Which is a red flag for language development in a 2-year-old?

• A. Regularly combining words into two-word phrases by age 2.
• B. Using a wide variety of single words with understandable speech.
• C. Using simple two-word phrases by age 2.
• D. Not using two-word phrases or not combining words by age 2.

Answer: (D)

At this age, children should be moving from single words to combining words into two-word phrases, which shows growing syntax and more effective communication. Not using two-word phrases or failing to combine words by age 2 is a red flag because it points to a potential expressive language delay that can affect later communication and literacy. Early identification and evaluation are important, and a quick check of hearing can help rule out hearing issues that might underlie language delays.

Regularly combining words into two-word phrases by age 2 is expected and indicates typical development. Using a wide variety of single words with speech that others can understand also reflects progress in both vocabulary and clarity. Using simple two-word phrases by age 2 is another normal milestone, signaling emerging syntax.