A guide for eliminating AI-generated text patterns and producing prose that reads as genuinely human-written.
- Core Philosophy
- Banned Vocabulary
- Prohibited Phrases
- Structural Patterns to Avoid
- Sentence & Paragraph Craft
- Rewrite Principles
- Before/After Examples
- Quick Reference Checklist
AI writes to occupy space. Humans write to communicate. The gap between them isn't vocabulary or cleverness. It's ruthless economy.
Every word must justify its presence. If a sentence holds up without a word, cut that word. A sentence should carry no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason a drawing has no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts. This doesn't mean everything must be short. It means everything must work.
Specificity over abstraction. Name the file, the function, the line number. Not "the relevant code" but src/config.ts:42.
Active voice by default. Every sentence needs a human doing something. No passive constructions. No inanimate objects performing human actions.
Put the reader in the room. "You" beats "people." Specifics beat abstractions. "You don't sit down and decide to..." beats "Nobody designed this."
Vary your rhythm. Short punch. Then longer sentences that take their time. Mix it up. The ear demands variety.
Trust the reader. State facts directly. Skip softening, justification, hand-holding.
These appear 10x-200x more frequently in AI text than human text. They are burned. Find another way.
| Banned | Use Instead |
|---|---|
| delve, delves, delved | look at, examine, dig into, explore |
| underscore, underscores | emphasize, highlight, stress |
| harness, harnessed | use |
| illuminate, illuminated | explain, show, clarify |
| facilitate, facilitated | help, ease |
| bolster, bolstered | strengthen, support |
| navigate (metaphorical) | handle, manage, deal with |
| leverage | use |
| foster, fostered | encourage, support, build |
| resonate, resonated | connect, ring true, appeal |
| transcend, transcended | go beyond, surpass |
| embark, embarked | start, begin |
| embrace, embraced | adopt, accept |
| elevate, elevated | raise, improve |
| enhance, enhanced | improve, boost |
| enlighten, enlightened | inform, teach |
| explore (as invitation) | look at, examine |
| grapple, grappled | struggle with, wrestle with |
| innovate, innovated | create, invent, build |
| inspire, inspired | motivate, prompt |
| intertwine, intertwined | mix, blend, connect |
| reimagine, reimagined | rethink, redesign |
| revolutionize, revolutionized | change, transform |
| showcase, showcased, showcasing | show, display, present |
| unleash, unleashed | release, enable |
| captivate, captivated | attract, hold, grip |
| endeavour, endeavoured | try, attempt |
| utilize | use |
| optimize | improve, refine |
| streamline | simplify, speed up |
| empower, empowered | enable, give power to |
| catalyze | trigger, spark, cause |
| spearhead | lead, drive |
| exemplify | show, illustrate |
| epitomize | represent, embody |
| encapsulate | capture, sum up |
| galvanize | spur, stir, motivate |
| propel | push, drive |
| uncover | find, reveal |
| unlock | enable, open |
| Banned | Use Instead |
|---|---|
| pivotal | important, key, or explain why |
| crucial | important, key, critical |
| vital | important, necessary |
| nuanced | subtle, complex, layered |
| multifaceted | complex, or name the facets |
| comprehensive | full, complete, or delete |
| robust (non-technical) | strong, solid, or name what makes it strong |
| seamless | smooth, easy |
| groundbreaking | new, first, important |
| transformative | major, significant |
| innovative | new, original |
| compelling | strong, persuasive |
| dynamic | active, changing |
| profound | deep, serious |
| meticulous | careful, thorough |
| intricate | complex, detailed |
| invaluable | very useful, essential |
| exemplary | excellent, outstanding |
| sustainable | lasting, enduring |
| authentic | real, genuine |
| elusive | hard to find, fleeting |
| poignant | moving, touching |
| vibrant | lively, energetic |
| vivid | bright, clear, sharp |
| cutting-edge | new, recent, advanced |
| unprecedented | new, rare, first |
| commendable | good, praiseworthy |
| noteworthy | notable, worth mentioning |
| remarkable | notable, striking |
| significant | important, large, or give the magnitude |
