Bobo requested this. The question? Can you clarify when writers should use another word besides said? Gladly!
First of all, what you should look for is when you want to describe the voice when it cannot be easily described with an adverb. Look at this:
"I can't believe it," he said quietly.
"I can't believe it," he whispered.
When I say "said quietly" it seems to have a more disappointed feeling than the latter. The latter is almost excited.
The general rule is, if you don't hear it that way, don't use the verb however tempting it is.
Let's go through the list of verbs other than said!
A
announced
Example: "I will leave in one hour," he announced.
Use it?: Yes
This is an effective word for said. Mostly used for characters who are boisterous, this verb indicates a loud, treble announcement has just taken place.
awed
Example: "How do you do it?" he awed.
Use it?: Never!
This is a lame, lame verb which should never ever be used in place of "said." If you character does say something in awe, the dialogue should be apparent about it. If you have to use this word to indicate it is said in awe, you need to work on your description. A lot. If you have to, say, "he said with awe." If possible, describe.
accused
Example: "You stole my car!" he accused.
Use it?: Sparingly
This is another one of those verbs that the dialogue should make it apparent that this is an accusation. This verb, however, is a little more accepted than "awed." This verb indicates a sharp, pointed voice, said with anger and frustration.
assured
Example: "It'll be all right," he assured.
Use it?: Yes
This can be a really cool verb if you use it right. This indicates a gentle voice and passive gestures. This also is an easy verb to manipulate for a different meaning. If you have a perverted character saying this, it becomes mocking in a gentle way. Example: "Oh, you needn't be afraid," he assured, looking her over.
Really cool verb... but really gentle.
apologized
Example: "I'm sorry," he apologized.
Use it?: No.
It should be apparent whether the character is apologizing or not. The only case where this should be used is when you have an odd character that apologizes, but barely. Even so, this verb should be avoided.
addressed
Example: None
Use it?: Never!
This should NEVER be used for said. NEVER. It just... doesn't work. Address means to communicate with a specific subject, and it is never used in dialogue. Just don't use it.
asked
Example: "Why does he do that?" he asked.
Use it?: Yes
I use this all the time. Very useful, and it doesn't get get in front of the dialogue. Really good verb. Indicates a question.
advised
Example: "I wouldn't suggest that," he advised.
Use it?: Sometimes
Sometimes useful. Used for a dramatic touch to the sentence. Gives a hint of secrecy of the reader. But you definitely don't want to overuse this verb.
answered
Example: "I know that," he answered.
Use it?: Sometimes
This word tends to get in front of dialogue. To help push it back a little bit, describe the verb immediately after the "answered."
added
Example: "And then there's that," he added.
Use it?: Yes
Be careful about using this, because it can be overused very quickly. This verb is often used with shy characters piping up with something extra. It's said shortly and eagerly.
agreed
Example: "Yes, I do too," he agreed.
Use it?: Yes
Be careful about using this word, because it can be overused easily. Even so, very useful verb. It indicates approval and warmness, though it can easily modified to be less eager and warm.
argued
Example: "And that's just stupid," he argued.
Use it?: Nonfiction
This is a really really wonderful word to use in a persuasive essay. In fiction, it's not so wonderful. If you're writing a dialogue, chances are your readers willknow that this is an argument without the helping verb. Said would be better.
assisted
Example: None.
Use it?: Not for dialogue
Assisted mean to help someone out. How are you going to help someone out when you're speaking? It just doesn't work... use said.
affirmed
Example: "We start on Tuesday," he affirmed.
Use it?: Sometimes
When you want to make sure someone knows that the character is saying, "This is the absolute, positive truth, no lie," then use this. Otherwise, skip it.
acknowledged
Example: "We did something wrong," he acknowledged.
Use it?: Sometimes
Acknowledge is to recognize. Because of this, chances are, you won't use this unless your character is reluctantly confessing something. It would probably be a little bit of a drawl, very slow, and a little embarrassed.
applauded
Example: None
Use it?: Never!
Do you ever talk by clapping? I thought so. Applause should be limited to clapping. Instead, you can write, "he said encouragingly."
advocated
Example: "Abortion should be legalized," he advocated.
Use it?: Nonfiction
Great for nonfiction - bad for fiction. Just try to stay away from this one.
B
belched
Example: None
Use it?: Never!
If your character ever talks by belching, then use it. Otherwise, don't use this ever.
beseeched
Example: "My Lordship, save me!" he beseeched.
Use it?: No
This is one of those archaic words that is really cool, but... well... not practical. Asked or pleaded is better. If you have to use this word, then use it in the dialogue. Example: "I beseech you, my Lord!"
boomed
Example: "Why did you resign?" he boomed.
Use it?: No.
