Toddler Dropping Articles and Small Words
Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Content reviewed against published ASHA, AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Speech and communication milestones vary widely, and worries about toddler dropping articles and small words, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Omitting small grammatical words like "a," "the," "is," and "are" is completely normal in toddler speech. These function words carry less meaning and are often unstressed in speech, making them harder for young children to learn. Most children begin using articles and auxiliary verbs consistently between ages 3 and 4.
Key takeaways
- Omitting small grammatical words like "a," "the," "is," and "are" is completely normal in toddler speech. These function words carry less meaning and are often unstressed in speech, making them harder for young children to learn. Most children begin using articles and auxiliary verbs consistently between ages 3 and 4.
- Usually normal when: Your toddler is under 3 and omits articles and auxiliary verbs in most sentences
- Call your doctor if: Your child is losing grammar skills they previously had
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to ASHA, AAP, NIH guidelines, omitting small grammatical words like "a," "the," "is," and "are" is completely normal in toddler speech. These function words carry less meaning and are often unstressed in speech, making them harder for young children to learn. Most children begin using articles and auxiliary verbs consistently between ages 3 and 4. At 18-24 months, children at this stage focus on content words like nouns and verbs. Saying "want ball" instead of "I want the ball" is completely normal telegraphic speech. Function words are not expected at this age. It is generally considered normal when your toddler is under 3 and omits articles and auxiliary verbs in most sentences. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child is losing grammar skills they previously had.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
18-24 months
Children at this stage focus on content words like nouns and verbs. Saying "want ball" instead of "I want the ball" is completely normal telegraphic speech. Function words are not expected at this age.
24-30 months
Some function words begin to appear, but omissions are still very common. Your child might say "doggy running" instead of "the doggy is running." This is a normal part of language development.
30-36 months
Articles like "a" and "the" begin to appear more frequently. Auxiliary verbs like "is" and "are" start being used. Omissions are still common, especially in longer sentences or when your child is excited or rushing to communicate.
3-4 years
Most children are using articles and auxiliary verbs more consistently, though errors still occur. If your child is consistently omitting all function words at age 4, a language evaluation may be helpful.
4-5 years
Function words should be well-established by this age. Persistent omission of articles and auxiliary verbs may indicate a specific language impairment that benefits from speech therapy.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed toddler dropping articles and small words and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child is over 4 years and consistently omits articles and auxiliary verbs.
- Mention if your child's sentence structure remains very simplified compared to same-age peers.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your toddler is under 3 and omits articles and auxiliary verbs in most sentences
- Your toddler uses some function words inconsistently, including them sometimes and leaving them out other times
- Your toddler uses function words in short simple sentences but drops them in longer ones
- Your toddler is bilingual and one of their languages has different article rules
- Your child is over 4 years and consistently omits articles and auxiliary verbs
- Your child's sentence structure remains very simplified compared to same-age peers
- Your child omits function words as part of a broader pattern of language delay
- Your child is losing grammar skills they previously had
- Your child is over 4 with severely limited grammar, minimal vocabulary, and difficulty being understood
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice toddler dropping articles and small words — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your toddler is under 3 and omits articles and auxiliary verbs in most sentences — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 18-24 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Talk, read, and sing to your baby frequently. Narrate daily activities to build language exposure.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child is losing grammar skills they previously had.
Related Conditions
Toddler's Grammar Errors Not Improving
Grammar errors are a completely normal part of language development in toddlers and preschoolers. Children naturally say things like "I goed" or "him is big" as they learn grammar rules. Most grammar errors resolve by age 4 to 5. If errors persist beyond age 5 or if your child uses very limited grammar for their age, a speech-language evaluation may be helpful.
Toddler Using Only Two-Word Telegraphic Speech
Telegraphic speech, where toddlers use short phrases like "want cookie" or "daddy go," is a normal stage of language development between 18 and 30 months. Children gradually add grammatical words like articles, prepositions, and verb endings as they mature. If your child is still using only two-word phrases past age 3, a speech evaluation may be helpful.
Toddler Using Shorter Sentences Than Expected
Sentence length increases steadily through the toddler years: two-word phrases by age 2, three-word phrases by 2.5, and four to five word sentences by age 3. If your toddler's sentences are consistently shorter than expected for their age, a speech-language evaluation can identify whether support would be helpful.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is toddler dropping articles and small words normal?
When should I call the doctor about toddler dropping articles and small words?
When is toddler dropping articles and small words normal?
What causes toddler dropping articles and small words?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about toddler dropping articles and small words?
Is toddler dropping articles and small words normal at 18-24 months?
Is toddler dropping articles and small words normal at 24-30 months?
Should I go to the ER for toddler dropping articles and small words?
Does toddler dropping articles and small words go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Toddler Dropping Articles and Small Words.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed toddler dropping articles and small words and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child is over 4 years and consistently omits articles and auxiliary verbs.
- Mention if your child's sentence structure remains very simplified compared to same-age peers.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your child is over 4 years and consistently omits articles and auxiliary verbs
- Your child's sentence structure remains very simplified compared to same-age peers
- Your child omits function words as part of a broader pattern of language delay
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child is losing grammar skills they previously had
- Your child is over 4 with severely limited grammar, minimal vocabulary, and difficulty being understood
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of toddler dropping articles and small words are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child is losing grammar skills they previously had.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Speech Concerns
Toddler's Grammar Errors Not Improving
Grammar errors are a completely normal part of language development in toddlers and preschoolers. Children naturally say things like "I goed" or "him is big" as they learn grammar rules. Most grammar errors resolve by age 4 to 5. If errors persist beyond age 5 or if your child uses very limited grammar for their age, a speech-language evaluation may be helpful.
Toddler Using Only Two-Word Telegraphic Speech
Telegraphic speech, where toddlers use short phrases like "want cookie" or "daddy go," is a normal stage of language development between 18 and 30 months. Children gradually add grammatical words like articles, prepositions, and verb endings as they mature. If your child is still using only two-word phrases past age 3, a speech evaluation may be helpful.
Toddler Using Shorter Sentences Than Expected
Sentence length increases steadily through the toddler years: two-word phrases by age 2, three-word phrases by 2.5, and four to five word sentences by age 3. If your toddler's sentences are consistently shorter than expected for their age, a speech-language evaluation can identify whether support would be helpful.
Accent vs Speech Disorder in Bilingual Toddlers
When toddlers grow up hearing more than one language, they naturally blend sounds, patterns, and accents from both languages. This is normal and healthy, not a speech disorder. A bilingual child may pronounce some sounds differently than monolingual peers because they are learning the sound systems of two languages simultaneously. True speech disorders affect both languages equally, while accent influence appears only in specific sounds borrowed from one language to another.
Ear Fluid Affecting Baby's Speech Development
Chronic or recurrent middle ear fluid (otitis media with effusion) can temporarily reduce hearing by 15 to 40 decibels, which is like hearing through water. During critical periods of language learning, this muffled hearing can impact speech and language development. If your baby has frequent ear infections or persistent fluid, discuss the potential speech impact with your pediatrician.
Will Ear Tubes Help My Child's Speech?
Ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes) can restore normal hearing by draining persistent fluid from the middle ear. Many children show speech and language improvement within weeks to months after tube placement, particularly if hearing loss from fluid was contributing to their speech delay. However, ear tubes alone may not resolve all speech delays, and some children benefit from speech therapy alongside tube placement.