Dialogue tags are typically not capitalized. The simple rule for capitalizing dialogue tags is: A dialogue tag should not be capitalized unless it is a proper noun.
Understanding Dialogue Tags
A dialogue tag is a phrase that follows or precedes dialogue and identifies the speaker. Common dialogue tags include:
said sheasked heshouted Marywhispered the teacher
These tags help readers keep track of who is speaking in a conversation.
The Capitalization Rule Explained
Based on standard English grammar and as highlighted by the provided reference, capitalization applies only when the tag or part of the tag is a proper noun. Otherwise, dialogue tags remain lowercase.
When to Capitalize Dialogue Tags
You should only capitalize a dialogue tag (or a word within it) if that word is a proper noun. A proper noun is a specific name of a person, place, organization, or thing.
Example:
- "I'm going to the store," said John. (Proper noun "John" is capitalized)
- "Where is the library?" asked Sarah. (Proper noun "Sarah" is capitalized)
- "Let's go now," whispered the President. (Proper noun "President" when referring to a specific title used as a name, or if it's the start of a sentence)
Note: While "President" can be a proper noun when referring to a specific person in that role, the tag itself doesn't start with a capital letter unless it begins the sentence or the proper noun is the first word of the tag after the dialogue. The rule specifically states the tag shouldn't be capitalized unless it's a proper noun, implying the proper noun within the tag is capitalized, not the whole tag necessarily.
When Not to Capitalize Dialogue Tags
You should never capitalize a dialogue tag if it consists only of common nouns, pronouns, verbs, or adverbs, unless it begins a sentence.
Examples:
- "It's a beautiful day," said she. (Incorrect: "Said" is a verb, "she" is a pronoun. Correct:
said she) - "Are you coming?" asked him. (Incorrect: "Asked" is a verb, "him" is a pronoun. Correct:
asked him) - "That was amazing," shouted the crowd. (Incorrect: "Shouted" is a verb, "the crowd" is a common noun phrase. Correct:
shouted the crowd) - "Let's try again," whispered quietly. (Incorrect: "Whispered" is a verb, "quietly" is an adverb. Correct:
whispered quietly)
Punctuation with Dialogue Tags
It's also helpful to understand the punctuation rules alongside capitalization.
| Tag Position After Dialogue | Punctuation Inside Quotes | Dialogue Tag Capitalization | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Follows a statement | Comma (,) | Lowercase (unless proper noun) | "I'll be there," said he. |
| Follows a question | Question mark (?) | Lowercase (unless proper noun) | "Are you ready?" asked her. |
| Follows an exclamation | Exclamation mark (!) | Lowercase (unless proper noun) | "Watch out!" shouted the boy. |
| Begins the sentence | Comma (,) | Capitalized | He said, "I'll be there." |
Remember, the capitalization rule applies to the tag itself when it follows the dialogue. When the tag comes before the dialogue, it starts the sentence and is always capitalized.
Practical Tips for Writers
- Proofread: Always check your dialogue tags for correct capitalization, especially after you've finished writing.
- Focus on Proper Nouns: The key differentiator is whether any part of the tag is a specific name of a person, place, etc.
- Avoid Overuse: While correct capitalization is important, good writing often uses a variety of methods (actions, descriptions) to indicate speakers rather than relying solely on
said he/shetags.
Following these simple rules will ensure your dialogue tags are capitalized correctly according to standard grammar conventions.
