Ever read an article and immediately known it was written with AI? Ever felt like you’re reading the same phrases over and over again in AI-generated content? Your favorite AI writing assistant has a favorite word list, too.
We all know that ChatGPT can be used as an AI writing assistant for quicker and effortless content creation. However, its text-generation capability becomes problematic when it repeatedly favors these 26 words and phrases at the expense of genuine communication.
Why AI Overuses Certain Words and Phrases
First things first, have you ever wondered why ChatGPT and other AI writing tools can’t get enough of certain words and phrases, as if there is no other option? The simplest answer is familiarity.
Artificial intelligence writing tools that are a transformer-based Large Language Model (LLM) usually stick with what’s familiar, the same way you use go-to phrases when talking to friends.
However, it can’t tell when to switch things up or get fancy— it simply predicts what’s most likely to work based on the context. So, if it picks up on a common phrase or term, it is probably going to use it regularly.
What are ChatGPT’s Favorite Words and Phrases?
Delve, tapestry, and navigate are just some of ChatGPT’s favorite words. Here is a closer look at each one:
Note: If you spot any of these words and phrases in an article or essay, it does not automatically mean the content is AI-generated. Once they pop repeatedly throughout the article, or if the word usage doesn’t fit the context, that’s the time you should be suspicious and rewrite.
1. Tapestry
You’ll come across the word tapestry when AI is describing something beautifully woven like artifacts. However, beyond its literal use, ChatGPT usually uses tapestry figuratively to refer to something consisting of complex interconnected parts.
For instance, ChatGPT might say, “Life is a tapestry of love, joy, sorrow, hardship, and laughter woven together” to create a visual image of life.
2. Delve
How many times have you come across the word delve in the introduction of AI-generated content? Once, twice, thrice, or too many to mention? Interestingly, OpenAI is aware of this favoritism because they even joked about it on X, saying, “Don’t mind me, just doing some delving today.”
3. Navigate/Navigating
When ChatGPT drops the word navigate, it’s usually about helping you figure your way through something. Whether it’s a tough topic, a tricky task, or how to survive Monday morning, ChatGPT can help you navigate it.
You’ll often see the phrase in AI-generated content when outlining steps or offering advice, like “How to Navigate Difficult Situations with Grace.”
Want to switch it up? You should try alternatives like “steer,” “guide,” “find your way,” or even “work through” to sound less robotic.
4. Nuanced/Nuances
One indicator of AI-generated content is the repeated use of the word nuance. You’ll see ChatGPT using it to point out subtle differences, explain a complex idea, or add a bit of depth to a topic.
5. Crucial
When ChatGPT wants to highlight a must-do task or a key point, it will probably toss in crucial to emphasize its importance. But let’s be real, crucial can sound robotic. To make your writing engaging and human, you should use synonyms such as “vital,” “key,” “essential,” or even “big deal.”
6. Unleash
Typically, ChatGPT uses unleash when it wants to dig deep into or let go of something, think “unleash your inner power” or “unleash yourself into the research.”
Now, I’ve probably used it a couple of times myself. But it’s best to look for other words to jazz it up. You could go with “release,” “unlock,” or even “set free” to get your point across in a natural way.
7. Underscores
ChatGPT loves to use underscores to emphasize important points, especially in formal or analytical contexts. To add a natural tone to your content, use alternatives such as “highlights,” “emphasizes,” or “shows.”
8. Intricate
AI commonly throws in the word “intricate,” especially when the topic is something fascinating or complex. Some relatable terms you can use in place of intricate are “complicated” or “detailed.”
9. Ensure
I bet you can’t read a full article written by AI without spotting the word ensure. You’ll typically find ensure hanging out in AI-generated content meant to inform, instruct, or persuade like news articles, how-to-guides, and more.
Since it is always overused, you can replace it with “make sure,” “guarantee,” or even “confirm” to sound authentic.
10. Multifaceted
AI typically uses multifaceted to describe something that can’t be neatly summed up with just one viewpoint. You don’t want to raise red flags that AI wrote your content, so consider synonyms such as “complex,” “layered,” or even “well-rounded” instead of multifaceted.
11. Drawing From
ChatGPT uses “drawing from” when referencing examples, pulling insights from history, or tying ideas together from different fields.
Instead of “drawing from,” use simpler phrases like “based on,” “inspired by,” or “using insights from” to sound natural.
12. Elevate
Elevate is ChatGPT’s favorite way to say “improve,” but it can sound overly dramatic in some contexts. ChatGPT often uses it in marketing content, motivational pieces, or anywhere improvements are discussed, such as “elevating your skills” or “elevating your brand.”
