How to Master Dialogue Tags: Beyond "Said" Without Overusing Alternatives
If you’ve ever even attempted to write anything in story format, you’ve more than likely found yourself caught in the middle of the debate over dialogue tags and whether “said” is the only one you should use. It’s long been a source of controversy in the writing community, especially those who prefer more descriptive alternatives. Some argue that "said" is invisible to readers and should be used exclusively, while others believe that more varied tags add flavor and depth to dialogue.
As always, it depends who you as or talk to. Debate aside, the actual truth is that dialogue tools are a tool, and like any tool, they should be used strategically.
Still stressed out? Don’t be! Let’s get write on in and explore how to master dialogue tags, when to use "said," and how to incorporate other techniques that help keep dialogue engaging without overwhelming readers.
What Are Dialogue Tags?
If you haven’t kept up so far or you’re still a little confused, a dialogue tag is simply a phrase that follows or precedes dialogue to indicate who is speaking and, sometimes, how they are speaking. The most common tag, and the one many writers say is the only one to use, is "said."
For example:
"I'm leaving," she said.
Dialogue tags can also include adverbs or descriptive verbs to give readers more information about how something was spoken:
"I'm leaving," she said angrily.
"I'm leaving," she shouted.
Tags are essential because they provide clarity—readers need to know which character is speaking. However, there’s an ongoing debate about how much description is necessary.
The Case for “Said”
It won’t be hard to find a list of writers and editors who advocate for using “said” as the default tag, and the reason is easy: "said" is nearly invisible to readers. It performs its function of identifying the speaker without drawing attention to itself or disrupting the flow of the dialogue. In some ways, it just simply exists.
Why Stick to “Said”?
The case for said comes down to a few simple points:
It doesn’t distract the reader. Since "said" is so common, readers tend to gloss over it. This lets them focus on the dialogue itself rather than the tag surrounding it.
It doesn’t interpret the dialogue for the reader. If the dialogue is written well, the emotion and tone should be clear without needing descriptive tags to spell it out. What they say and how they act should show the reader without a different dialogue tag.
It keeps the writing clean. Overuse of alternative tags (like “exclaimed,” “snapped,” or “whispered”) can clutter your writing and feel like over-explanation.
Well-known authors such as Elmore Leonard have championed the exclusive use of "said," with Leonard famously stating “Never use a verb other than ‘said’ to carry dialogue” as the third of his 10 writing rules.
When to Vary Your Dialogue Tags
While the argument is strong and "said" is certainly effective, let’s be real: It isn’t the only way to handle dialogue. Plus, as a new or seasoned writer, you’re bound to see plenty of other writers use all sorts of other options.
"Said" may be the default, but there are times when a well-placed alternative tag can help convey tone or clarify the context. The key is to use variation sparingly and strategically.
When to Use Alternatives to “Said”
To Convey Emotion When Dialogue Alone Isn’t Enough
Sometimes, the dialogue doesn’t fully capture a character’s emotion or tone. In the following examples, an alternative tag can provide clarification because the emotion or volume of the speech is directly tied to the verb, and using an alternative tag can enhance the reader’s understanding."You did what?" Maria gasped.
"I’ll be there," Blake whispered.
To Break Up Repetitive Dialogue
If you have a long conversation between two characters, using "said" repeatedly can feel monotonous. Occasionally swapping it for another tag like "asked," "replied," or "muttered" can help break the pattern.
For example:"Are you coming?" Joan asked.
"I don’t know yet," Brian muttered.
When the Context or Setting Demands It
Some genres—particularly children’s literature, fantasy, or stories with heightened emotions—may allow for more flexibility with dialogue tags. In high-stakes scenes, a tag like “shouted” or “cried” may feel more appropriate than "said."
For example, in a tense fantasy battle:"Get behind me!" the warrior roared.
In this case, "roared" emphasizes the intensity of the moment and fits the heightened action.