| essential | necessary, needed |
| fundamental | basic, core, central |
| daunting | hard, intimidating |
| timeless | lasting, enduring |
| elegant | clean, simple |
| holistic | whole, complete, integrated |
| Banned | Use Instead |
|---|---|
| tapestry ("rich tapestry of...") | mix, range, variety, or drop it |
| landscape ("evolving landscape of...") | field, world, industry |
| realm ("in the realm of...") | area, field, domain |
| beacon ("serves as a beacon") | guide, signal, example |
| testament ("stands as a testament") | proof, evidence, or use "proves" |
| journey ("the journey of...") | process, path, experience |
| symphony ("a symphony of...") | mix, blend, combination |
| mosaic | mix, blend, patchwork |
| nexus | link, connection, center |
| paradigm / paradigm shift | model, pattern, change |
| synergy | cooperation, or explain the mechanism |
| interplay | interaction, relationship |
| catalyst | trigger, cause, spark |
| cornerstone | foundation, basis, core |
| underpinning | basis, foundation |
| bedrock | foundation, base |
| fabric ("the fabric of...") | structure, basis |
| kaleidoscope | mix, range, variety |
| labyrinth | maze, tangle |
| cacophony | noise, clash |
| pantheon | group, collection |
| gamut | range, spectrum |
| panoply | array, collection |
| juxtaposition | contrast, comparison |
| ecosystem (non-biological) | system, network |
| myriad (as noun) | many, or the actual number |
| Banned | Use Instead |
|---|---|
| additionally | and, also, or continue |
| notably | especially, in particular |
| furthermore | and, also, or continue |
| moreover | and, also, or continue |
| crucially | importantly, or delete |
| significantly | considerably, much, a lot |
| meticulously | carefully, precisely |
| seamlessly | smoothly, easily |
| aptly | fittingly, rightly |
| critically | importantly, seriously |
| dynamically | actively, flexibly |
| indelibly | permanently |
| insightfully | perceptively |
| vibrantly | brightly, energetically |
| vividly | clearly, sharply |
| particularly | especially |
| arguably | perhaps, possibly |
| undeniably | clearly, obviously |
| inherently | naturally, by nature |
| fundamentally | basically, at core |
| ultimately | in the end, finally |
| essentially | basically, really |
| ostensibly | apparently, seemingly |
These are real words, but AI uses them 5-10x more than humans. Use once, if at all.
- comprehensive
- significant
- crucial
- essential
- fundamental
- dynamic
- innovative
Delete these announcement phrases. State the content directly.
- "Here's the thing:"
- "Here's what [X]"
- "Here's this [X]"
- "Here's that [X]"
- "Here's why [X]"
- "The uncomfortable truth is"
- "It turns out"
- "The real [X] is"
- "Let me be clear"
- "The truth is,"
- "I'll say it again:"
- "I'm going to be honest"
- "Can we talk about"
- "Here's what I find interesting"
- "Here's the problem though"
Any "here's what/this/that" construction is throat-clearing. Cut it.
These add nothing. Delete them.
- "Full stop." / "Period."
- "Let that sink in."
- "This matters because"
- "Make no mistake"
- "Here's why that matters"
| Banned | Action |
|---|---|
| "In today's fast-paced world..." | Delete. Start with the point. |
| "In today's ever-evolving landscape..." | Delete. Start with the point. |
| "In the ever-evolving landscape of [X]..." | Delete. Start with the point. |
| "In a world where..." | Delete. Start with the point. |
| "As the [industry] continues to evolve..." | Delete. Start with the point. |
| "Now more than ever..." | Delete. Start with the point. |
| "In the realm of..." | Delete. Name the field directly. |
| "In the tapestry of [life/culture]..." | Delete. Start with the point. |
| "Let's dive in." | Delete. Just start. |
| "Let's break it down." | Delete. Just start. |
| "Let's delve into..." | Delete. Just start. |
| "Let's unpack this." | Delete. Just start. |
| "Here's the thing..." | Delete. State the thing. |
| "Here's the uncomfortable truth:" | Delete. State the truth. |
| "Imagine a world where..." | Delete. Describe the scenario. |
| "Picture this:" | Delete. Describe it directly. |
| "It's no secret that..." | Delete. State the fact. |
| "Whether you're [A] or [B]..." | Delete. Address the reader directly. |
| Banned | Action |
|---|---|
| "In conclusion..." | Delete. The reader knows it's the end. |