13. It’s Important to Note / It’s Important to Remember
AI loves to use this phrase when emphasizing a key takeaway or clarifying something, particularly in academic or instructional articles.
Instead of “It’s important to note that deadlines matter,” just say, “Deadlines matter.” Your readers will appreciate the directness.
14. In the World of
“In the world of” is how ChatGPT sets the stage for broad discussions or introducing niche topics, for example, “In the world of marketing” or “In the world of AI.”
Rather than “In the world of marketing, trends change fast,” say, “Marketing trends change fast.” It’s cleaner and skips the theatrics.
15. Unlock
While unlock sounds catchy, save it for moments where you’re genuinely revealing something transformative, not just stating the obvious. Some alternatives you can use in your copy to sound more authentic are “discover,” “access,” and “achieve.”
16. Hey There!
You’ve probably seen lots of casual blog posts, newsletters, or tutorials that start with “Hey there.” While the greeting helps set a casual tone, it has become monotonous. You want to skip this greeting and go straight into the content.
17. Take a Dive Into
Yet another phrase that shows up a lot in AI content, particularly when introducing a topic. Consider alternatives like “explore,” “examine,” or “take a closer look” when you want to discuss something worthwhile.
18. Let’s Dive In
If ChatGPT is not saying to “take a dive into,” it’s telling you “let’s dive in.” Related words you can incorporate into your writing to sound more natural and interesting include: “explore,” “unpack,” or “dig into.
19. Game Changer
You’ll see game changer popping up in all sorts of contexts to hype up anything from new tech to a fresh idea that could totally change the way things work.
I get it; sometimes a “game changer” is the perfect phrase, and you don’t want to skip it. But given how ChatGPT has made it a cliche, you’re better off reaching for its alternatives like “turning point,” “breakthrough,” or even “the next big thing.”
20. Let Us Embark On A Journey Of
This is another cliche introductory phrase that ChatGPT loves to throw around in the introduction. In place of this phrase, you can use simple, relatable phrases like “Let’s explore” or “Let’s take a closer look” unless you’re writing something intentionally poetic.
21. Foster/Fostering
When ChatGPT discusses growth or development, particularly in teamwork or relationships, it often turns to phrases like foster collaboration.
You can use alternatives like “encourage,” “build,” or “nurture.”
22. Unlock the Secrets
Who doesn’t love a good mystery? ChatGPT often promises to “unlock the secrets” of productivity, success, or cooking the perfect omelet. While it’s a catchy phrase, it’s also a bit overdone.
Instead of “unlock the secrets,” consider saying “learn the strategies,” “discover the techniques,” or “find out how.”
23. Revolutionize the Way
In almost every article I’ve created using ChatGPT on transformative or disruptive ideas or technologies, AI always includes revolutionize the way.
Some words that work as fantastic replacements for this phrase include “transform,” “change,” or “redefine.”
24. Shed Light
When ChatGPT wants to make something clear or explain something that needs extra attention, it uses the phrase shed light. If you want to change it, you can use alternatives such as “clarify,” “enlighten,” or “reveal.”
25. Convey
ChatGPT usually uses convey when it wants to communicate a message or express an idea. The word usually pops up in formal or reflective contexts. Some alternatives are “share,” “express,” or “communicate.”
26. Play a Significant Role/Play a Crucial Role
How does ChatGPT use the word role? Of course, it’s always play a significant role or play a crucial role. This phrase is common in contexts of leadership, technology, and teamwork. Its alternatives include “is essential,” “is key,” or “makes a big impact.”
5 Tips to Avoid AI Words and Phrases
While generative AI is helpful, it can sound repetitive and robotic. Here are some tips to make your AI content more human and authentic.
- Set the language: By default, AI uses formal language and terms, so to avoid terms synonymous with AI, ask it to prioritize a casual form of writing.
- Define your target audience: Aside from setting your preferred language, make sure to tell ChatGPT who your target readers are. Why? It makes sure that word choice and tone are aligned with your audience.
- Ask ChatGPT to avoid certain terms: Choose to omit certain buzzwords like delve, game changer, etc, that sound outright robotic. You should also avoid vague phrases and overusing qualifiers like very.
- Vary the sentence structure: AI-generated content leans towards repetitive patterns, which can make it sound monotonous. So, pair short, punchy sentences with longer, more descriptive ones.
- Add depth or personal experiences: The most sure way to avoid AI words is always to ask yourself, “Would I actually say this in conversation?” If not, it means your phrasing is awkward and reads like AI.
Say ‘No’ to Common AI Words and Phrases
Using ChatGPT can help you save time. However, certain words and phrases will make your writing generic or, worse, robotic. Got other AI buzzwords and phrases you’ve noticed? Drop them in the comments below; we’d love to hear from you!