Manuscript Analysis · Free · Private
About this free dialogue tag analyzer
Fancy dialogue tags and adverb-heavy speech attributions can distract readers. This dialogue tag analyzer counts plain tags (said, asked) versus ornate alternatives, flags adverbs attached to tags, and reports your plain-tag ratio so you can balance voice with readability.
How to use the Dialogue Tag Analyzer
- Paste a scene or chapter with dialogue.
- Click Analyze to parse speech tags.
- Review the plain vs fancy tag ratio.
- Check the fancy-tag table for repeated offenders.
- Replace unnecessary ornate tags with "said" or action beats.
Frequently asked questions
Should I only use "said"?
Not always — variety helps. The goal is to avoid every line using exclaimed, declared, or murmured when "said" is invisible.
What is a good plain-tag ratio?
Many commercial novels use "said" or "asked" for most attributions. Higher plain ratios often read cleaner on the page.
Does it count tags inside quotes?
The analyzer focuses on attribution patterns outside quoted speech.
Browse all free writing tools for fiction authors · Polish your draft with AI manuscript editing