Words That Scream AI's Hand in Writing and how to avoid them

Partha has written about words that scream AI content, and I am going to give you a list of words you should avoid. This is my exclusion list, but it may well contain some of his words.

Many of us write 5000+ words a day. We don;t just write we are also voracious readers. I personally read about 7 books a month every month. It would be fair to say I live a life immersed in the words. The words and meaning behind them are important. They come from the Greek word logos, which means “reason” or “plan.” In ancient Greek philosophy, the divine reason is implicit in the cosmos, ordering it and giving it form and meaning.

This is a weighty meaning, and because we all read and write extensively, we have a feel for the written word. In other words, we can recognize the words that AI spits out as part of its text. We get that because we understand the written word translated from the spoken word.

Through trial and error, I have found out how to instruct AI to sound more human. Obviously, the first instruction is to vary the length of the sentences. From that, I have developed two lists of words, one to be included. These are transition words, and there is also a list to be excluded.

I believe we can have interesting, captivating content from AI if we instruct it sensibly.

My number one Pet Peeve Word

1. Tapestry/A tapestry of…

Example: “Knowledge graphs leverage semantic relationships, transforming data into a rich tapestry of interconnected knowledge.”

Actually, this example contains two words: Tapestry and transformative. Who the hell says transformative?

AI giveaway:

Not quite sure why AI loves the word tapestry. Actually, I have just asked it why

, and this is its reply.

1. Rich Imagery: The term "tapestry" conjures vivid images of intricate, colorful weavings. In writing, it's used metaphorically to suggest something that is complex, detailed, and carefully constructed, much like a literal tapestry.
2. Symbolism: A tapestry can symbolize the weaving together of different elements, such as stories, characters, or themes, into a cohesive whole. This makes it a powerful metaphor in creative writing.
3. Versatility: It's a versatile word that can be applied in various contexts, whether you're discussing the complexity of a story, the richness of a cultural heritage, or the diversity of experiences in human life.
4. Sensory Appeal: "Tapestry" appeals to the senses – it's not just something you see, but something you can almost feel. This sensory aspect enhances descriptive writing.
5. Literary Tradition: The word has a long-standing tradition in literature and is used by many renowned authors to convey depth and complexity. This historical usage gives it a certain gravitas and familiarity in literary contexts.

Remember, while "tapestry" is a beautiful and useful word, like any stylistic device, it's most effective when used judiciously and in the right context. Overuse of any term or metaphor can lessen its impact.

Now, I also hate colons in AI titles. My philosophy is that George Orwell never used them, but Martin Luther did, often. I haven't read George Orwell in forty years, but I would bet my life that his understated, simplistic writing style never once used the word " tapestry. " That alone is good enough for me.

Anything that is connected doesn’t have to be a “tapestry” of anything. Sometimes, things are simply related without being woven into a tapestry,

Edit: Remove or rephrase. Add it to your exclude list

Transformative

Example

"The journey through the dense forests of the Amazon was not just a physical challenge; it was a transformative experience. Each step taken on the moist earth, each night spent under the vast, starlit sky, peeled away layers of my urban façade. I found myself immersed in the raw simplicity of nature, where the complex web of city life held no sway. This expedition didn't just change my perspective on the environment; it transformed my understanding of myself, revealing a resilience and a connection to the earth I never knew I possessed."

The word transformative does not change the world or alter someone's perception of it. No, I haven't asked AI why it loves it; I will leave that to you.In the example above, you can just remove it; it adds nothing to the text. It becomes more prosaic when you remove it, but hey, if you must use a word, ask AI to write it in plainer language without the hyperbole.

Foster/fostering

Example

Her years of volunteering at the animal shelter were not only about caring for the animals but also fostering a deeper sense of community and compassion among everyone involved.

.The word has its uses if you are talking about looking after children on a long or short-term basis. I think when AI uses it, it is because it lacks descriptive work like nurture or forges.

Think of X as

Example

Think of meditation as a gentle brook; it meanders through the mind, slowly smoothing out the jagged edges of stress and worry."

You don't have to instruct your readers to think; they are already reading what you have written. Just remove it. In the majority of cases, it is not necessary to highlight both parts of a sentence. If you use Grammarly Pro, you will have noticed that it always removes it.

The only way I might be tempted to use it is when two things are contradictory.

The movie not only received critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling but also, surprisingly, was a commercial failure at the box office.

Even though it is used for emphasis here, it is still clunky.

Like/Its like

"Listening to her grandmother's stories was like opening a treasure chest of the past, each tale shimmering with the luster of a long-lost world."

Listening to her grandmother's stories opened a treasure chest of the past, with each tale shimmering with the luster of a long-lost world.

It is an overused and repetitive simile.

More words that are a dead giveaway

1. Indeed, AI often uses this word for emphasis or transition, but it can feel formal or outdated in casual contexts.
2. Furthermore, This is a transition word that AI might use frequently in academic or formal writing, but it can make the text sound stilted.
3. Notwithstanding: This is a less common word in everyday language, and its use can signal a more formal or AI-generated style.
4. One might argue: AI often uses this phrase to present a hypothetical viewpoint or counterargument, but it can come across as overly formal or detached.
5. It is worth noting that thisinstead phrase is commonly used by AI to draw attention to a point, but it can be redundant or overly formal.
6. Pertaining to: AI might use this phrase instead of simpler alternatives like "about" or "regarding," which can make the text sound more complex or formal than necessary.
7. Utilize: AI often uses "utilize" instead of the simpler "use," which can make the writing seem more technical or jargon-heavy.
8. Insofar as: This is another formal phrase that AI might use to express a condition or degree, but it can make the sentence more complicated and harder to read.
9. Thus, AI frequently uses "thus" for conclusions or logical results, but in casual or modern writing, it can sound overly formal.
10. Ostensibly: This word, meaning apparently or purportedly, but perhaps not actually, is often used by AI to introduce an assertion, but it can be too formal or vague for some contexts.

Exclude list

Cracking

Crafting

Creating

Dleving

Embracing

Foster/Fostering

Like/It's like

Masterful

Mastering

Nuance

Tapestry.

Think of X as

Transformative

Unearthing

Unleashing

Unlocking

Unearthing

Unveiling

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