Here are some things you might want to try:

As children learn more and more words they will naturally start trying to use basic sentences to communicate with you.

As they get older, they continue to learn new words. This means that they are able to use longer phrases when talking.

There may be many reasons why your child is not yet using sentences. If your child has only recently started using single words they will need more time to put sentences together. Try some of the advice below. If you are still concerned and would like more advice please contact your local Speech and Language Therapy advice line.

Talk about what you are doing: Children learn how to use language from the adults around them, so it’s important to give them good examples to copy.
Describe Instead of Asking: Try not to ask too many questions! They may not have the language to answer yet. You can say back what they would if they could. This lets them hear the words they have not got and they may use them next time. Instead of asking ‘What are you doing?’ You could say ‘You are painting a lovely picture’ you will probably get a response from your child this way.
Repeat new words often: Children understand words before they can use them.
Copy and Add More: Listen and respond to what your child is trying to say. It’s important that when you respond, you try to build your child’s language – you can add more, new or different words onto what they have already said, such as if your child says “Look bird” you could say “Yes, the bird is flying in the sky”.
Focus on what your child is saying not how they are saying it: Your child’s talking may sound immature. Don’t worry about grammar or speech sounds at this stage. Instead, focus on letting them hear lots of words/sentences. If you repeat back what they are trying to say it will let them hear the correct form, such as if they say “me dump”- you can say ‘yes you are jumping really high!’ It’s great that they are trying to put their words together, even if there are lots of mistakes!