Speaks in 4-word sentences
What it is
Sentences with a verb; asks why; tells you about the day (2 events by 5).
Start preparing
- Ask open questions ('what happened next?') instead of yes/no; wait.
- Retell the day at bedtime in order: first… then… last.
When to check with a professional
Not speaking in sentences by 4, or being hard to understand, is worth a speech-language referral. Development varies widely; this is a prompt to ask, not a diagnosis.
Sources
- Learn the Signs. Act Early. — milestone checklists (2022 revision) — CDC / American Academy of Pediatrics
- Speech and language development milestones — American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Compiled with AI assistance from the public sources listed above. Not yet reviewed by a clinician — check anything important against the source, with Tipat Halav or with your doctor.