A child holds word and letter cards, pointing to the word ‘door’ during a learning activity at a table.

Supporting My Child’s Use of Words, Phrases and Sentences

Expressive language is how you use words, sounds, or actions to share what you think and feel. If you or someone you care about finds this hard, it can feel frustrating or upsetting, but you are not alone. With the right support, people can learn to communicate more clearly and feel more confident.

More about supporting my child’s use of words, phrases and sentences

Expressive language is how you share your thoughts, needs, and feelings with others. You might use words, sounds, signs, or gestures to do this. If you have difficulties with expressive language, you may find it hard to get your message across or to find the right words. This can happen to both children and adults.

There are many reasons why someone might have expressive language difficulties. For some people, it is part of how they develop and learn to talk. Others may have hearing differences, learning needs, or conditions that affect communication. Sometimes there is no clear cause, and it can simply take longer to build these skills.

It can feel frustrating when you know what you want to say but cannot say it clearly. You might feel misunderstood, upset, or lose confidence in speaking. Children may show their feelings through behaviour, and adults may avoid speaking situations. These feelings are common, and many people experience them at times.

It is a good idea to seek help if these difficulties are not improving, or if they are getting in the way of daily life, learning, or relationships. You might also want support if you feel worried, frustrated, or stuck. Getting help early can make a big difference and support better communication over time.