not-ai-writer

Scan any piece of content in under a minute using this rapid checklist:

1. Vocabulary Scan (10 seconds)

Search for these top AI red flags:

• delve, tapestry, symphony, realm, comprehensive, holistic
• If found → Replace with simpler, more natural alternatives

2. Transition Check (10 seconds)

Count formal transitions:

• moreover, furthermore, consequently, therefore, thus
• "It's important to note/remember/consider"
• If 3+ found → Streamline or remove

3. Structure Test (10 seconds)

Look at sentence lengths:

• Are they similar and predictable? Low burstiness = AI
• Do paragraphs follow identical patterns? Formulaic = AI
• Mix it up with short, long, and medium sentences

4. Voice Audit (20 seconds)

Check for personality:

• Any personal anecdotes or examples?
• Strong opinions or emotional resonance?
• Idioms, humor, or conversational phrasing?
• Generic statements → Inject specific perspective

5. Format Review (10 seconds)

Assess formatting patterns:

• Heavy reliance on bullet points?
• Every paragraph structured identically?
• Break up the monotony with varied formatting

Failed any check? Use the strategies below to fix it.

---

1. Vocabulary Red Flags

AI models consistently overuse specific words that rarely appear in human writing. These are the most suspicious.

Top 10 Dead Giveaways:

| AI Word | Use Instead | Example |

|--------|-------------|---------|

| delve | examine, explore, study, look into | "We examine the data" not "We delve into the data" |

| tapestry | mix, combination, blend | "A blend of techniques" not "A tapestry of techniques" |

| symphony | combination, working together | "Systems working together" not "A symphony of systems" |

| underscore | highlight, emphasize, show | "This highlights the problem" not "This underscores the problem" |

| meticulous | careful, thorough, detailed | "Careful analysis" not "Meticulous analysis" |

| realm | area, field, space, domain | "In this field" not "In this realm" |

| comprehensive | complete, full, thorough | "A full review" not "A comprehensive review" |

| holistic | complete, full, all-inclusive | "A full approach" not "A holistic approach" |

| intricate | complex, detailed | "Complex details" not "Intricate details" |

| impressively | notably, remarkably, very | "Notably effective" not "Impressively effective" |

Action Verbs to Avoid:

dive, unlock, unleash, harness, leverage, orchestrate, foster, elevate, align, bolster, burgeon, captivate, catalyze, compel, demystify, elucidate

Generic Adjectives to Replace:

significant, important, effective, essential, valuable, crucial, noteworthy

For complete vocabulary lists, see [VOCABULARY.md](references/VOCABULARY.md)

---

2. Formulaic Transitions

AI overuses formal transitional phrases, making text feel stiff and academic.

Overused Formal Transitions:

Additive: moreover, furthermore, in addition, additionally, also, likewise

Consecutive: consequently, therefore, thus, hence, as a result

Summative: in summary, in conclusion, overall, to summarize

Introductory: "It's important to note," "It's worth noting that," "Remember that"

Natural Alternatives:

• Let paragraphs flow without explicit transitions
• Use context and logic to connect ideas
• Start sentences with subjects or verbs
• Trust readers to follow your argument
• Use occasional simple transitions: "and," "but," "so"

Example:

```

AI: "The system is efficient. Furthermore, it is user-friendly. Therefore, we recommend it."

Human: "The system is efficient and user-friendly. We recommend it."

```

For more transition guidance, see [VOCABULARY.md](references/VOCABULARY.md)

---

3. Predictable Structure

AI-generated text shows low burstiness (sentence variation) and low perplexity (word unpredictability).

Signs of Low Burstiness:

• Sentences are similar in length (10-15 words each)
• Every sentence follows subject-verb-object pattern
• Paragraphs are structured identically
• No fragments or run-ons for effect

Quick Fixes for Sentence Variety:

1. Mix lengths deliberately: 3-word sentence → 25-word sentence → 8-word sentence
2. Start differently: Prepositions, verbs, clauses, adverbs
3. Use fragments intentionally: For emphasis. Like this.
4. Combine short sentences into flowing, complex ones
5. Break predictable patterns with unexpected phrasing

Before (low burstiness):

"The system is effective. It is important for users. It helps them work faster. The results are valuable."

After (high burstiness):

"This system works. When you need it most, it's there—transforming how users work, making the impossible possible. The results? Game-changing."

For detailed structure guidance, see [STRUCTURE.md](references/STRUCTURE.md)

---

4. Generic Voice & Tone

AI writing lacks personality, opinions, and authentic human voice.

Missing Personality Markers:

• No personal anecdotes or examples
• No strong opinions or emotional resonance
• No idioms, slang, or colloquialisms
• No humor or wit
• No cultural references or metaphors
• Excessive politeness and hedging

How to Inject Voice:

1. Share personal experiences relevant to the topic
2. Use contractions naturally: you're, can't, won't, it's
3. Include specific examples from real life
4. Express opinions confidently: not "It could be argued that"
5. Use idioms appropriately: hit the nail on the head, break a leg
6. Add humor when it fits: light jokes, playful phrasing
7. Be specific, not generic: actual numbers, real names, concrete details

Example:

```

AI: "It is important to note that the data suggests significant improvements."

Human: "The data blows me away—these improvements aren't just numbers, they're game-changers."

