Dialogue Or Dialog – British vs. American English

11.03.24 British English vs. American English Time to read: 3min

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Dialogue-or-dialog-01

The nuances between British English vs. American English extend beyond mere pronunciation, delving into the very essence of spelling conventions. This divergence manifests in numerous words, highlighting the rich tapestry of the English language. Among these varied spellings, the word “dialogue/dialog” stands as a prime example, inviting further into this linguistic divergence.

Index

“Dialogue” or “dialog”

Both “dialogue” and “dialog” are used as nouns in English, with “dialogue” being the preferred form in both British and American English for conversations or discussions. “Dialog” is also used in American English, but is particularly common when referring to a computer interface, such as a dialog box. The usage of these words as verbs is less common, with “dialogue” sometimes used to mean engaging in conversation. The choice between them largely depends on the context rather than the variant of English.

Dialogue or dialog UK flag

British English

dialogue

 

Dialogue or dialog US flag

American English

dialogue

dialog (rarely)

Both spellings are correct within their respective varieties of English, but “dialogue” is more universally understood and is the more traditional form for referring to conversational exchanges.

Examples of using “dialogue” and “dialog” as a noun

Below, you’ll find examples of using the word “dialogue/dialog” as a noun in British and American English.

  • British English: “Dialogue”
  • American English: “Dialogue/dialog”
Dialogue-or-dialog-noun-UK-flag
  • The book’s dialogue brought the characters to life.
  • They started a dialogue to ease tensions.
  • The film’s sharp dialogue captivated audiences.
Dialogue-or-dialog-noun-US-flag
  • The book’s dialogue/dialog brought the characters to life.
  • They started a dialogue/dialog to ease tensions.
  • The film’s sharp dialogue/dialog captivated audiences.

Examples of using “dialogue” and “dialog” as a verb

Using “dialogue” or “dialog” as a verb is less common, but it is still understood to mean engaging in conversations or discussions. Below, you will find examples of how it can be used in various contexts:

  • British English: “Dialogue”
  • American English: “Dialogue/dialog”
  • We need to dialogue more effectively with our partners.
  • Let’s dialogue about the new project ideas.
  • The team agreed to dialogue on solutions.
Dialogue-or-dialog-verb-UK-flag
  • We need to dialogue/dialog more effectively with our partners.
  • Let’s dialogue/dialog about the new project ideas.
  • The team agreed to dialogue/dialog on solutions.
Dialogue-or-dialog-verb-US-flag

FAQs

Both “dialogue” and “dialog” are correct spellings, but their usage depends on the variant of English and the context.

  • “Dialogue” is the preferred spelling in British English and is commonly used in all contexts.
  • “Dialog” is the preferred spelling in American English, especially when referring to a box or window in a computer interface (dialog box) or in more technical and informal contexts. However, for the general concept of conversation or discussion, “dialogue” is the preferred word used in American English.

British speakers strongly prefer using the variant “dialogue” as the standard variant.

The APA Stylebook recommends using “dialogue” regardless of the meaning.

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Viktoria Kwiatkowski

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About the author

Viktoria is currently on her path towards a bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Management. Her academic journey is complemented by her role at BachelorPrint, where she excels as a writer committed to simplifying complex topics for students. What sets Viktoria apart is her linguistic versatility, effortlessly transitioning between English and German. Through her bilingual expertise, she opens doors to knowledge for students, transcending language barriers.

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Bibliography

Kwiatkowski, V. (2024, March 11). Dialogue Or Dialog – British vs. American English. BachelorPrint. https://www.bachelorprint.com/british-english-vs-american-english/dialogue-or-dialog/ (retrieved 12/22/2024)

In-text citation

Parenthetical
(Kwiatkowski , 2024)
Narrative
Kwiatkowski (2024)

Bibliography

Kwiatkowski, Viktoria. 2024. "Dialogue Or Dialog – British vs. American English." BachelorPrint, Retrieved March 11, 2024. https://www.bachelorprint.com/british-english-vs-american-english/dialogue-or-dialog/.

In-text citation

Parenthetical
(Kwiatkowski 2024)

Bibliography

Viktoria Kwiatkowski, "Dialogue Or Dialog – British vs. American English," BachelorPrint, March 11, 2024, https://www.bachelorprint.com/british-english-vs-american-english/dialogue-or-dialog/ (retrieved December 22, 2024).

Footnotes

Short note
Kwiatkowski, "Shortened title."

Bibliography

Kwiatkowski, Viktoria: Dialogue Or Dialog – British vs. American English, in: BachelorPrint, 03/11/2024, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/british-english-vs-american-english/dialogue-or-dialog/ (retrieved 12/22/2024).

Footnotes

Full note
Kwiatkowski, Viktoria: Dialogue Or Dialog – British vs. American English, in: BachelorPrint, 03/11/2024, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/british-english-vs-american-english/dialogue-or-dialog/ (retrieved 12/22/2024).
Direct quote
Kwiatkowski, 2024.
Indirect quote
Kwiatkowski, 2024.

Bibliography

Kwiatkowski, Viktoria (2024): Dialogue Or Dialog – British vs. American English, in: BachelorPrint, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/british-english-vs-american-english/dialogue-or-dialog/ (retrieved 12/22/2024).

In-text citation

Direct quote
(Kwiatkowski, 2024)
Indirect quote
(Kwiatkowski, 2024)
Narrative
Kwiatkowski (2024)

Bibliography

Kwiatkowski, Viktoria. "Dialogue Or Dialog – British vs. American English." BachelorPrint, 03/11/2024, https://www.bachelorprint.com/british-english-vs-american-english/dialogue-or-dialog/ (retrieved 12/22/2024).

In-text citation

Parenthetical
(Kwiatkowski)
Narrative
Kwiatkowski

Bibliography

Number. Kwiatkowski V. Dialogue Or Dialog – British vs. American English [Internet]. BachelorPrint. 2024 [cited 12/22/2024]. Available from: https://www.bachelorprint.com/british-english-vs-american-english/dialogue-or-dialog/


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