Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

How many words does a 5-year-old typically use in a sentence?

1. 3-4

2. 4-5

3. 5-6

4. 6-7

The correct answer is: 5-6

A typical 5-year-old uses around 5 to 6 words in a sentence, reflecting their advancing language development. At this age, children are gaining a broader vocabulary and are increasingly capable of constructing complete sentences that express more complex ideas. They begin to use more descriptive language and can convey their thoughts clearly, which is a significant milestone in their speech and language development. You may observe that younger children, typically around 3 to 4 years old, use shorter sentences consisting of 3 to 4 words as they are still mastering basic syntax and vocabulary. As they approach age 5, their conversational skills become more refined, allowing for longer and more detailed sentences. Thus, the correct range of 5 to 6 words showcases the expected progression of language skills at this developmental stage.