress faster.
At Expressable, our licensed speech therapists work with families to create fun, child-led therapy sessions that fit naturally into daily life. With guidance, encouragement, and consistent practice, toddlers can start combining words, forming short sentences, and expressing themselves more confidently.
Remember: every child develops at their own pace, and learning to speak in phrases and sentences takes time. The most important thing you can do is create fun, encouraging opportunities for your toddler to communicate through play, daily routines, and everyday conversations. Celebrate small wins, stay patient, and keep practice lighthearted.
Take the next step
If you’re wondering whether your toddler’s language development is on track, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our licensed speech therapists at Expressable can help answer your questions and guide you through next steps.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
When should a child start talking in full sentences?
Most toddlers begin combining words into short sentences between ages 2 and 3. Around 24 months, many children use two-word phrases like “Mommy go.” By age 3, those phrases often grow into longer, clearer sentences. Remember, development happens gradually, not all at once.
At what age should a toddler speak in sentences clearly?
By age 3, familiar listeners (like parents and caregivers) can usually understand about 75% of what a child says. Sentences don’t need perfect grammar to “count.” What matters most is that your toddler is combining words and becoming easier to understand over time.
What if my toddler isn’t speaking in sentences yet?
If your toddler isn’t combining words by age 2, has fewer than about 50 words, or often gets frustrated trying to communicate, it could be a sign of a speech delay. The best next step is to talk with your pediatrician or a licensed speech therapist. You can also take Expressable’s free online screener to see whether an evaluation may be helpful.
Is it normal to have a late talker?
Some children are “late talkers” and catch up on their own. However, if progress feels slow, stalled, or your child has difficulty understanding language as well as expressing it, it’s worth checking in with a professional. Early support can make a big difference.
How can speech therapy help my toddler speak in sentences?
Speech therapy helps toddlers move from single words to phrases and then to sentences through play-based, child-led activities. A speech therapist assesses expressive and receptive language skills, models simple expansions, and coaches parents on strategies to use at home. With consistent practice and support, many toddlers are able to combine words and share their ideas. You can get matched with a licensed speech therapist here.
Key takeaways
Most toddlers begin speaking in short sentences between ages 2 and 3.
Two-word phrases are an important milestone that comes before longer sentences.
Signs of a speech delay may include not combining words by age 2, limited vocabulary, difficulty understanding language, or frequent frustration.
Simple strategies like modeling short phrases, using language expansions, and building language through play can support sentence growth.
If you’re concerned, it’s a good idea to contact a speech therapist for guidance and a plan.
How Expressable Can Help
Concerned your child isn't reaching age-expected milestones? Looking for communication support from a professional? Expressable is a national online speech therapy practice serving children and adults. We treat all major areas of communication and feeding, offer flexible hours including evenings and weekends, and accept most major health insurance plans. We’re proud to have earned more than 3,000 5-star reviews from our clients (4.9/5 average).
Our therapy model is centered on parent and caregiver involvement. Research proves that empowering caregivers to participate in their loved one’s therapy leads to better outcomes. That’s why we combine live, 1-on-1 speech therapy with personalized education and home practice activities for faster progress.
Communication is more than words. It’s how we share how we feel and show who we are. We’re here to help you or your child do just that.
