Six obvious AI words to avoid in your writing

Types of words or phrases that can be flagged by AI detection

Along with the growth and development of generative AI, detection tools have also been implemented to alert users when a text has been created by GPT tools. These programs use the same language learning models and pattern recognition as generative AI itself. Even if you’ve written something entirely without the help of AI, your readers might cast suspicion on your work if you find yourself using too many of these common AI terms!

You might recognize some of the most common AI words and phrases as clichés that have long been recognized as such and have subsequently fallen out of favor:

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Cutting-edge

Among overused corporate jargon, “cutting-edge” (or its more extreme sibling “bleeding edge”) is a superlative that promises more than it can deliver. This and similar phrases aim to highlight innovation; however, it’s best to temper expectations, explain practical benefits and features, and avoid the risk of overpromising and underdelivering. Other synonyms can include:

• Disruptive
• Revolutionary
• Groundbreaking
• Breakthrough

In the…

Beginning a paragraph or essay with this seemingly versatile phrase can feel trite and meaningless. It’s often used to establish the environment of the modern world, and it often appears in articles describing evolving technology. Some other variations of this phrase include:

• In the constantly evolving age of interconnectivity
• In a fast-paced electronic landscape
• In the ever-shifting world
• In the constantly accelerating digital era

In conclusion

In school, we learn the basics and guidelines of the five-part essay: the introduction, three arguments, and the conclusion. Using transitions between these points is key to building a strong foundation for your argument, and it may seem easy to begin your concluding paragraph with this phrase. Generative AI tends to think so, too, as it’s the most direct and straightforward way to begin your summarizing points.

By…you can

Much AI-generated text ends with this sentence structure as a conclusion, which aims to empower the reader with the information they’ve just read. Some examples include:

• By understanding these rules, you can take the steps to lead a more fulfilled life.
• By staying vigilant against scams, you can browse the web without worry.
• By offering the aforementioned advice, you can equip yourself with the right tools to offer support.

At its core

This phrase is commonly used to reinterpret an otherwise complex subject into its basic elements. It can appear in the beginning of an article, after an overview, or as a conclusion. Yet it can also seem jarring, at best, to be met with a simple explanation and condescending, at worst, for those who want to expand on a summary.

Foster/fostering

This word is typically used to describe an environment or work atmosphere that can benefit everyone involved, i.e. “fostering a collaborative workspace.” It is also commonly used in parallel to “nurturing,” as in “nurturing creativity,” and is associated with a bland positivity that theoretically leads to the progress of a meeting or project.

Remember, these words and phrases are clichés for a reason, and even more so now that generative AI has been trained on these large language models. Check out more writing tips to improve your vocabulary and find creative ways to express yourself, no matter what your writing project involves.