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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/q/9127
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

In my case, I never use dialogue and action tags in the same unit of dialogue (sorry, I just call them **units** because I had no idea what they are called).

So I would never write something like this:

> **Jane heaved a sigh, finally giving up. Then she raised her eyes with a warm smile.** “It's nothing, Dad," **she said.**"I'm just a little worn out. That's all.”

I think I read somewhere (I don't remember where) that it's unnecessary since I already have an action tag at the beginning (so it's clear who is saying the line.)

Still, I've seen writers adding the _he said/she said_ after having used an action tag. I'm not very sure why they do it. I guess to make the piece flow better or add a _small pause_?

Is it usually better to not to mix dialogue and action tags in the same "dialogue unit?" If not, what are the situations you would like to do so?

Original score: 7