In the early stages of language development, which stage uses single words to convey a complete idea?

• A. Babbling stage
• B. Two-word stage
• C. Holophrastic stage
• D. Telegraphic stage

Answer: (C)

Single words used to express a complete idea are a hallmark of the holophrastic stage. In this early phase, typically around 12 to 18 months, a child can utter one word that stands for an entire message or request, and listeners interpret the meaning from context, gesture, and tone. For example, a child may say “milk” to mean “I want milk,” or say “up” to mean “Please pick me up.” This stage comes before combining two words into simple phrases (two-word stage) and before producing short, content-word–heavy sentences (telegraphic stage). It also comes after babbling, which consists of sounds rather than recognizable words.