Why AI Still Can't Write Like a Human

When AI Tries to Write Grammar Books

At a time when skepticism runs high toward experts—from doctors to journalists—people are quick to accept claims from the AI industry. AI is hailed as a genius innovation that will change everything. Yet, there’s an uneasy truth beneath the hype: AI promises to replace many workers, including editors and writers.

To test how close this future might be, I asked ChatGPT to write a grammar book mimicking my style. The response was quick and confident, claiming it could channel my voice: fun, fierce, and friendly. But the results? A mix of smooth phrasing and glaring mistakes.

The Flaws in AI’s Grammar Writing

The AI started strong, opening with a sentence meant to be catchy: “Let’s face it: grammar has trust issues.” But that phrase doesn’t quite work. Saying grammar “has trust issues” implies grammar itself can’t trust others, which isn’t the intended meaning. The AI confused idiomatic expressions and misused phrases like “spoiler alert” and “we’ll admit,” creating awkward, illogical sentences.

Another problem was inconsistent voice. The AI shifted between plural and singular first-person pronouns (“we” and “I”) in a way that no single-author book would. It also tossed in strange metaphors, like calling verbs “the Beyonce of grammar,” without explanation. Some facts were flat-out wrong, such as labeling the verb “are” in “We are never getting back together” as a linking verb, when it’s actually an auxiliary verb.

Human Writers Still Lead

Midway through writing about AI’s grammar book attempt, I was assigned to revise a short video script written by AI. The task was to make it sound more natural. The script wasn’t just awkward—it was illogical and missed the point. It promoted an AI program that supposedly turns P.R. pitches into newspaper articles, ignoring journalism’s role in filtering and reporting facts. After rewriting it with clarity and focus, the editor’s feedback was clear: “Your version is SO GOOD.”

This episode highlights a key point: while AI can generate text, it lacks the judgment and insight a human writer brings. It can’t yet grasp nuance, context, or the deeper purpose behind communication.

What This Means for Writers

AI tools might help speed up certain tasks, but the core skills of good writing—critical thinking, clarity, and understanding the audience—remain human strengths. Writers should be aware of AI’s limitations and use it as a tool rather than a replacement.

For those interested in how AI intersects with writing and editing, exploring specialized training can be valuable. Platforms like Complete AI Training’s courses for writers offer practical insights on working alongside AI tools.

Bottom Line

When tech leaders hype AI as the next big thing, take a step back. AI-generated content can be impressive at first glance, but it often falls short on accuracy, coherence, and understanding. Human writers aren’t obsolete—they’re essential.

So the next time you hear AI is about to take over writing jobs, just remember: not today, Satan.