```

For voice development guidance, see [STYLE.md](references/STYLE.md)

---

5. Formatting Patterns

AI overuses structured formatting elements, creating a robotic feel.

Overused Patterns:

• Heavy reliance on bullet points and numbered lists
• Every paragraph structured identically (topic → support → summary)
• Excessive use of step-by-step formats
• Rigid, template-like organization
• Too many "key takeaways" and checklists

Natural Formatting:

• Use bullet points sparingly, only when truly needed
• Vary paragraph structures and lengths
• Break up content with subheadings, quotes, or highlighted text
• Let content flow organically without forcing structure
• Mix narrative with structured elements

---

The Personality Injection

Add authentic human personality to generic content.

Technique:

1. Find generic statements in your text
2. Replace with specific examples from your experience
3. Add contractions and conversational phrasing
4. Include a strong opinion or emotional reaction

Before:

"The course provides comprehensive instruction on holistic development methodologies. It is essential for professionals seeking to enhance their skills."

After:

"This course changed how I build software. After 10 years in the industry, I finally understood why my projects kept failing—and how to fix it. If you're serious about shipping better products, take this course."

Changes made:

• Added personal context (10 years experience)
• Replaced "comprehensive instruction" with specific benefit
• Replaced "essential" with direct recommendation
• Added conversational phrasing ("changed how I build")
• Injected opinion ("seriously about shipping better products")

---

The Sentence Variety Shake-Up

Create natural rhythm and flow in your writing.

Technique:

1. Highlight every third sentence
2. Rewrite those sentences to be noticeably different in length
3. Vary how sentences start
4. Add 1-2 intentional fragments for emphasis

Before:

"The API is easy to use. It provides comprehensive functionality. Developers can leverage it effectively. The documentation is impressive."

After:

"The API is easy to use. Really easy. While it handles just about everything you need, the beauty is in the simplicity—no complexity for complexity's sake. And the documentation? Actually helpful."

Changes made:

• "Really easy" (3 words) creates punchiness
• Combined sentences with varied structure
• Added fragment for emphasis ("And the documentation?")
• Conversational question format
• Removed AI words (leverage, comprehensive, impressive)

---

The Vocabulary Swap

Replace AI-favored words with natural alternatives.

Technique:

1. Search your text for AI red flag words (delve, tapestry, symphony, etc.)
2. For each match, ask: "Would I say this in conversation?"
3. Replace with simpler, more natural alternatives
4. Prioritize specific, concrete language over vague abstractions

Before:

"We must delve into the intricacies of this comprehensive tapestry to unlock its full potential and orchestrate meaningful outcomes."

After:

"Let's examine how these pieces fit together. When you understand the connections, you can make better decisions."

Changes made:

• delve → examine
• intricacies → (removed, implied)
• comprehensive tapestry → how these pieces fit together
• unlock potential → make better decisions
• orchestrate meaningful outcomes → (removed, implied)

Note: The human version is 57% shorter (11 words vs 19 words). AI padding adds unnecessary complexity.

---

The Transition Naturalizer

Remove stiff transitions and let ideas flow.

Technique:

1. Circle every transition word (moreover, furthermore, therefore, etc.)
2. For each one, ask: "Does this add value or just fill space?"
3. Delete unnecessary transitions
4. When needed, replace with simple connectors (and, but, so)

Before:

"The system is scalable. Furthermore, it is user-friendly. Additionally, it is cost-effective. Therefore, we recommend it for enterprise deployment."

After:

"The system scales effortlessly, remains user-friendly even as it grows, and costs less than competitors. For enterprise deployments, it's the clear choice."

Changes made:

• Removed furthermore, additionally, therefore
• Combined related ideas into flowing sentences
• Used natural connectors (and, even as)
• Added direct opinion ("clear choice")

---

Example 1: Blog Post Introduction

AI Version:

"In today's digital landscape, it is important to understand the comprehensive nature of cybersecurity. This multifaceted realm encompasses various critical aspects that organizations must meticulously consider. Moreover, the evolving threat landscape necessitates a holistic approach to safeguarding digital assets."

Human Revision:

"Cybersecurity keeps me up at night. Last month, a friend's startup lost everything in a ransomware attack—not because they were careless, but because they missed one basic security setting. That's the scary reality: most breaches aren't sophisticated hacks. They're simple, preventable failures."

