From age 3 to age 4, what change occurs in verbal language?

• A. From 3-word to 4-word sentences
• B. From 4-word to 3-word sentences
• C. From single words to two-word phrases
• D. From two-word phrases to five-word sentences

Answer: (A)

Between ages 3 and 4, there is growth in sentence length as children's language becomes more complex. They typically move from about 3-word sentences to about 4-word sentences, reflecting expanding syntax and the ability to convey more content in one utterance. This means they start adding function words and details, so their statements become clearer, such as going from “mommy eat cookie” to “mommy is eating a cookie” or “the dog ran fast.” The shift from 3-word to 4-word sentences is a standard milestone in this age range, whereas earlier jumps or longer leaps to five-word sentences are less typical for this period.