Introduction
Expressive language is the way we put words together into phrases and sentences to express meaning. It includes aspects such as word order, use of small function words such as ‘of’, and ‘are’ and word endings, for example those that signal plurals and different tenses.
What you may see
The child may:
- use key words and miss out many of the small function words, for example ‘a’, ‘the’, ‘is’
- struggle to join words together to form sentences
- struggle to express their ideas clearly, pausing and revising what they have said
- use incorrect word order and, as a result, distort the meaning of what they are saying
- make grammatical errors such as “I falled over”, “We saw some mouses”
- use grammatically correct phrases but not join these together with conjunctions and joining
- words such as ‘and’ or ‘because’
- have difficulty telling a coherent story, for example a piece of news.
Strategies and advice
Repeat back what the child has said using correct grammar and or sentence structure. For example, if the child says “Him went to the park”, you reply “Yes, he went to the park with his mum”. This checks that you have understood their meaning and provides them with a good model.
Expand what they have said a little, for example if the child says ‘Man walking’, the adult says ‘Yes, the man is walking home’ or child says “We went to the park”, the adults says “We went to the park and played on the slide”.
Give the child extra time, if necessary, to express their ideas and avoid finishing their sentences for them.
Use picture sequences to develop their narrative skills. Ask them to put the pictures in order and then say one or two sentences about each picture to produce a coherent story.
Explain grammatical rules and allow them to have plenty of practice. Explain any exceptions to the general rules.
Use writing frames to help the pupil plan their written work.
Give lots of praise when the child uses appropriate grammar and word order.
Suggested resources
Primary and Secondary Inclusion Developmental Programme for Teaching and Supporting Pupils with Speech, Language and Communication Needs www.idponline.org.uk
Early Language Builders, Language Builders, Secondary Language Builders and Language Builders for post 16s – ELKLAN, www.elklan.co.uk
Language Steps – Amanda Armstrong
Black Sheep Press resources for speech and language
Developing Baseline Communication Skills – Catherine Delamain and Jill Spring
Talk Boost KS1, KS2 and Secondary by ICAN
Useful websites
If you have used this advice sheet and not seen improvement after 3 months, please consider making a referral to the Children and Young People’s Therapy Service, Speech and Language Therapy Team.
Last reviewed October 2025