Is it always ok to use the verb "to say" after a question?
Does it sound strange to use the verb "to say" after a question?
For example: "'Why is it called a memorial?' said Laura."
If I were to have written this, I would have used "asked" instead.
Am I alone in feeling that it sounds a little strange with "said", or am I just imagining it?
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The most important part of telling dialogue is the dialogue itself, though many times people make a strong effort to think of "exciting" words to replace the word "said". Using a "fancy" word normally makes the phrase seem cluttered and unprofessional. It detracts from the actual dialogue.
"Said" in the context of the question is acceptable. It seems weird, but it is technically correct.
I like fictionwriting.about.com's description of what happens when someone goes too far with dialogue tags.
It's a matter of prose style, not language or grammar. Said is neutral enough to use in virtually any context.
I saw an interview with a famous writer, I think Carl Hiassen, where he gave a number of rules for writing good novels, and one of them was (to paraphrase) "never use any verb other than say for dialogue" - the idea being to let the dialogue carry the sense.
Am I alone in feeling that it sounds a little strange with "said", or
am I just imagining it?
No, you're not alone. "Asked" is more natural sounding, although "said" is technically correct.
It is 'Creative License' at work. The author feels the question is more in the nature of a statement than in the nature of a question.
It can be any descriptor, and not just 'said'. It depends on what the writer intends to convey. For example:
'Why is it called a memorial?' said Laura'
Eliciting no response, Laura repeated, 'Why is it called a memorial?'
Infuriated at the nonchalant disregard, Laura shrilled 'WHY IS IT CALLED A MEMORIAL?'
But to answer your specific question: no, it isn't always Ok to use 'said' after a question.
A question can be said, asked, sputtered, gasped, wondered, interjected, whispered... it really depends on the context.
Is the usage 'correct'? Yes.
Is it good writing? You're the judge.Its hard to say with just one line in isolation. Perhaps a few preceding and following lines from the same excerpt (if it is an excerpt) would have helped establish the context better.
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