What changed:

• Removed: comprehensive, multifaceted, realm, meticulously, holistic, moreover (6 AI markers)
• Added: Personal story, specific details, emotional resonance, direct language
• Voice: Conversational, opinionated, authentic human concern
• Structure: Varied sentence lengths, natural flow

---

Example 2: Professional Email

AI Version:

"Dear Team, I am writing to inform you that the project has reached significant milestones. Furthermore, it is important to note that the collaboration has been exemplary. Consequently, we should leverage this momentum to propel us toward successful completion. Best regards, Alex"

Human Revision:

"Hi team, Big news: we hit our major targets ahead of schedule. The way everyone's been working together? Exactly what I hoped for when we started this project. Let's keep this energy up and push through the final stretch. Thanks for all the hard work—Alex"

What changed:

• Removed: significant, furthermore, important to note, exemplary, consequently, leverage, propel
• Added: Conversational opener, direct enthusiasm, specific praise, authentic sign-off
• Tone: Warm, genuine, human-to-human rather than corporate-speak
• Structure: Natural sentence breaks, varied lengths

---

Example 3: Technical Documentation

AI Version:

"This API provides comprehensive functionality for data manipulation. It encompasses intricate methods that enable users to harness the full potential of their datasets. The meticulous design ensures optimal performance across various use cases."

Human Revision:

"This API handles everything you need to work with data. Filter, sort, transform—whatever you need to do, there's a method for it. We built it to be fast even with large datasets, so you can process millions of records without performance issues."

What changed:

• Removed: comprehensive, intricate, harness, meticulous, various
• Added: Concrete examples (filter, sort, transform), specific context (millions of records), direct language
• Clarity: Simple explanations instead of abstract descriptions
• Structure: Varied sentences, natural flow, technical accuracy without jargon

---

"But I need to sound professional"

Professional ≠ robotic. Clear, direct, respectful language is professional. Words like "delve" and "tapestry" aren't professional—they're pretentious. The most respected writing is simple and authentic.

Fix: Use plain language. Say what you mean directly. Respect your reader's intelligence by not hiding behind buzzwords.

---

"I'm writing academic content"

Academic writing is tricky because it follows formal conventions that overlap with AI patterns. However, academic writing should still be specific, not vague.

Acceptable in academic writing:

• Some formal transitions (but not excessive)
• Technical vocabulary when appropriate
• Structured argumentation

Avoid in academic writing:

• Grandiose vocabulary (tapestry, symphony, realm)
• Formulaic paragraph structure
• Vague generalities instead of specific claims
• Over-hedging (it could be argued that, it's important to note)

For specialized academic guidance, see [ACADEMIC.md](references/ACADEMIC.md)

---

"My content was flagged as AI"

If your authentic content was flagged, you may need to add more distinctive human elements:

1. Add specific examples from your experience or knowledge
2. Include a personal story relevant to the topic
3. Express clear opinions with confident language
4. Use sentence fragments for emphasis (like this)
5. Add contractions and conversational phrasing
6. Include cultural references or specific domain knowledge
7. Share strong emotions or reactions

AI detectors are imperfect. Human reviewers can usually recognize authentic human writing even when detectors flag it.

---

"How do I know if I went too far?"

Balance is key. Too casual can be inappropriate in formal contexts. Too formal sounds robotic.

Signs you went too far casual:

• Slang or idioms inappropriate for the audience
• Overly emotional language
• Lack of necessary structure
• Confusing rather than clear

Signs you're still too formal:

• Words you'd never say in conversation
• Every sentence follows the same pattern
• No personal examples or opinions
• Transition words in every other sentence

Rule of thumb: Write like you're explaining to a smart colleague you respect. Professional but not pretentious. Clear but not robotic.

---

"Can I use AI at all?"

Yes. AI can help with:

• Generating ideas and outlines
• Research and fact-finding
• Drafting content that you then revise
• Editing and proofreading

Ethical use: Always add your own voice, examples, and perspective. AI should assist, not replace, your thinking. Treat AI drafts as starting points that require substantial human revision to sound authentic.

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Progressive disclosure—dive deeper when you need specific guidance:

• [Quick Start Checklist](references/QUICK_START.md) - 10-minute content review workflow
• [Complete Vocabulary Guide](references/VOCABULARY.md) - 200+ AI words with natural alternatives
• [Structure & Flow](references/STRUCTURE.md) - Master burstiness and perplexity for natural rhythm
• [Voice Development](references/STYLE.md) - Build authentic writing personality and tone
• [Before/After Examples](references/EXAMPLES.md) - 20+ transformation examples across writing types
• [Academic Writing](references/ACADEMIC.md) - Specialized guidance for scholarly content

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This skill is based on comprehensive research analyzing AI-generated content markers from 47 sources including:

• 2024 PubMed study on AI vocabulary overuse
• Academic research on burstiness and perplexity
• Industry analysis from AI detection companies
• Community insights from writing professionals

See research findings at .search-data/ai-content-markers.md for complete source list and methodology.

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Remember: The goal isn't to trick detectors or sound unlike AI. The goal is to sound authentically, unmistakably human. Write with specific examples, genuine personality, and natural language. That's what great writing has always been about.