And How to Fix Them So Your Writing Actually Sounds Like You
Let me set the scene: It’s 11 PM. I’m knee-deep in a manuscript, high on cold brew, when a sentence stops me dead:
"In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, it is imperative to leverage synergies..."
My editor Spidey-sense tingles. Not because it’s bad. Because it’s empty.
I’ve seen this ghostwriting epidemic explode. Clients send me "polished" drafts that feel like cardboard cutouts of human thought. ChatGPT? Great for structure. Terrible for soul.
After dissecting 500+ AI-assisted pieces, here’s what makes my red pen twitch—and how real writers dodge these traps:
1. "It is worth noting that..."
Why it’s a robot flag: Zero humans open beers and say this. It’s filler posing as depth.
Human fix: Cut it. Jump straight to the point: "Here’s why this matters:____"
2. "In an ever-changing world..."
Why it’s a robot flag: Vague, overused, and says nothing. The literary equivalent of elevator music.
Human fix: Get specific. "While TikTok reshapes teen attention spans..."
3. "Leverage" (as a verb)
Why it’s a robot flag: ChatGPT adores this corporate buzzword.
Human fix: Say what you mean. "Use TikTok trends," "exploit tax loopholes," "wield influence."
4. "Synergy", "Paradigm Shift", "Low-Hanging Fruit"
Why it’s a robot flag: These boardroom zombies still roam AI-generated content.
Human fix: Bury them. Replace with real action. Show results.
5. "Furthermore, it is evident that..."
Why it’s a robot flag: Avoids saying anything concrete. Academic filler from 1983.
Human fix: Connect like a human. "Here’s the kicker:____"
6. Over-explaining the obvious
Why it’s a robot flag: AI explains things like you’ve just landed from Mars.
Human fix: Assume intelligence. Mention Instagram without defining it.
7. Triple-adjective overload
Why it’s a robot flag: "Innovative, dynamic, groundbreaking solutions" = corporate soup.
Human fix: Pick the sharpest word. Or better: show the result.
8. No contractions
Why it’s a robot flag: Over-formality kills voice. Humans say "don’t," not "do not."
Human fix: Write like you talk. Read it aloud.
9. "As an AI..." disclaimers
Why it’s a robot flag: Lazy prompt leftovers. Your readers don’t need the disclaimer.
Human fix: Delete and own it. Start with experience: "From 10 years editing..."
10. Balanced, risk-free opinions
Why it’s a robot flag: "Some say X, others say Y..." is just hedging.
Human fix: Take a stand. Say what you believe—and back it up.
How to De-Robotize Without Losing AI’s Help
- Run the "Bar Test": Would you say this sentence over a drink?
- Hunt filter words: "I think," "it seems"—ditch them. Own it.
- Inject flawed humanity: Mention your dad’s barbecue fails or your ketchup phobia.
- Read it backward: Sentence-level editing works best out of context.
- Add something irrational: Let your obsessions leak into the page.
Editing isn’t about commas. It’s about finding the pulse beneath the words.
Your voice isn’t in the words—it’s in the cracks between them.
So use the bot. Then defy it.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to edit a CEO’s "thought leadership" piece that uses "leverage" six times. Pray for me.
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