What is a common linguistic expectation for three-year-olds regarding their speech?

For three-year-olds, a common linguistic expectation is that about 90% of their speech should be intelligible to adults. At this age, children are rapidly developing their language skills, and while there may still be some pronunciation errors or the use of shorter phrases, they are generally able to express themselves in a way that is understood by familiar adults. This level of intelligibility is important as it reflects their growing vocabulary and their ability to construct sentences to convey meaning.

By the age of three, children typically have a vocabulary of several hundred words and use simple sentences, which further supports their communication skills and social interactions. Understanding this expectation helps caregivers and educators assess language development and identify any areas where a child might need additional support in their communication skills.