Signs of AI Writing

What it isLong dashes used as all-purpose glue: to add asides, heighten contrast, or avoid choosing between a comma, colon, and period.

Why AI does itModels learn that the em dash makes prose feel polished and flexible. It lets a sentence keep going even when the thought should be split.

ExampleThe update is fast — really fast — and easy to use.
The update is fast and easy to use.

How to fixKeep an em dash when it creates a useful interruption. Otherwise use a period, comma, colon, or nothing. If a short paragraph has several, cut first. Deep dive: why AI uses em dashes.

What it isWords that appear too often in generated prose: delve, tapestry, realm, landscape, leverage, robust, seamless, nuanced, foster, unlock, navigate, underscore.

Why AI does itThese words are common in the polished, explanatory writing models train on. They sound elevated without requiring a precise claim.

ExampleLet’s delve into the rich tapestry of this ever-evolving realm.
Let’s look at what changed and why it matters.

How to fixReplace inflated words with the plain verb you mean: use, show, build, change, handle, improve. If the plain word feels weak, add a concrete detail.

What it isRepeated three-part lists: clear, concise, and compelling; fast, secure, and reliable; inform, engage, and inspire.

Why AI does itTriads are a safe rhetorical pattern. They create rhythm and completeness, so models reach for them even when two items would be sharper.

ExampleThe tool is simple, powerful, and intuitive.
The tool is simple enough to use without a setup call.

How to fixAsk which item carries real meaning. Keep that one, combine overlap, or replace the list with proof. One triad is fine; a cluster reads generated.

What it isBalanced contrast formulas: not only X but also Y, or it is not just X, it is Y. They sound dramatic even when the contrast is fake.

Why AI does itThe pattern gives a sentence a built-in arc. It turns a plain claim into a little performance, which models often mistake for depth.

ExampleIt is not just a writing tool, it is a movement toward authentic expression.
It helps writers clean up stiff drafts.

How to fixState the claim directly. If there is a real contrast, name the two sides clearly. If there is no contrast, delete the setup.

What it isThroat-clearing phrases such as it is worth noting, it is important to remember, no discussion would be complete without, and keep in mind.

Why AI does itModels often announce a point before making it. The phrase buys time and softens the claim, but it rarely adds information.

ExampleIt is worth noting that clear onboarding improves retention.
Clear onboarding improves retention.

How to fixCut the preface and read the sentence again. If the claim now feels unsupported, add evidence instead of another hedge.

What it isScene-setting intros such as in today’s fast-paced world, in the realm of marketing, or in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Why AI does itWhen the model has no specific opening fact, it starts with a broad frame that can fit almost any topic.

ExampleIn today’s fast-paced digital landscape, teams must adapt.
Teams now ship product updates weekly, not quarterly.

How to fixOpen with the real subject: a person, number, decision, constraint, or concrete change. Skip the atmospheric runway.

What it isMoreover, Furthermore, Additionally, Consequently, and Nevertheless used to stitch together sentences that already follow each other.

Why AI does itTransitions make output appear organized. A model may add them even when the relationship between ideas is obvious or weak.

ExampleMoreover, the dashboard is easy to read. Furthermore, it updates quickly.
The dashboard is easy to read and updates quickly.

How to fixUse a transition only when it tells the reader how the next idea changes the argument. Otherwise cut it or use a plain connector like also or but.

What it isA broad opener that tries to include every reader: whether you are a beginner or an expert, a founder or a marketer, a student or a professional.

Why AI does itThe construction is safe marketing copy. It avoids choosing a real audience and gives the paragraph a familiar shape.

ExampleWhether you are a seasoned editor or a curious beginner, this guide can help.
If you edit AI drafts before publishing, start here.

How to fixName the actual reader. If the audience is mixed, write the specific job the page helps them do.

What it isEnergetic filler such as let’s dive in, dive deep into, or diving into the world of. It usually delays the first useful sentence.

Why AI does itAssistant-style writing often tries to sound helpful and upbeat before doing the work. Dive in is a common default.

ExampleLet’s dive deep into the key signs of AI writing.
Here are the signs to check first.

How to fixStart with the content. If you want momentum, use a short sentence that points to a real action.

What it isMarketing cliches such as game-changer, next-level, state-of-the-art, revolutionary, cutting-edge, and ever-evolving.

Why AI does itThese phrases sound positive without making a measurable claim. They help the model fill space when it lacks evidence.

ExampleThis game-changing platform unlocks next-level productivity.
This platform cuts weekly reporting from two hours to 20 minutes.

How to fixReplace praise with a fact. Say what changed, for whom, and by how much. If you cannot prove it, lower the claim.

What it isWrap-ups that start with in conclusion, in summary, all in all, overall, or at the end of the day, then restate the obvious.

Why AI does itModels are trained to complete the assignment cleanly. A signposted conclusion creates closure even when nothing new is being said.

ExampleIn conclusion, AI writing has many signs that are important to understand.
The quickest check is a cluster: dashes, triads, vague claims, and generic wrap-up.

How to fixEnd with the next decision, a sharp takeaway, or the strongest detail. If the last paragraph only summarizes, cut it.

What it isParagraphs that all run three to five sentences, use the same rhythm, and make one safe point before moving on.

Why AI does itMany assistants are optimized for tidy, skimmable output. The result can be readable but oddly even, with no burstiness.

ExampleEach section begins with a topic sentence. Each section adds two balanced details. Each section ends with a mild takeaway.
Break the rhythm. Use a short paragraph when the point is short.

How to fixVary length on purpose. Combine thin paragraphs, split overloaded ones, and let important moments take a different shape.

What it isSentences that tack on a present-participle phrase: highlighting its importance, reflecting its legacy, showcasing its impact, contributing to broader change.

Why AI does itThe phrase lets the model sound analytical without proving causation or naming who made the judgment.

ExampleThe campaign expanded nationwide, highlighting its cultural importance.
The campaign expanded to 18 states after local chapters raised $2.4M.

How to fixAsk what the -ing phrase actually adds. Replace vague significance with a concrete effect, source, or measurable result.

What it isAuthority without a source: studies show, experts agree, critics say, many believe, it is widely recognized.

Why AI does itModels can imitate sourced prose while skipping the hard part: naming the study, expert, critic, date, sample, or quote.

ExampleStudies show that users prefer more authentic writing.
In our 42-response support survey, users called shorter replies easier to trust.

How to fixName the source or remove the claim. If the evidence is weak, make the sentence smaller and more honest.

What it isOver-validating language: great question, you are absolutely right, this is a brilliant insight, or a response that agrees before checking facts.

Why AI does itAssistants are often rewarded for being pleasant and affirming. In writing, that can turn into flattery instead of judgment.

ExampleYou are absolutely right to say this strategy is flawless.
The strategy has one strong point and two risks to check before launch.

How to fixRemove praise that does no work. Replace it with the actual evaluation: what is true, what is uncertain, and what should change.

What it isWriting that stays abstract: experience, impact, innovation, value, transformation, solution. It never names the room, object, user, number, date, or constraint.

Why AI does itWithout real context, the model predicts safe generalities. The prose sounds fluent but could apply to almost anything.

ExampleThe product creates a seamless experience for modern teams.
The app saves the last three drafts and warns the editor before overwriting one.

How to fixAdd one observable detail per paragraph: a number, proper noun, quote, action, tradeoff, object, or moment that could not fit every topic.