Do the words “dialogue” and “dialog” have the same meaning but the only difference is in the spelling? Do they have different applications? These are some of the questions people have asked over the years.
I thought differently as well until I had a dialogue to write and wanted to use some synonyms to spice up my work.
Don’t learn the hard way! Read and learn it now so that your writing can be flawless.
To help you use these words properly in your work, we’ll explain how they’re used in modern English.
Read up dialog vs dialogue!
Which is the right spelling: “Dialog” or/vs”Dialogue”?
If you’re reading this, you’re possibly wondering if dialogue or dialog is the correct spelling.
The answer is solely based on which English dialect you are using.
Dialogue is used in British, Canadian, and Australian English.
Depending on what is being addressed, the phrases dialog and dialogue are generally used in American English.
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Dialogue (Speech or Conversation)
A conversation between two or more people is referred to as a dialogue. This is in noun form written for a play, film, or book.
Dialogue is generally used to describe a written exchange of words between two or more characters in a play, film, or book. It can also be two people talking in real life rather than in a play, movie, or book.
For example,
- The dialogue between the man and his wife was heated.
- I can’t go out today because I need to practice the opening dialogue with my aide.
- We had a productive dialogue and discussed ways to reduce waste.
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Dialog (A Term in Computing)
Originally, dialog was spelled differently as a form of dialogue. It can also be used to refer to a conversation, especially in American English. However, the term “dialog” is about computers, especially in the phrase dialog box.
A dialog box refers to the informational box that pops up on a user’s screen.
A dialog box is a little window that shows on the screen and lets you type commands or enter text.
For instance;
- Once the dialog box opens, select “Install Language Tool.”
- The dialog window prompted me to name a reason for unsubscribing to the emails.
- You must wait for the dialog box to open before clicking “Save File.”
Remember that in American English, the usual spelling when referring to a conversation is dialogue.
That being said, dialog is a correct spelling in any situation.
The use of dialogue or dialog is a style choice dictated by the writing guidelines you follow. The AP Style, for example, uses dialogue regardless of the meaning.
You must stick with one version and avoid switching between them. Choose one, then stick with it.
When to Use Dialog
Dialog is used in computing in American English.
It is commonly used to describe a window that pops on a screen and seeks input or displays information. We’d call this window a chat box.
Examples;
You can now start the application without any add-ins or customizations by clicking the dialog box
Click Add after selecting In the Add Search Source dialog box that appears, select this as your usual search source.
When to Use Dialogue
As a noun, dialogue refers to an argument between two or more people.
It’s fine if actors above a certain age need these tools to extend their brilliant theatrical careers.
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Can Dialogue be used as a verb?
As a verb, dialogue means to engage in an exchange of views. It can be written as dialogues, dialogued, or dialoguing.
Examples;
- Following a dialogue with the director, the student was allowed to return to class.
- The panelists dialogued about the current global instability.
- I let him dialogue until he had finished what he needed to say.
- The new corporate policies were dialogued by the workers.
Correct: He wrote incredible descriptions and actions, but the dialogue was rather dull.
Incorrect: He wrote incredible descriptions and actions, but the dialog was rather dull.
How to Remember the Difference Dialog vs Dialogue
Are you unclear when to use dialog as compared to dialogue? Here’s a quick suggestion to help you remember the difference.
The word “dialogue” refers to speaking and conversing. Speaking, discussion, and conversation all have the letter “E.”
Dialog is limited to the expression “dialog box.”
You’ll be fine if you can remember this trick.
Conclusion
Occasionally, dialog is described as the US spelling of dialogue. In fact, “dialogue” is the standard term for a debate in all versions of English, but dialog is linked with computer use.
References
- Proofed -dialog vs dialogue
- Your dictionary -dialog vs dialogue
