Dialogue Writing | English Grammar

#What is dialogue writing?

Dialogue writing is the art of composing a conversation between two people in a natural and spontaneous way. It helps learners, especially those acquiring spoken English, to express their thoughts in easy, everyday language rather than in stilted or bookish style. A good dialogue requires understanding both sides of a topic, adopting the characters’ points of view, and making their conversation sound realistic and engaging. While it should feel impromptu to the reader, it is usually supported by careful planning and an outline to avoid a rambling or dull exchange.

#How to write a dialogue: Step by step guide 

1) Think about the topic – First, understand the subject you’re given. Write down a few points or opinions that your characters might share during the conversation.

2) Arrange your ideas – Organize these points so that one naturally follows the other, just like in a real conversation. Making a short outline can help.

3) Know your characters – Imagine the personalities of the people in your dialogue. Each should speak in their own style. For example, a bookish person will speak differently from someone who is sporty or casual.

4) Make it sound real – Your final dialogue should read like a natural conversation between real people. Keep the language simple and friendly. Avoid overly formal or “bookish” words. Think of how people talk in real life—and try to capture that tone.

#Tips for Writing a Natural Dialogue

Let everyone speak – Don’t let one character do all the talking like they’re giving a speech. Share the conversation equally and keep it lively.

Add interruptions sometimes – In real life, people cut in or finish each other’s sentences. Use this occasionally to make it sound natural.

Example:

A: "I’m sure he didn’t do it. Just the other day, he told me—"

B: "I don’t care what he told you, I know he did!"

Answer questions creatively – Sometimes people answer a question with another question, or even answer before it’s asked.

Example:

A: "What will you do if he doesn’t reply?"

B: "Well, what would you do?"

Use expressions (Interjections)– Add short reactions like “Wow!”, “Really?”, “Oh no!” to show surprise, joy, or irritation. But don’t overuse them, and avoid slang or rude words.

Start strong and end clearly – Begin your dialogue in an interesting way to catch attention, and make sure it has a proper ending instead of stopping suddenly.

Use correct grammar – Even though dialogue should sound casual, it must still be in proper English.

Keep it short and focused – Avoid long speeches. Keep questions and answers brief so the conversation moves quickly.

Example 

#Conversation between two friends discussing their hobbies.

Ramesh: I’m in luck, Riya. My uncle just sent me a letter from Japan, along with some Japanese stamps. He knows I collect them and often sends me stamps from the places he visits.

Riya: They look lovely! Are you going to paste them in your album?

Ramesh: Yes. Here it is—I’ve got quite a nice collection now.

Riya: Wow! You have Indian, French, Italian, American… so many!

Ramesh: There are still many I don’t have. Some rare ones are really expensive.

Riya: But what’s the use of collecting stamps?

Ramesh: It’s a hobby. It teaches geography, and sometimes you can even sell a good collection for a lot of money. Why don’t you start collecting?

Riya: I prefer something more active. My hobby is collecting ferns and wild flowers. I get to go on long walks in the countryside and explore hills.

Ramesh: And what do you do with them?

Riya: I press them between sheets of blotting paper with weights, then mount and label them. It’s fun and teaches me botany, plus I get lots of fresh air and exercise.

Practice 

# Between a father and his son on saving money

{Hints: The son has been spending his pocket money carelessly on things like expensive clothes, parties, mobile recharges, and snacks from outside every day. He has also borrowed money from friends. The father scolds him for wasting money and warns him about the trouble of taking loans. He explains how saving money can help in times of need, how small savings grow over time, and how one should keep some money aside for emergencies or old age.}

# Between an army soldier and a small shop owner about their jobs

{Hints: The soldier says his job is to protect the country, which is a matter of great pride. He feels soldiers have courage, discipline, and respect, while shop work is ordinary and without excitement. The shop owner says soldiers don’t create anything new, but shopkeepers help people get the goods they need in daily life. He adds that business can grow and earn good money, while soldiers get limited salary. He says all honest work has dignity.}

Work Cited

English grammar and composition by Wren & Martin.