lines of dialogue

USAGE SUMMARY

"lines of dialogue" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to the words a person or character says to another in a conversation or script. Here is an example sentence: The lines of dialogue between the two characters were witty and humorous.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He was up! CHRIS -- Very specifically addressing lines of dialogue.

The New York Times

It is wonderful to quote great lines of dialogue.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So we put the phone up to the speaker and he listens to two lines of dialogue — one or two lines of dialogue, maybe twenty seconds.

The New Yorker

It takes just 11 lines of dialogue for anonman_37 to ask louiseis14: "not seeing boyfriend today?".

The Guardian

The lines of dialogue, actions, and gestures suggest an impending moral cataclysm.

The New Yorker

I can never remember characters' names, plot developments, lines of dialogue, details of setting.

The New Yorker

Distressed actors, unaccustomed to memorization, bumbled over the most basic lines of dialogue.

The New Yorker

Luke recites, verbatim, lines of dialogue that echo things Gibbons says in the documentary.

The Guardian - Film

You figure out which lines of dialogue deserve to be underlined.

The Guardian - Film

She can telegraph years in a few sentences or lines of dialogue with aching specificity.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

To enhance the point, two lines of dialogue--at different places--are delivered off mic, to strong effect.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lines of dialogue" precisely to refer to the spoken words, rather than general descriptions or stage directions.

Common error

Ensure that not every "line of dialogue" needs an explicit tag like 'he said' or 'she asked'. Rely on context and character voice to make it clear who is speaking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lines of dialogue" primarily functions as a noun phrase, referring to the specific spoken words exchanged between characters in a play, film, or any form of narrative. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lines of dialogue" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that refers to the spoken words between characters in a script or narrative. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. Its usage spans diverse contexts, including news, media, encyclopedias, and wiki articles, making it a versatile term. When writing, it is important to avoid overusing dialogue tags and focus on crafting distinctive voices for each character. Consider using alternative phrases like "dialogue excerpts" or "exchange of words" to add nuance. Understanding the function, purpose, and register of the phrase enables writers and speakers to effectively communicate about conversations within various mediums.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dialogue excerpts

Focuses on selected portions of the conversation.

exchange of words

Highlights the interaction between speakers rather than specific lines.

spoken interaction

Emphasizes the oral communication between characters.

scripted conversation

Highlights the written nature of the spoken words.

conversational exchanges

Refers to broader interactions versus individual lines.

bits of conversation

Indicates smaller fragments within the whole dialogue.

verbal exchanges

Focuses on the act of sharing ideas or opinions.

recited lines

Stresses the delivery of the words, often from memory.

verbal communication

Focuses on overall communication with less focus on specific content.

oral interaction

Emphasizes the spoken nature of the interaction.

FAQs

How can I improve the "lines of dialogue" in my script?

Focus on making each line distinct to the character speaking, and ensure the dialogue advances the plot or reveals character traits. Read the dialogue aloud to check for natural flow and rhythm.

What's the difference between "lines of dialogue" and narration?

"Lines of dialogue" are the spoken words between characters, while narration provides context, describes settings, or conveys thoughts not explicitly spoken. Narration sets the stage, dialogue drives the action.

What are some alternatives to using excessive "lines of dialogue"?

Consider using body language, facial expressions, and visual storytelling to convey emotions and information. Sometimes, silence can be more powerful than words. Also, less direct alternative could be "dialogue excerpts".

How do I format "lines of dialogue" in a script?

Typically, character names are centered and capitalized, followed by the dialogue itself, indented and single-spaced. Use parentheticals for actions or tone within the dialogue. Here is an example, CHARACTER NAME (frustrated) "I can't do this anymore".