| "In summary..." | Delete. Don't restate. |
| "In essence..." | Delete. State the essence directly. |
| "Overall..." | Delete. Just make the point. |
| "The future looks bright..." | Delete. Say something specific. |
| "Only time will tell..." | Delete. Vague and meaningless. |
| "One thing is clear..." | Delete. State the clear thing. |
| "The possibilities are endless..." | Delete. Name actual possibilities. |
| "As we move forward..." | Delete. State the next step. |
| "As we look to the future..." | Delete. State the actual outlook. |
| "The journey continues..." | Delete. Say what happens next. |
| "This is just the beginning..." | Delete. Say what comes next. |
| Banned | Replacement |
|---|---|
| "stands as a testament to..." | "proves" or "shows" |
| "serves as a reminder of..." | "reminds us" or state what it reminds |
| "marks a pivotal moment..." | "changed" or name the actual change |
| "represents a watershed moment..." | "changed [field] because [reason]" |
| "symbolizing its enduring legacy..." | name the actual legacy |
| "reflecting broader trends in..." | name the specific trend |
| "contributing to the broader..." | name the specific contribution |
| "setting the stage for..." | name what actually came next |
| "underscores the importance of..." | "shows why [X] matters" |
| "highlights the significance of..." | explain the actual significance |
| "speaks volumes about..." | "shows" or "reveals" |
| "a lasting impact on..." | name the specific impact |
| "a profound heritage..." | name the actual heritage |
| "steadfast dedication to..." | "dedication to" |
| "solidifies its position as..." | "is" or "became" |
| "plays a vital role in..." | name the actual role |
| Avoid | Use Instead |
|---|---|
| Navigate (challenges) | handle, address |
| Unpack (analysis) | explain, examine |
| Lean into | accept, embrace |
| Landscape (context) | situation, field |
| Game-changer | significant, important |
| Double down | commit, increase |
| Deep dive | analysis, examination |
| Take a step back | reconsider |
| Moving forward | next, from now |
| Circle back | return to, revisit |
| On the same page | aligned, agreed |
| Banned | Replacement |
|---|---|
| "rich cultural heritage" | name the specific cultural elements |
| "breathtaking views" | describe what you actually see |
| "stunning natural beauty" | describe the actual landscape |
| "must-visit destination" | name why someone would go |
| "enduring legacy" | name the specific legacy |
| "cultural tapestry" | name the specific cultures |
| "vibrant community" | describe what makes it active |
| "nestled in the heart of..." | "in" or name the location |
| "a hidden gem" | name what makes it worth visiting |
| "an unforgettable experience" | describe the actual experience |
| "scenic landscapes" | describe the actual scenery |
| "clean and modern" | describe the specific features |
| "world-class [facilities]" | name the specific qualities |
| "a feast for the senses" | describe what you see, hear, smell |
| Banned | Replacement |
|---|---|
| "Unlock the power of..." | "Use [X] to [result]" |
| "Unleash the potential of..." | "Get more from [X] by [method]" |
| "Supercharge your [workflow]" | "Speed up your [X]" |
| "A game-changer for [industry]" | name the specific change |
| "That's where [product] comes in." | describe what it does |
| "Revolutionizing the way..." | "Changes how [X] works" |
| "Transforming [X] into [Y]" | describe the actual change |
| "Future-proof your..." | "Prepare for [specific change]" |
| "Stay ahead of the curve." | name the specific advantage |
| "Forward-thinking companies..." | name the companies |
| "Simply cannot [match]" | name the specific differentiator |
| "Strategic advantage" | name the advantage |
| "The bottom line..." | state the conclusion directly |
| "Thrilled to announce..." | "We're announcing [X]" |
| "Seamlessly integrate..." | "Works with [X]" |
| "At the forefront of innovation..." | name the specific innovation |
| Banned | Action |
|---|---|
| "It's important to note that..." | Delete. State the thing. |
| "It's worth noting that..." | Delete. State the thing. |
| "It's worth mentioning that..." | Delete. State the thing. |
| "It is important to understand that..." | Delete. State the thing. |
