What are the tell tale signs of AI writing?
There are definitely some fingerprints that AI tends to leave behind—especially when it's not trying to hide. Here are a few of the most common tells researchers and editors have spotted:
Overuse of formal or Latinate vocabulary: Words like “utilize,” “commence,” or “ameliorate” pop up more often than they would in natural human writing, especially when simpler words would do.
Repetitive phrasing or tautologies: AI sometimes says the same thing twice in slightly different ways—e.g., “Let’s come together to unite” or “a true fact.”
Paragraphs that start with discourse markers: Words like “However,” “Moreover,” or “Overall,” followed by a comma, are a common AI tic.
Frequent use of the Oxford comma: That’s the comma before “and” in a list—AI tends to use it consistently.
Numbered lists with colons: AI loves structure, and it often defaults to tidy, formulaic formats.
Bland or journalistic tone: The writing can feel polished but emotionally flat—like it’s trying to sound neutral or encyclopedic.
Overuse of em dashes: AI often leans on these to create rhythm or insert asides—sometimes excessively.
Lack of deep analysis or personal insight: Even when the content is informative, it may lack the nuance, contradiction, or vulnerability that marks human thought.
That said, these signs aren’t foolproof. A skilled human can mimic AI, and a well-tuned AI can mimic a human. But when you start seeing several of these traits together, it’s a strong clue.
Would you like to test a passage and see if it raises any red flags? Or maybe explore how to blend your own voice with AI tools without losing that human spark?
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