Language Development at 3 Years | Perth Speech Therapy

by | Jan 1, 2026 | Language Development, Speech Therapy for Children

Receptive and Expressive Language Development at 3 Years Old

Language development at 3 years is a common concern for many families attending Perth Speech Therapy. At this age, children make rapid progress in understanding language, using words together, and communicating their needs and ideas. Understanding typical language development at 3 years can help parents feel confident about when skills are on track and when extra support may be helpful.What Is Receptive Language?

Receptive language refers to a child’s ability to understand spoken language, including words, sentences, and instructions.

Language Development at 3 Years: What to Expect

Expected Receptive Language Skills at 3 Years

Most 3-year-old children can:

  • Understand simple “who”, “what”, and “where” questions

  • Follow two-step instructions
    (e.g. “Get your shoes and put them by the door”)

  • Understand a wide range of everyday vocabulary

  • Identify familiar objects, people, and actions when named

  • Understand early concepts such as:

    • big / little

    • in / on / under

    • one / many

  • Listen to short stories and answer simple questions

  • Understand routines and predict what will happen next

Children with strong receptive language often appear to “know what’s going on,” even if their spoken language is still developing.

What Is Expressive Language?

Expressive language is a child’s ability to communicate thoughts, needs, and ideas using words, sentences, gestures, and sounds.

Expected Expressive Language Skills at 3 Years

Most 3-year-old children can:

  • Use 3–5 word sentences regularly

  • Ask simple questions such as:

    • “What’s that?”

    • “Where mummy go?”

  • Use a vocabulary of approximately 200–1,000 words
    (wide variation is normal)

  • Name familiar objects and people

  • Use early grammar, including:

    • plurals (dogs, cars)

    • present tense verbs (running, jumping)

  • Talk about what they are doing during play

  • Combine words to comment, request, or protest

  • Be understood by familiar adults most of the time

Speech may still sound unclear at times, but parents and caregivers should understand the majority of what their child says.

When to Be Concerned at 3 Years

You may want to seek advice from a speech pathologist if your 3-year-old:

  • Uses fewer than 2–3 word combinations

  • Is difficult to understand most of the time

  • Has difficulty following simple instructions

  • Rarely asks questions or initiates communication

  • Becomes frustrated due to difficulty expressing themselves

  • Does not respond consistently when spoken to

  • Uses significantly less language than other children their age

At Perth Speech Therapy, we encourage families not to adopt a “wait and see” approach when concerns are present. Early support can make a significant difference.

How Perth Speech Therapy Can Help

Speech therapy for 3-year-olds at Perth Speech Therapy is:

  • Play-based and engaging

  • Tailored to your child’s individual needs

  • Focused on both understanding and use of language

  • Designed to build confidence and communication success

Therapy may target:

  • Improving understanding of spoken language

  • Expanding vocabulary and sentence length

  • Supporting early grammar development

  • Improving clarity of speech sounds (when appropriate)

  • Teaching parents practical strategies to use at home

Supporting Your Child’s Language at Home

Parents can support language development by:

  • Talking about daily routines and activities

  • Reading books together and asking simple questions

  • Giving your child time to respond

  • Expanding on what your child says

    • Child: “Car go fast”

    • Adult: “Yes, the red car is going very fast!”

  • Limiting background noise during conversations

Small, consistent changes at home can have a powerful impact.

https://perthspeechtherapy.com.au/power-of-storytelling-children/

When to Book an Assessment

If you have concerns about your child’s understanding or use of language, a speech pathology assessment can provide clarity, reassurance, and a clear plan forward.

📍 Perth Speech Therapy supports families across Perth with evidence-based, child-friendly speech therapy services.

Location: UNit 1 595 Canning Hwy Alfred Cove

M: 0412256656