| "No discussion would be complete without..." | Delete. Just discuss it. |
| "generally speaking" | Delete, or say "usually" |
| "from a broader perspective" | Delete. State the perspective. |
| "could potentially" | "could" or "might" (pick one) |
| "may possibly" | "may" or "might" (pick one) |
| "it should be noted" | Delete. State the thing. |
| "one might argue" | Delete. Make the argument. |
| Banned | Replacement |
|---|---|
| "Experts argue..." | Name the expert, or delete. |
| "Industry reports suggest..." | Name the report, or delete. |
| "Observers cite..." | Name the observer, or delete. |
| "Some critics argue..." | Name the critic. |
| "Studies show..." (no citation) | Name the study: "[Author] found..." |
| "Research indicates..." | Name the research: "A 2024 study found..." |
| "According to experts..." | Name the expert. |
| "Many believe..." | Name who believes it. |
| "It is widely accepted that..." | Name who accepts it. |
| "Reportedly..." | Name the source. |
| "Perhaps" | Commit, or say "I'm not sure" |
| "Seemingly" | "It looks like" or "appears to" |
| Banned | Action |
|---|---|
| "important to note" | Delete. State the thing. |
| "worth mentioning" | Delete. Mention it. |
| "no discussion would be complete without" | Delete. Just discuss it. |
| "in this article, we will..." | Delete. Just do it. |
| "as we will see..." | Delete. Just show it. |
| "as mentioned earlier..." | Delete. Restate concisely if needed. |
| "now that we've explored [X]..." | Delete. Proceed to the next point. |
| "this matters because..." | Delete. Let the argument show why. |
| Banned | Action |
|---|---|
| "Great question!" | Delete. |
| "Excellent question!" | Delete. |
| "Absolutely!" | Delete. State affirmation naturally. |
| "Certainly!" | Delete. Just answer. |
| "I'd be happy to help!" | Delete. Just help. |
| "I hope this helps!" | Delete. |
| "Let me know if you need anything else." | Delete. |
| "Would you like me to elaborate?" | Delete. |
| "You're absolutely right!" | Delete. Say "Yes" or "Right." |
| "That's a great point!" | Delete. Engage with the point. |
| "As of my last training update..." | Delete. State the fact. |
| "Based on available information..." | Delete. State the information. |
| "I hope this email finds you well" | Delete. Start with the purpose. |
| Banned | Replacement |
|---|---|
| "Let's face it..." | Delete. State the reality. |
| "But let's get real..." | Delete. State the reality. |
| "What does this mean for you?" | Delete. Explain the impact directly. |
| "Not all [X] are created equal." | Delete. Describe the differences. |
| "The good news?" | Delete. Just give the news. |
| "The real unlock" | Delete. Name the actual insight. |
| "[Problem]? Meet [solution]." | Delete. Describe the solution. |
| "It's time to..." | Delete. State what should happen. |
| "Why it matters..." | Delete. Explain why directly. |
| "Here's what you need to know..." | Delete. Just state it. |
| "Do X, so you can Y" | Rewrite as a normal sentence. |
These create false drama. State the point directly.
| Pattern | Problem |
|---|---|
| "Not because X. Because Y." | Telegraphed reversal |
| "[X] isn't the problem. [Y] is." | Formulaic reframe |
| "The answer isn't X. It's Y." | Predictable pivot |
| "It feels like X. It's actually Y." | Setup/reveal cliche |
| "The question isn't X. It's Y." | Rhetorical misdirection |
| "Not X. But Y." | Mechanical contrast |
| "It's not this. It's that." | Same formula |
| "stops being X and starts being Y" | False transformation |
| "doesn't mean X, but actually Y" | Negation-then-assertion |
| "is about X but not Y" | False distinction |
| "not just X but also Y" | Additive hedge |
Fix: State Y directly. "The problem is Y." Drop the negation.
Listing what something is not before revealing what it is.
| Pattern | Problem |
|---|---|
| "Not a X... Not a Y... A Z." | Dramatic buildup through negation |
| "It wasn't X. It wasn't Y. It was Z." | Same structure, past tense |
Fix: State Z. The reader doesn't need the runway.
Sentence fragments for emphasis read as manufactured profundity.
| Pattern | Problem |
|---|---|
| "[Noun]. That's it. That's the [thing]." | Performative simplicity |
| "X. And Y. And Z." | Staccato drama |
| "This unlocks something. [Word]." | Artificial revelation |
Fix: Complete sentences. Trust content over presentation.
