Language Development at 4 Years Old
Language development at 4 years is an important milestone in a child’s communication journey. At this age, children are expected to understand more complex language, use longer sentences, and communicate ideas clearly during play, learning, and social interactions.
At Perth Speech Therapy, we often support families who are unsure whether their 4-year-old’s language skills are developing as expected. Understanding typical receptive and
expressive language skills can help parents know when reassurance is appropriate and when professional support may be helpful.
What Is Receptive Language?
Receptive language refers to a child’s ability to understand spoken language, including instructions, questions, concepts, and stories.
Expected Receptive Language Skills at 4 Years
Most 4-year-old children can:
-
Follow three-step instructions
(e.g. “Get your bag, put it on the chair, then come back to me”) -
Understand “who”, “what”, “where”, and “why” questions
-
Understand a wide range of descriptive vocabulary
-
Understand concepts such as:
-
same / different
-
before / after
-
first / last
-
-
Listen to short stories and answer simple comprehension questions
-
Understand basic emotions and intentions in others’ speech
-
Understand classroom-style instructions and routines
Strong receptive language skills support learning, behaviour, and early literacy development.
What Is Expressive Language?
Expressive language is a child’s ability to use words, sentences, and grammar to communicate thoughts, ideas, and feelings.
Expected Expressive Language Skills at 4 Years
Most 4-year-old children can:
-
Use sentences of 4–6 words or more
-
Speak clearly enough to be understood by unfamiliar adults most of the time
-
Use grammar such as:
-
past tense (jumped, played)
-
pronouns (he, she, they)
-
basic conjunctions (and, because)
-
-
Ask a variety of questions
-
Retell simple events or stories
-
Talk about feelings and preferences
-
Use language to negotiate, explain, and problem-solve during play
At this age, children should be able to express ideas rather than just label objects.
When to Be Concerned About Language Development at 4 Years
You may want to seek advice from a speech pathologist if your child:
-
Struggles to follow multi-step instructions
-
Uses short or immature sentences for their age
-
Is difficult for unfamiliar people to understand
-
Has trouble answering questions
-
Struggles to explain ideas or retell events
-
Becomes frustrated or avoids communication
-
Appears behind peers in preschool or kindergarten
Difficulties with language development at 4 years can impact early learning, social skills, and school readiness if left unsupported.
How Speech Therapy Can Help
Speech therapy for 4-year-olds focuses on:
-
Improving understanding of spoken language
-
Expanding sentence structure and vocabulary
-
Supporting grammar development
-
Improving clarity of speech sounds (if needed)
-
Building confidence for school and social environments
-
Supporting early literacy and narrative skills
At Perth Speech Therapy, therapy is play-based, engaging, and tailored to your child’s individual needs.
Supporting Language Development at Home
Parents can support language development by:
-
Reading books daily and discussing the story
-
Asking open-ended questions
-
Encouraging children to retell events
-
Expanding on what your child says
-
Modelling clear, grammatically correct speech
-
Reducing screen time and increasing interaction
Everyday conversations are one of the most powerful tools for language growth.
When to Book an Assessment
If you have concerns about your child’s language development at 4 years, a speech pathology assessment can provide reassurance, identify areas of need, and guide next steps.
📍 Perth Speech Therapy supports families across Perth with evidence-based speech pathology services for preschool-aged children.
Location: Unit 1 595 Canning Hwy Alfred Cove
M: 0412 256 656