Which of the following is most characteristic of the language development of a typical three-year-old child?

• A. Speaking in complete simple sentences (e.g., "I want a cookie.")
• B. Using only two-word phrases
• C. Speaking in single words
• D. Speaking in long, complex sentences

Answer: (A)

Three-year-olds typically start putting words together into simple, complete sentences that convey a clear idea. The example “I want a cookie” shows a basic subject-verb-object structure: a subject (I) doing an action (want) on an object (a cookie). That level of sentence—clear, intentional, and grammatically simple—is characteristic of language at this age.

Two-word phrases are more typical of around two years old, where speech hasn’t yet formed full sentences. Single words are even earlier, and long, complex sentences come with older preschoolers who are refining grammar and adding more clauses. So, a three-year-old’s language best fits the idea of speaking in complete simple sentences like the example.