These announce insight rather than deliver it.
| Pattern | Problem |
|---|---|
| "What if [reframe]?" | Socratic posturing |
| "Here's what I mean:" | Redundant preview |
| "Think about it:" | Condescending prompt |
| "And that's okay." | Unnecessary permission |
Fix: Make the point. Let readers draw conclusions.
Giving inanimate things human verbs.
| Pattern | Problem |
|---|---|
| "a complaint becomes a fix" | The complaint did nothing. Someone fixed it. |
| "a bet lives or dies in days" | Bets don't have lifespans. Someone decides. |
| "the decision emerges" | Decisions don't emerge. Someone decides. |
| "the culture shifts" | Cultures don't shift on their own. People change. |
| "the conversation moves toward" | Someone steers. |
| "the data tells us" | Someone reads data and draws conclusions. |
| "the market rewards" | Buyers pay for things. |
Fix: Name the human. "The team fixed it" beats "the complaint becomes a fix."
Every sentence needs a subject doing something.
| Pattern | Fix |
|---|---|
| "X was created" | Name who created it |
| "It is believed that" | Name who believes it |
| "Mistakes were made" | Name who made them |
| "The decision was reached" | Name who decided |
| Pattern | Fix |
|---|---|
| Sentences starting with What, When, Where, Which, Who, Why, How | Restructure. Lead with subject or verb. |
| Paragraphs starting with "So" | Start with content |
| Sentences starting with "Look," | Remove |
Wh- openers become a crutch. "What makes this hard is..." becomes "The constraint is..."
Words to watch: stands/serves as, is a testament/reminder, vital/significant/crucial/pivotal role, underscores/highlights importance, reflects broader, symbolizing enduring/lasting, contributing to, setting the stage for, marking/shaping, represents/marks a shift, key turning point, evolving landscape, focal point, indelible mark, deeply rooted
Fix: Remove puffery. State facts directly.
Words to watch: independent coverage, media outlets, written by leading expert, active social media presence
Fix: Cite specifics, not credentials.
Words to watch: highlighting/underscoring/emphasizing..., ensuring..., reflecting/symbolizing..., contributing to..., cultivating/fostering..., encompassing..., showcasing...
Fix: AI tacks present participle phrases for fake depth. Remove them.
Words to watch: boasts a, vibrant, rich (figurative), profound, enhancing its, showcasing, exemplifies, commitment to, natural beauty, nestled, in the heart of, groundbreaking, renowned, breathtaking, must-visit, stunning
Fix: Keep neutral tone. Describe, don't sell.
Words to watch: Industry reports, Observers have cited, Experts argue, Some critics argue, several sources
Fix: Name the source or delete.
Words to watch: Despite its... faces several challenges..., Despite these challenges, Challenges and Legacy, Future Outlook
Fix: State specific problems and actions taken.
AI replaces simple "is/are/has" with elaborate alternatives.
| AI Prefers | Human Writes |
|---|---|
| serves as a | is a |
| stands as a | is a |
| marks a | is a |
| represents a | is a |
| boasts | has |
| features | has |
| offers | has |
| showcases | has / shows |
| constitutes | is |
| embodies | is |
Fix: If you can replace it with "is," "are," or "has" without losing meaning, do it.
Turning verbs into abstract nouns buries the action.
| Nominalized | De-nominalized |
|---|---|
| "The implementation was completed" | "We implemented" |
| "An investigation was conducted" | "We investigated" |
| "There was an increase" | "More people joined" |
| "The evaluation revealed..." | "When we evaluated, we found..." |
| "The decision was made" | "We decided" |
| "Consideration should be given" | "Consider..." |
| "The establishment of" | "We formed" |
| "A reduction was achieved" | "We cut costs" |
| "There is a need" | "This needs" |
Detection: Look for -tion, -ment, -ance, -ence, -ity, -ness, -ism suffixes with "was/were/is/are."
