Icylancet - Zen

100 Dialogue Tags You Can Use Instead of “Said”

For the writers struggling to rid themselves of the classic ‘said’. Some are repeated in different categories since they fit multiple ones (but those are counted once so it adds up to 100 new words). 

1. Neutral Tags 

Straightforward and unobtrusive dialogue tags: 

Added, Replied, Stated, Remarked, Responded, Observed, Acknowledged, Commented, Noted, Voiced, Expressed, Shared, Answered, Mentioned, Declared.

2. Questioning Tags 

Curious, interrogative dialogue tags:

Asked, Queried, Wondered, Probed, Inquired, Requested, Pondered, Demanded, Challenged, Interjected, Investigated, Countered, Snapped, Pleaded, Insisted.

3. Emotive Tags 

Emotional dialogue tags:

Exclaimed, Shouted, Sobbed, Whispered, Cried, Hissed, Gasped, Laughed, Screamed, Stammered, Wailed, Murmured, Snarled, Choked, Barked.

4. Descriptive Tags 

Insightful, tonal dialogue tags: 

Muttered, Mumbled, Yelled, Uttered, Roared, Bellowed, Drawled, Spoke, Shrieked, Boomed, Snapped, Groaned, Rasped, Purred, Croaked.

5. Action-Oriented Tags 

Movement-based dialogue tags: 

Announced, Admitted, Interrupted, Joked, Suggested, Offered, Explained, Repeated, Advised, Warned, Agreed, Confirmed, Ordered, Reassured, Stated.

6. Conflict Tags 

Argumentative, defiant dialogue tags:

Argued, Snapped, Retorted, Rebuked, Disputed, Objected, Contested, Barked, Protested, Countered, Growled, Scoffed, Sneered, Challenged, Huffed.

7. Agreement Tags 

Understanding, compliant dialogue tags: 

Agreed, Assented, Nodded, Confirmed, Replied, Conceded, Acknowledged, Accepted, Affirmed, Yielded, Supported, Echoed, Consented, Promised, Concurred.

8. Disagreement Tags 

Resistant, defiant dialogue tags: 

Denied, Disagreed, Refused, Argued, Contradicted, Insisted, Protested, Objected, Rejected, Declined, Countered, Challenged, Snubbed, Dismissed, Rebuked.

9. Confused Tags 

Hesitant, uncertain dialogue tags:

Stammered, Hesitated, Fumbled, Babbled, Mumbled, Faltered, Stumbled, Wondered, Pondered, Stuttered, Blurted, Doubted, Confessed, Vacillated.

10. Surprise Tags

Shock-inducing dialogue tags:

Gasped, Stunned, Exclaimed, Blurted, Wondered, Staggered, Marvelled, Breathed, Recoiled, Jumped, Yelped, Shrieked, Stammered.

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 

Check out the rest of Quillology with Haya; a blog dedicated to writing and publishing tips for authors!

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Word List: Shadow

beautiful words with "shadow" for your next poem/story

Foreshadow - to represent, indicate, or typify beforehand; prefigure

Outshadow - overshadow (i.e., to cast a shadow over; to exceed in importance; outweigh)

Shadowbox - a shallow enclosing case usually with a glass front in which something is set for protection and display

Shadowgram - skiagram (i.e., a figure formed by shading in the outline of a shadow)

Shadowgraph - shadow play; a photographic image resembling a shadow

Shadowland - the realm peopled by shadows or submerged in shadow: such as: the abode of spirits or phantoms; obscurity; the domain of the unconscious

Unshadow - archaic: to rid of shadow

If any of these words inspire your writing, do tag me or send me a link. I'd love to read your work!

More: Word Lists

He was still holding Shen Qingqiu’s body, which was rapidly cooling down. It seemed like he wanted to call for him loudly and forcefully shake him awake, yet he didn’t dare to, as if he was afraid of being scolded. He said slowly,

“Shizun? Why aren’t you drawing more SV art as an SV main???”

Akuneko Main Story Episodes 2 Masterlist - This Is Where You Belong

Part 1 - New Phase

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3

Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6

Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9

Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12

Part 2 - Ancient Tower

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3

Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6

Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9

Part 3 - Family

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 & 4

Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7

Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Part 4 - New Phase II

Tba

“I am not trapped in the wrong body; I am trapped in a world that makes very little space for bodies like mine.”

-Ivan Coyote, Tomboy Survival Guide

Okay, but Malleus and Silver mirroring each others book 7 groovy arts / being the colors of Aurora dress....

Silver being mostly pink and in a bright palace without thorns

And Malleus with mostly blue in a more dark palace "decorated" with thorns Same pose, the pov as if they were facing each other... I'm so sick....... my babies........

Mo Ran's "character development" was him learning the most important rule a man can learn in his life: sometimes in order to get milf hole you have to shut the hell up and go along with whatever nonsense they demand

Chu Wanning: you must practice proper dining manners if you want to eat me out

Mo Ran in his first life: what the fuck does that even mean

Mo Ran now: yes shizun of course. I will keep my elbows off the table while I spread your legs. Whatever you want

If you're seeing this, I demand you to go write at least 500 words on your current project.

Do it.

Do it.

Do it.