At what age do children typically start combining words into two-word phrases?

• A. By age 3.
• B. By age 2.
• C. By age 4.
• D. By age 1.

Answer: (B)

Two-word combinations appear as children begin using basic syntax, signaling a shift from labeling objects to expressing ideas with a simple structure. This two-word stage typically emerges around the second year of life, usually by 24 months, with examples like “more juice” or “mommy go.” It can start a bit earlier in some children (around 18 months) but by age 2 is the standard expectation. Before this age, children mainly use single words or holophrases; after this stage, they rapidly build longer sentences. So this is the age when two-word phrases commonly start.