Here are some of the dead giveaways that tell me ChatGPT (or a similar tool) was behind the text:
1. “In conclusion…”
While this phrase might seem harmless, it’s a favorite of AI-generated content. Human writers often wrap up their thoughts more naturally or creatively. ChatGPT, on the other hand, frequently defaults to “in conclusion” as a tidy signal to the reader that the piece is ending.
Pro tip: If you’re wrapping up a piece, opt for a compelling final sentence or a thought-provoking question instead of overused signposts like this.
2. Repetition of Ideas
AI models sometimes circle back to the same points, phrased slightly differently, especially in longer pieces. This redundancy stems from the chatbot’s attempt to ensure clarity but can come across as filler content.
Pro tip: Review your work to ensure every sentence adds value. Cut out anything that feels repetitive or unnecessary.
3. Excessive Hedging
Phrases like:
- “It is worth noting that…”
- “While it may be argued…”
- “Some people believe that…”
These constructions often signal AI-written text trying to sound balanced or nuanced. While they aren’t inherently bad, their overuse can dilute the writer’s authority.
Pro tip: Take a stance. Confidence in your assertions makes your writing stronger and more engaging.
4. Overly Polished and Neutral Tone
ChatGPT has a knack for sounding professional—sometimes too professional. The tone can feel overly formal or devoid of personality, making it clear that a machine, not a human, authored the piece.
Pro tip: Inject your personality into the writing. Use colloquialisms, anecdotes, or unique phrasing to make it sound like you.
5. Long-Winded Introductions
AI often begins with overly broad statements like:
- “Throughout history, humans have always…”
- “In today’s fast-paced world…”
These generic openings are designed to buy time while narrowing down the topic, but they can feel unoriginal and uninspired.
Pro tip: Dive straight into the heart of your topic to hook the reader from the start.
6. Flawless Grammar but Odd Phrasing
AI-generated text often has impeccable grammar, but the phrasing can feel robotic or slightly off. For instance:
- “This underscores the importance of…”
- “It is imperative to understand that…”
While correct, these phrases might not align with how a human writer would naturally express the same ideas.
Pro tip: Read your text aloud. If it sounds unnatural, rewrite it.
7. Formulaic Sentence Structures
ChatGPT tends to stick to a predictable rhythm:
- Complex sentence.
- Simple sentence.
- Complex sentence.
This lack of variety can make the writing feel mechanical.
Pro tip: Vary sentence length and structure to keep your writing dynamic and engaging.
8. Absence of Originality
AI-generated content often lacks fresh insights, anecdotes, or bold opinions. While it excels at summarizing information, it rarely provides unique perspectives.
Pro tip: Add your voice, experiences, or original takes to elevate the writing beyond what AI can deliver.
Final Thoughts
AI writing tools like ChatGPT are incredible assets, but they’re not perfect. By recognizing these common patterns, you can refine AI-generated drafts and make them indistinguishable from human writing—or avoid the telltale signs altogether.
Remember, the best writing combines the efficiency of AI with the authenticity and creativity only a human can provide.
What’s your take on AI-generated writing? Let me know in the comments!
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