Boom is a rather childish word, so it portrays an almost irritated childish anger. But, since boom is deep and rumbly as well, it's taken that a man says it. So a man "booms" when he is feeling childishly irritable. Since there are better words for this (see below), it usually isn't used.
bellowed
Example: "My name is Diego!" he bellowed.
Use it?: Sparingly
Bellowed is used instead of "boomed." For some reason, it's thought of as a better word. Use this instead of "boom."
bowed
Example: None
Use it?: Never
Once again, unless you're going to say words by bowing, then don't used this.
boasted
Example: "I'm the best in the team!" he boasted.
Use it?: Sparingly
The "ost" sound of the word is very strong and tends to loom over dialogue. I would prefer "brag," simply because of the better, softer sound to it.
began
Example: "Well," he began, "it all started when my dog drank some gasoline."
Use it?: Yes
Best used in between a sentence of paragraph, right up front. Can be especially useful for the times when your character begins to tell a story. It indicates that a cause and effect story is being told.
begged
Example: "Please don't kill me," he begged.
Use it?: Sometimes
It can be used effectively for both a serious and a funny effect, depending on what sort of a piece you're writing. Begging indicates a whine to the voice, blinking eyes, and a prostrate position, both for a humorous situation and a serious situation. Begging is a strong verb and should be used when the characters really really want what they're begging for. What they're begging for makes the situation humorous or serious though.
beamed
Example: None
Use it?: Never
Beam is related to smiling, or a look of radiance. Your voice doesn't "look" like anything. So, unless you speak in sunshine, avoid this verb.
butted in
Example: "And don't forget the gold mine!" he butted in.
Use it?: No
This verb is almost like "added" but with a little bit more visciousness, from an arrogant character. "Butted in" sounds crass and awkward, and most likely, you'll never have to use it. If you ever want to use this verb, then you can use "he said, butting in" for a smoother effect. Otherwise, use "interrupt."
bantered
Example: "You did it first!" he bantered.
Use it?: No
Banter indicates a playful back and forth teasing - a tennis game with words. Even so, you should avoid this verb. It should be obvious from the dialogue that your characters are bantering.
C
contested
Example: "He is the murderer!" she contested.
Use it?: No
This is one of those verbs that you may get away with, but it's so long and makes the dialogue seem so obvious that it usually overshadows the dialogue. Avoid it.
countered
Example: "But you said that it wasn't real," he countered.
Use it?: Sparingly
It should be obvious from the dialogue that the character is countering the other. This verb may actually underscore the dialogue, if the dialogue is written in a soft way, so you may not want to have it.
croaked
"Kiss me," he croaked.
Use it?: Never!
Okay... if you're writing a story where you have a frog prince, then you can use it. Otherwise? No.
consoled
"It's okay," she consoled.
Use it?: Sparingly
This is a feminine, very soft word that only sticks out with its "o" sounds. Because of this, it can be used often. The problem? Once more, it should be obvious that the character is consoling another.
chorused
"We love you," they chorused.
Use it?: Sometimes
Only use with the plural. Has an innocent sound to it, think angels in heaven singing. So usually it's used with "innocent" people.
I'll do these verbs later:
complained
corrected
championed
cheered
cried
complemented
calculated
cackled
cautioned
continued
commented
conceded
complained
D
declared
drawled
dribbled
dismissed
demanded
denied
decided
E
eased
egged
exclaimed
excused
encouraged
enthused
ejaculated
effervesced
enticed
echoed
F
frowned
finished
fidgeted
fumbled
fumed
G
greeted
grinned
gulped
grumbled
groaned
giggled
gasped
glowered
gurgled
gleamed
guessed
guffawed
gawped
H
hissed
hoped
hailed
humored
hesitated
hollered
I
indicated
inquired
informed
interrupted
insisted
instructed
L
laughed
lisped
lumbered
M
muttered
moaned
mumbled
maintained
motioned
murmured
mentioned
N
nodded
noticed
O
offered
observed
objected
oscillated
P
panted
pondered
panicked
puzzled
protested
pressed
piped up
proffered
pleaded
pardoned
postulated
proclaimed
Q
questioned
R
rambled
returned
repeated
responded
ranted
raved
relented
rescinded
released
requested
S
slurped
sneered
slurred
smirked
snorted
stared
smiled
spoke
stormed
sang
shouted
screamed
squealed
scolded
shuddered
sighed
smarted
stated
suggested
spluttered
snapped
snarled
stressed
shrilled
stammered
screeched
summarized
shuffled
sobbed
sniffed
shrieked
swayed
T
tutted
threatened
teased
tittered
taunted
U
urged
ushered
uttered
V
ventured
vacillated
W
wondered
winked
worried
whinged
whined
wittered
warned
whispered
winced
waved
wailed
Y
yelled
yodeled
I'll do these verbs later:
[i]
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