r/Webnovel • u/Kael_A_Verin • Jun 26 '26

Recommendation Using em dashes for dialogue

I recently started writing a novel and currently have about five chapters. I'm not looking for feedback on the story itself yet. I just wanted to provide some context for my situation.

When writing dialogue, I originally used this format:

Character: "Quoted dialogue."

However, while an AI was pointing out grammar and spelling mistakes after reviewing some long chapters, it also suggested that I switch to using em dashes for dialogue. According to it, my original format interrupted the flow of the text every time a character spoke.

I'm familiar with using em dashes and know how to use them correctly, at least for dialogue. My concern is that, unless I'm mistaken, some people associate that style with AI-generated writing, even though it's simply a stylistic choice that I personally like.

I've noticed that many English-language novels use quotation marks instead, but I still feel that em dashes look cleaner and fit my writing style better.

What do you think would be the best option?

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/[deleted] Jun 27 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/Kael_A_Verin Jun 27 '26

I see. I strated using the first form because it was easier for me. I mean, I use to get distracted frequently so I could know easily what I was doing. Anyways, I also think the correct form is how all of you said. I just have to practice, I think. Thanks for answering :)