Information

Expressive Language

What expressive language is, how children use it, why it matters and what expressive language difficulties look like.

What is expressive language?

Expressive language is the “output” of language: the ability to express your wants and needs through verbal and nonverbal communication.

Expressive language skills include being able to:

Name objects in the environment
Describe actions and events
Put words together in sentences
Use grammar correctly (for example, “I had a drink” not “Me drinked”)
Retell a story, answer questions and write a short story

Verbal communication

Oral communication: words, phrases and sentences
Written communication: letters and text messages

Nonverbal communication

Sign language
Gestures
Pointing
Facial expressions

Why is it important?

Expressive language is important because it allows children to express their wants and needs, thoughts and ideas, as well as build relationships with others.

Expressive language difficulties

Children with an expressive language difficulty have trouble using language. They may be able to understand what other people say, but they have difficulty when trying to talk, and often cannot verbally express what they want, need and feel. Difficulty with expressive language can affect both written and spoken language. Children who use sign language can still have trouble expressing themselves.