AI defaults to multisyllabic Latin/French words. Prefer Anglo-Saxon.
| AI Prefers | Human Alternative |
|---|---|
| utilize | use |
| facilitate | help |
| implement | do, start, build |
| methodology | method |
| endeavour | effort, try |
| optimise | improve |
| leverage | use |
| comprehensive | full, complete |
| subsequently | then, later |
| commence | begin, start |
| terminate | end, stop |
| demonstrate | show |
| indicate | show, suggest |
| sufficient | enough |
| approximately | about, roughly |
| numerous | many |
| regarding | about |
| prior to | before |
| in order to | to |
| due to the fact that | because |
| at this point in time | now |
| encounter | find, hit, face |
| necessitate | need, require |
| elucidate | explain |
| ascertain | find out |
| constitutes | is |
| pertaining to | about |
| in the context of | in, for |
| individual (as noun) | person |
| attempt | try |
| prioritize | rank, focus on |
| functionality | feature |
| assist | help |
| purchase | buy |
| inquire | ask |
| reside | live |
| perspire | sweat |
| deceased | dead |
| fabricate | build, make |
| in the event that | if |
| has the ability to | can |
| make a decision | decide |
| conduct an investigation | investigate |
| give consideration to | consider |
| is indicative of | indicates |
| for the purpose of | to, for |
| a number of | several, many |
| a wide range of | many |
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| "In order to achieve this goal" | "To achieve this" |
| "Due to the fact that it was raining" | "Because it was raining" |
| "At this point in time" | "Now" |
| "In the event that you need help" | "If you need help" |
| "The system has the ability to process" | "The system can process" |
| "It is important to note that the data shows" | "The data shows" |
Statistical Targets:
- Nonfiction: Standard deviation of ~6 words per sentence (range 8-26)
- AI default (avoid): SD of ~2-3 words (nearly every sentence 15-20 words)
The 1-1-3 Rhythm: After two short sentences (under 8 words), deploy one long (25-35 words). Then break the pattern.
Distribution Targets:
| Length | Target % |
|---|---|
| 1-5 words | 10-15% |
| 6-14 words | 30-40% |
| 15-22 words | 30-35% |
| 23+ words | 15-20% |
Techniques:
- Fragment for emphasis. Use deliberately.
- Compound-complex after two short ones. Build momentum.
- Interrupt with an em dash -- creates spontaneity.
- Deploy the colon for punchlines: The result was clear: failure.
- Ask a question mid-paragraph. AI almost never does.
- Use a list within a sentence rather than spreading across balanced clauses.
Never open more than 2 of every 5 paragraphs with "The [noun]."
- Open with a verb: "Consider what happens..." / "Running those numbers revealed..."
- Open with a prepositional phrase: "Behind the data, a pattern emerged."
- Open with a dependent clause: "When the results came back, nobody celebrated."
- Open with dialogue: "'That can't be right,' she said..."
- Open with a number: "Forty-three percent quit within the first week."
- Open with contrast: "True, the prototype failed. But it failed in the right direction."
- Open with a question: "What happens when you double the dose?"
- Open with an adverb: "Quietly, the industry shifted."
- Open with a participial phrase: "Stripped of its jargon, the argument was simple."
- Open with time: "By Thursday, the project was dead."
- Open with an analogy: "Like sediment in a river, the errors accumulated."
- Open with a fragment: "Wrong." / "Not quite." / "A dead end."
Let content dictate length. One sentence for sharp points. Ten sentences for complex arguments. Never let all paragraphs cluster at 3-5 sentences.
The paragraph break itself is the transition. AI over-signals connections readers would make themselves.
For addition:
- "And" (starting a sentence is fine)
- "Also" (mid-sentence)
- "There's more to it."
- Just continue. No transition needed.
For contrast:
- "But" (starting a sentence is natural)
- "Still,"
- "Yet"
- "That said,"
- "Even so,"
- "Then again,"
- "The problem is..."
- "Except it didn't work."
For cause/effect:
- "So"
- "That's why..."
- "The result:"
- "Which meant..."
- "This broke everything."
For examples:
- "Take [specific case]."
- "Here's what that looks like:"
- "Say you're..."
- "[Name] found this out the hard way."
For emphasis:
- "The point is..."
- "What matters here:"
- "This is the part people miss."
- Repetition of a key word.
