At approximately what age do children typically begin using two-word phrases?

• A. 12 months
• B. 24 months
• C. 18 months
• D. 36 months

Answer: (B)

Two-word phrases emerge as toddlers begin to combine words to express simple ideas, signaling a new level of language growth. By about two years old, most children start producing two-word combinations like “more juice” or “mommy go,” which shows they're moving beyond single words to basic syntax. While some children may begin combining words around 18 months, the typical, widely observed milestone is around 24 months. By this age, two-word speech becomes common as vocabulary expands and children start linking words to convey meaning. At 12 months, language is usually mostly single words, and by 36 months children are forming longer sentences with more complex grammar, so the 24-month mark best represents the expected emergence of two-word phrases.