Communication Quote by Elmore Leonard
“Never use a verb other than "said" to carry dialogue... I once noticed Mary McCarthy ending a line of dialogue with "she asseverated" and had to stop reading and go to the dictionary.”
About This Quote
Dialogue should be simple, using only “said” for clarity; unusual verbs distract readers.
In simple terms: Keep dialogue tags simple; avoid fancy verbs.
Key Takeaway
Use “said” to keep conversation natural.
Themes
writing
dialogue
clarity
Mood
instructional
practical
Type
writing
education
When to use this quote
- editing a manuscript
- teaching creative writing
- self‑editing a story
Key Concepts
literary style
reader immersion
simplicity
Questions to Reflect On
- When is a more vivid verb justified?
- How does dialogue tag choice affect pacing?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on “said” may make prose feel bland.