Name the actor. Make them do the thing.
| Passive | Active |
|---|---|
| "The experiment was conducted by the team" | "The team ran the experiment" |
| "It was determined that results were significant" | "The results were significant" |
| "Mistakes were made" | "We made mistakes" |
State what is, not what isn't.
| Negative | Positive |
|---|---|
| "He was not very often on time" | "He usually came late" |
| "did not remember" | "forgot" |
| "did not pay attention to" | "ignored" |
| "not important" | "trivial" |
| "did not have much confidence in" | "distrusted" |
| Vague | Specific |
|---|---|
| "A period of unfavorable weather set in" | "It rained every day for a week" |
| "He showed satisfaction" | "He grinned" |
| "Many factors played a role" | "Three factors drove it: cost, timing, opposition" |
| Inflated | Direct |
|---|---|
| "in order to" | "to" |
| "due to the fact that" | "because" |
| "at this point in time" | "now" |
| "it is important to note that" | (delete, state the thing) |
| "a number of" | "several" or the actual number |
| "in the event that" | "if" |
| "has the ability to" | "can" |
| "make a decision" | "decide" |
| "conduct an investigation" | "investigate" |
| "give consideration to" | "consider" |
| "is indicative of" | "indicates" |
| "for the purpose of" | "to" or "for" |
Match the formality level of the input. Don't impose a voice.
- Casual: Contractions, slang, short sentences.
- Academic: Longer sentences, technical terms, but avoid banned words.
- Business: Clear, direct, confident. No buzzwords.
- Creative: Fragments, imagery, subtext.
The rewrite should sound like the same person wrote it. Just better.
If the original contains opinions, humor, personal anecdotes, tangents, mixed feelings, or uncertainty, those are the most valuable parts. Protect them. Humanization means stripping the machine layer to reveal the person underneath.
Before:
"Here's the thing: building products is hard. Not because the technology is complex. Because people are complex. Let that sink in."
After:
"Building products is hard. Technology is manageable. People aren't."
Before:
"It turns out that most teams struggle with alignment. The uncomfortable truth is that nobody wants to admit they're confused. And that's okay."
After:
"Teams struggle with alignment. Nobody admits confusion."
Before:
"In today's fast-paced landscape, we need to lean into discomfort and navigate uncertainty with clarity. This matters because your competition isn't waiting."
After:
"Move faster. Your competition is."
Before:
"Speed. Quality. Cost. You can only pick two. That's it. That's the tradeoff."
After:
"Speed, quality, cost—pick two."
Before:
"What if I told you that the best teams don't optimize for productivity? Here's what I mean: they optimize for learning. Think about it."
After:
"The best teams optimize for learning, not productivity."
Before:
"The implementation of the new system was completed by the engineering team, resulting in significant improvements to the overall workflow efficiency."
After:
"The engineering team implemented the new system. Workflow efficiency improved."
Before:
"The Statistical Institute of Catalonia was officially established in 1989, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of regional statistics in Spain. This initiative was part of a broader movement across Spain to decentralize administrative functions and enhance regional governance."
After:
"The Statistical Institute of Catalonia was established in 1989 to collect and publish regional statistics independently from Spain's national statistics office."
Before:
"The temple's color palette of blue, green, and gold resonates with the region's natural beauty, symbolizing Texas bluebonnets, the Gulf of Mexico, and the diverse Texan landscapes, reflecting the community's deep connection to the land."
After:
"The temple uses blue, green, and gold colors. The architect said these were chosen to reference local bluebonnets and the Gulf coast."
Before:
"Nestled within the breathtaking region of Gonder in Ethiopia, Alamata Raya Kobo stands as a vibrant town with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty."
After:
"Alamata Raya Kobo is a town in the Gonder region of Ethiopia, known for its weekly market and 18th-century church."
Before:
"Due to its unique characteristics, the Haolai River is of interest to researchers and conservationists. Experts believe it plays a crucial role in the regional ecosystem."
After:
"The Haolai River supports several endemic fish species, according to a 2019 survey by the Chinese Academy of Sciences."
Before:
"Additionally, a distinctive feature of Somali cuisine is the incorporation of camel meat. An enduring testament to Italian colonial influence is the widespread adoption of pasta in the local culinary landscape, showcasing how these dishes have integrated into the traditional diet."
After:
"Somali cuisine also includes camel meat, which is considered a delicacy. Pasta dishes, introduced during Italian colonization, remain common, especially in the south."
Before:
"Gallery 825 serves as LAAA's exhibition space for contemporary art. The gallery features four separate spaces and boasts over 3,000 square feet."
After:
"Gallery 825 is LAAA's exhibition space for contemporary art. The gallery has four rooms totaling 3,000 square feet."