Dialogue Tags vs. Action Beats
One of the best ways to avoid overusing "said" or falling into the trap of excessive descriptive tags is by using action beats. An action beat is a sentence that describes the character’s actions while they speak, which can replace the need for a dialogue tag entirely. It can also clean up passive voice and overuse of “ing” words.
For example:
With dialogue tag:
“I can’t believe it,” Emily said, shaking her head in disbelief.With action beat:
Emily shook her head. “I can’t believe it.”
In the second example, the action beat both identifies the speaker and conveys emotion, which eliminates the need for a tag altogether.
Benefits of Using Action Beats:
Enhances immersion. Action beats allow the reader to visualize the scene and make the dialogue more dynamic.
Reduces reliance on tags. You don’t need a dialogue tag to indicate who’s speaking as often when you describe what the characters do while they talk.
Adds pacing and rhythm. Action beats can slow down or speed up the pace of a conversation, depending on how they’re used.
Pro Tip: Make sure your action beats are relevant. Avoid adding unnecessary actions like "She blinked" or "He turned around" unless they add meaning to the scene. Each action should serve a purpose, whether it's showing emotion or contributing to character development.
Avoid Overuse of Fancy Dialogue Tags
Many beginner writers (and sometimes [often] even the pros) fall into the trap of overusing creative dialogue tags to make their writing seem more expressive. While tags like “exclaimed,” “whispered,” “murmured,” or “hissed” can be effective in moderation, overuse can make your dialogue feel forced or melodramatic.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid:
Tags that state the obvious. If your character’s words clearly convey how they’re feeling, you don’t need an elaborate tag. For example:
"I hate you!" Miranda screamed. (The emotion is already clear in the dialogue itself; "said" would suffice. Even better, if we already know who’s talking, you don’t need a dialogue tag at all, and you could instead use an action beat to paint the picture of her hatred.)
Inappropriate or confusing tags. Be mindful of using tags that don’t fit the dialogue. For instance:
"I'm so sorry for your loss," Brett laughed. (This creates confusion as the dialogue doesn't match the tag. The scene should also be set so the characters interacting have established the tone and mood.)
Too many adverbs. While adverbs can clarify how something is said, they are often unnecessary if the dialogue and context are strong enough (and yes, we all know J.K. Rowling was a huge fan of them throughout the entire run of Harry Potter). If you’re unsure, look at this example:
"I’m fine," Diane said sadly. (This can convey more power if written as: Diane stared at the floor, her shoulders slumped as she avoided eye contact. “I’m fine.”)
Balance Is Key: Mixing "Said" with Other Techniques
Ultimately, mastering dialogue tags is about balance. Rely on "said" for most exchanges because it’s unobtrusive, but don’t be afraid to break away when the scene calls for it. Here are a few final tips for getting it right:
1. Prioritize the Dialogue Itself
Well-written dialogue should be able to stand on its own. If your characters’ emotions and tone are clear through their words, you won’t need an overly descriptive tag to explain it.
2. Vary Your Approach
Use a mix of "said," alternative tags, and action beats to create a varied, engaging conversation. This helps avoid repetition while keeping the reader focused on what’s important: the dialogue.
3. Read it out loud
Dialogue should feel natural. Read your dialogue aloud to see how it flows with and without tags. If the tags feel clunky or unnecessary, consider removing them or replacing them with action beats.
Don’t worry - You got this!
The debate between sticking with "said" and using more varied tags doesn’t always have to be so rigid. Consider writing rules sort of like the pirate’s code… they’re more like guidelines, anyway.
The key is to use dialogue tags intentionally and let the dialogue itself do the heavy lifting. By combining “said” with occasional alternatives and action beats, you can create lively, engaging conversations that keep readers immersed in your story.
Remember, the best dialogue tags are the ones that go unnoticed and allow readers to stay focused on the characters and the story with just enough guidance to follow the flow. With practice and attention to detail, you can master the art of dialogue tags and elevate the dialogue in your writing.
