Comments on: How to Use Dialogue Tags and Keep the Flow https://writersinthestormblog.com/2026/04/how-to-use-dialogue-tags-and-keep-the-flow/ A Blog On Writing Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:01:59 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 By: denise https://writersinthestormblog.com/2026/04/how-to-use-dialogue-tags-and-keep-the-flow/#comment-177413 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:01:59 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=56720#comment-177413 I prefer said for most of the time, but using some actions are good, too. I just don't want to see actions for every single sentence--it's too much.

]]> By: Ellen Buikema https://writersinthestormblog.com/2026/04/how-to-use-dialogue-tags-and-keep-the-flow/#comment-177409 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 21:26:13 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=56720#comment-177409 In reply to Matthew.

Yes! A very prolific writer of mysteries. I enjoy her imagery.

When there are only two characters chatting it's not so hard to keep the tagless lines straight. She is an awesome writer!

]]> By: Matthew https://writersinthestormblog.com/2026/04/how-to-use-dialogue-tags-and-keep-the-flow/#comment-177408 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 21:07:17 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=56720#comment-177408 I think few writers do tagless dialogue (not all tagless of course) better than Martha Grimes. Do you know her work?

]]> By: Ellen Buikema https://writersinthestormblog.com/2026/04/how-to-use-dialogue-tags-and-keep-the-flow/#comment-177404 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:19:28 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=56720#comment-177404 In reply to Vivienne.

Thank you, Vivienne!

Balance in all things, including dialogue tags.

]]> By: Vivienne https://writersinthestormblog.com/2026/04/how-to-use-dialogue-tags-and-keep-the-flow/#comment-177403 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 17:02:52 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=56720#comment-177403 We are told that 'said' is invisible to readers, but if too many are used, it is as repetitious as any other word.
I often use acton beats.

]]> By: Ellen Buikema https://writersinthestormblog.com/2026/04/how-to-use-dialogue-tags-and-keep-the-flow/#comment-177402 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:12:22 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=56720#comment-177402 In reply to Debbie Vilardi.

Hi Debbie,

Perspective is important for sure. Who can see what will make a difference in wording for the tags.

I'm glad you brought up telepathy! Using sent to help differentiate telepathic communication from internal thought is a great suggestion!

]]> By: Debbie Vilardi https://writersinthestormblog.com/2026/04/how-to-use-dialogue-tags-and-keep-the-flow/#comment-177401 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:55:49 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=56720#comment-177401 With telepathic characters, I've had to make some adjustments. Thoughts are in italics, but I may follow with sent as the tag to differentiate between transmitted thought and what the character thinks to themselves. Consistency matters here.

Any time you name an emotion, you probably need to rewrite (though a short and sweet label can be a good thing instead of a longer description---everything should get the number of words it deserves). The word "irritated" in the sample is unnecessary as is the eye roll. Irritations is shown in the words spoken. The eye roll does add a little more meanness/attitude, but I'm not sure the babysitter could see it as I suspect the narrator is walking away with their back to the babysitter. Sometimes we have to let the words in the dialog speak for themselves.

]]> By: Ellen Buikema https://writersinthestormblog.com/2026/04/how-to-use-dialogue-tags-and-keep-the-flow/#comment-177400 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:40:36 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=56720#comment-177400 In reply to Ken Hughes.

Hi Ken,

You bring up many good points.
Personally, I am a fan of description beats and have to watch that I don't overdo.

Thank you for your comments!

]]> By: Ellen Buikema https://writersinthestormblog.com/2026/04/how-to-use-dialogue-tags-and-keep-the-flow/#comment-177399 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:38:13 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=56720#comment-177399 In reply to Harvey Stanbrough.

Harvey, thank you for your suggestions.

Said is preferred by some, but may be overused.

]]> By: Ken Hughes https://writersinthestormblog.com/2026/04/how-to-use-dialogue-tags-and-keep-the-flow/#comment-177398 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:53:57 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=56720#comment-177398 I've always thought of tags as choosing between four levels of detail. You want the right amount that fits the moment without crowding it, and especially you want some variety so they don't sound unimaginative or wooden.

* No tag at all -- okay as long as you're following a pattern that keeps it clear who's who.

* Said or Asked -- quick and good, except when the dialog is so intense this simple word feels underwhelming.

* The fancy "sighed," "yelled," "demanded," and all the rest -- okay when you need just that much emphasis, but actually most moments call for either less or more.

* Description beats (showing instead of telling how someone says it) -- good when the moment calls for this much.

Again, any of them can be overused, including "said," which some people think can be tacked on forever. That's not true, it's only that the "sighed"s get overused much faster, but constantly saying "said" can mean you've forgotten the other options.

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