Before:
"It's not just about the beat riding under the vocals; it's part of the aggression and atmosphere. It's not merely a song, it's a statement."
After:
"The heavy beat adds to the aggressive tone."
Before:
"The event features keynote sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Attendees can expect innovation, inspiration, and industry insights."
After:
"The event includes talks and panels. There's also time for informal networking between sessions."
Before:
"The term is primarily promoted by Dutch institutions—not by the people themselves. You don't say 'Netherlands, Europe' as an address—yet this mislabeling continues—even in official documents."
After:
"The term is primarily promoted by Dutch institutions, not by the people themselves. You don't say 'Netherlands, Europe' as an address, yet this mislabeling continues in official documents."
Before:
- User Experience: The user experience has been significantly improved with a new interface.
- Performance: Performance has been enhanced through optimized algorithms.
- Security: Security has been strengthened with end-to-end encryption.
After:
"The update improves the interface, speeds up load times through optimized algorithms, and adds end-to-end encryption."
Before:
"Here is an overview of the French Revolution. I hope this helps! Let me know if you'd like me to expand on any section."
After:
"The French Revolution began in 1789 when financial crisis and food shortages led to widespread unrest."
Before:
"It could potentially possibly be argued that the policy might have some effect on outcomes."
After:
"The policy may affect outcomes."
Before:
"The future looks bright for the company. Exciting times lie ahead as they continue their journey toward excellence. This represents a major step in the right direction."
After:
"The company plans to open two more locations next year."
Before:
"The cross-functional team delivered a high-quality, data-driven report on our client-facing tools. Their decision-making process was well-known for being thorough and detail-oriented."
After:
"The cross functional team delivered a high quality, data driven report on our client facing tools. Their decision making process was known for being thorough and detail oriented."
If you have a writing sample from the author:
- Note sentence length patterns
- Word choice level (casual/academic)
- How they start paragraphs
- Punctuation habits
- Recurring phrases or tics
- How they handle transitions
Match this voice in your output.
- Read aloud. Mark where your voice falls into monotone. Rewrite.
- Circle first words. If >30% start with "The," "This," "It," rewrite openers.
- Highlight transitions. Delete half. Remaining should be implicit.
- Find sentences over 20 words. Can they split? Should they?
- Find sentences under 8 words. Do they punch?
- Search banned words. Replace every one. No exceptions.
- Count paragraphs. If same length, combine some, split others.
- Find the writer's opinion. If none, add one. Humans have opinions.
- The "First Google Result" test. What would a reader learn that they couldn't get from the first Google result?
Rate 1-10 on each dimension. Below 35/50 total = revise.
| Dimension | Question |
|---|---|
| Directness | Statements or announcements? |
| Rhythm | Varied or metronomic? |
| Trust | Respects reader intelligence? |
| Authenticity | Sounds human? |
| Density | Anything cuttable? |
| AI Pattern | Human Fix |
|---|---|
| Every sentence 15-20 words | Mix 3-word fragments with 30-word sentences |
| Passive voice default | Name the actor. Use active voice. |
| No contractions | Use "we've," "don't," "it's," "can't" |
| No sentence-initial conjunctions | Start with "And," "But," "So" |
| No fragments | Use fragments for emphasis |
| Elaborate verbs ("serves as") | Simple verbs: "is," "has," "shows" |
| Vague ("many studies") | Specific: "Three studies in 2024" |
| No sensory detail | Add what it smelled/sounded/felt like |
| No personal experience | Add specific anecdotes |
| No genuine uncertainty | "I'm not sure" is human |
| No mixed feelings | "I loved X but Y was confusing" |
| No humor | Even dry wit signals human |
| No opinions | State preferences. Commit. |
| No metacognitive reflection | "I changed my mind about..." |
- Vary sentence length ruthlessly. Target SD of 6+ words.
- Kill nominalizations. Find the hidden verb. Use it.
- Choose the short word. "Use" not "utilize." Anglo-Saxon over Latin.
- Delete transitions. If the reader can follow without "moreover," cut it.
- Open paragraphs differently every time. Track your first words.
- Omit needless words. Then omit more.
- Use active voice by default. Name the actor.
- Put the strongest word at the end. Last position carries most weight.
- Break a rule on purpose. One deliberate break per page.
- Never use a banned word. Not once. They are burned.