5 Clear Signs That Content Was Written by AI, Not a Human

5 Dead Giveaways That You're Reading AI-Generated Content

AI writing tools have gotten impressively good. To most readers, it’s nearly impossible to tell if a piece was written by a human or a machine. But despite the polish, AI-generated writing still leaves behind distinct clues.

1. Buzzwords

Buzzwords can be useful, but when they appear in every sentence, they lose impact and start to feel artificial. AI writing often leans heavily on phrases like “treasure trove,” “streamline,” “seamless,” “maximize,” and “game-changer.” These expressions aren't wrong, but they’re overused to the point of sounding robotic.

That’s because AI models like ChatGPT learn from internet content, which is saturated with marketing speak. When you see sentences such as “Let’s delve into the intricacies of this seamless solution that will elevate your workflow,” it’s a sign the text might have been AI-generated.

2. Rhetorical Fragments

Rhetorical fragments—short phrases that pose a question or make a pointed statement—can add punch to writing. But AI tends to overuse them in a predictable pattern.

• “And what’s even worse? It’s making people lazy.”
• “The problem? Microsoft doesn’t do what it’s supposed to.”
• “The other thing? The whole compatibility mess.”
• “And another thing? AI is starting to sound more and more like everything else on the internet.”

These fragments are usually structured the same way, which can feel repetitive. A quick fix to make them sound more natural is replacing the question mark with “is” or “is that.”

3. Participial Add-Ons

Participial add-ons are when a sentence starts with one action, then adds a comma followed by a phrase explaining the result or effect. AI loves this structure, but it often makes sentences clunky.

Examples include:

• “The chart wizard generates trend lines, illustrating growth trajectories over time.”
• “The filter tool narrows down records, focusing on priority transactions in seconds.”
• “VBA macros automate repetitive tasks, boosting efficiency across large datasets.”
• “The pivot table groups entries by category, revealing spending patterns at a glance.”

Usually, the second part doesn’t add much that couldn’t be better connected with and. This forced pairing can make the writing feel mechanical rather than fluid.

4. Contrastive Redefinitions

Writers sometimes use a two-step sentence to create drama: first dismissing something as ordinary, then redefining it as extraordinary. The pattern looks like “This isn’t just X. It’s Y.” When used sparingly, it works well.

AI, however, overuses this construction, stripping it of impact. Examples from AI-generated text:

• “This isn’t linear evolution—it’s rhizomatic.”
• “Adriana isn’t the sum of her origins—she’s something new, forged in contradiction.”
• “The mix isn’t dilution. It’s transmutation.”
• “This isn’t just a career path—it’s a metamorphic trajectory.”
• “Your path isn’t just logistical. It’s ontological.”
• “Backing up your Gmail data isn’t just smart—it’s essential.”

When every sentence tries to be profound, the effect becomes hollow and the meaning gets lost.

5. Em Dash Splices

Em dashes are excellent for creating breaks in sentences and adding style. But AI tends to overuse them, turning them into a crutch.

In AI writing, you’ll often find em dashes popping up in nearly every other sentence, replacing commas or periods where simpler punctuation would work better. This flood of dashes makes the text feel choppy and hard to follow.

Remember, em dashes are most effective when used sparingly. Overuse dilutes their impact and signals that the content may be machine-generated.

Spotting AI-Written Text

None of these quirks alone guarantees a text was written by AI. Human writers sometimes slip into these patterns, too. But when you see multiple signs used oddly or excessively, it’s a strong hint you’re reading AI-generated content.

For writers looking to sharpen their skills in spotting and working alongside AI tools, resources like Complete AI Training offer practical courses that can help you adapt and thrive.