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RESOURCES

Language Milestones (Ages 2-5)

Here are some common receptive and expressive language milestones children usually reach by these ages:

Use this as a general reference. Every child develops at their own pace.

Receptive

2-3

years

  • Understands opposites (in/under, one/many, big/little)

  • Begins to understand time concepts (soon, later, wait)

  • Follows 2-3 part directions

  • Learns and understands new words quickly

Expressive

  • Consistently uses two-three word phrases

  • Uses prepositions (in, on, and under)

  • Uses pronouns (I, you, he, she)

  • Talks about things not present (objects or events not in the room)

Receptive

3-4

years

  • Understands words for colors, shapes, and family members

  • Follows directions involving quantity (empty, a lot)

  • Understands concepts of sameness (same, both)

  • Follows longer directions with 3 or more steps

Expressive

  • Consistently uses 3–4 word sentences

  • Answers simple who, what, and where questions

  • Uses articles (the, a)

  • Uses regular and irregular past tense verbs

Receptive

4-5

years

  • Understands words for order (first, next, and last)

  • Understands words for time (yesterday, today, tomorrow)

  • Follows more complex directions involving language concepts

Expressive

  • Names letters and numbers

  • Uses sentences with more than one verb

  • Keeps a conversation going

  • Tells a short story with a beginning, middle, and end

Brown (1973); Haskill, Tyler, & Tolbert (2001); Retherford (2001), and Lanza & Flahive (2009)

Not sure if your child is on track?

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Every child develops differently, but early support can make a big difference.

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In a free consultation call, we’ll discuss your child’s speech and language skills and determine if an evaluation or therapy is the best next step.

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