Eliminate AI-generated writing patterns that erode reader trust. Activate when writing articles, documentation, press releases, or any content where AI patterns would undermine credibility. Essential for journalists using AI assistance who need human-sounding output.
Good writing is invisible. If readers notice the writing style, it's distracting from the content. AI patterns are noticeable—they break trust.
| Word | Why it's bad | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| delve | AI signature word | explore, examine, look at |
| realm | Pretentious | area, field |
| tapestry | Purple prose | (delete entirely) |
| landscape | Corporate speak | situation, environment |
| leverage | Jargon | use |
| utilize |
| Jargon |
| use |
| robust | Meaningless | strong, reliable |
| seamless | Almost always false | smooth, easy |
| comprehensive | Rarely necessary | full, complete |
| cutting-edge | Cliché | modern, new |
| holistic | Corporate | complete, full |
| synergy | Corporate | (delete, rewrite) |
| paradigm | Overused | model, approach |
| empower | Vague | (be specific about what capability) |
| innovative | Empty praise | (describe what's new) |
| transformative | Hyperbolic | changed, improved |
| rich | (as modifier) | (delete or be specific) |
| If you wrote | Write instead |
|---|---|
| utilize | use |
| facilitate | help |
| implement | build, add, create |
| leverage | use |
| functionality | feature |
| methodology | method |
| in order to | to |
| due to the fact that | because |
| at this point in time | now |
| a large number of | many |
| in the event that | if |
| prior to | before |
| subsequent to | after |
| in close proximity to | near |
| has the ability to | can |
Always use sentence case for headings, not title case.
| Wrong | Right |
|---|---|
| Getting Started With Your Project | Getting started with your project |
| How To Use The Tool | How to use the tool |
| Best Practices For Journalism | Best practices for journalism |
❌ "This isn't just a news story—it's a wake-up call" ❌ "This wasn't just a press conference—it was a turning point"
✅ State the thing directly without dramatic framing
❌ "This fundamentally transforms how newsrooms operate" ❌ "This represents a fundamental shift in journalism"
✅ Describe the actual change without hyperbole
❌ "A bombshell revelation" ❌ "A major milestone" ❌ "A groundbreaking investigation"
✅ Let the facts speak. Readers judge significance.
❌ "With that in mind..." ❌ "Building on this foundation..." ❌ "Taking this a step further..."
✅ Just make the next point
AI slop:
In today's rapidly evolving media landscape, it's crucial to understand the multifaceted nature of AI tools. Let's delve into how these robust solutions can help journalists leverage cutting-edge technology.
Human writing:
AI tools do three things well: drafting, research, and analysis. Here's when to use each.
AI slop:
The city council meeting was a comprehensive and transformative discussion that fundamentally addressed key issues affecting residents in a meaningful way.
Human writing:
The city council voted 5-2 Tuesday to raise property taxes by 3 percent.
AI slop:
In the rich tapestry of American journalism, few stories are as compelling as the one about to unfold. This isn't just a profile—it's a journey into the heart of what makes local news truly matter.
Human writing:
Maria Rodriguez has published a newspaper for 47 years. She's never missed an issue.
AI slop:
Moving forward, stakeholders must leverage innovative approaches to navigate the challenging landscape of digital transformation in the journalism ecosystem.
Human writing:
Local papers that want to survive need to find digital revenue. Most haven't.
Read your text aloud. Does it sound like:
Search your text for:
Found any? Your writing needs another pass.
Before accepting any AI-assisted text, ask:
Remember: If readers think "AI wrote this," you've already lost their trust.
Good writing is invisible. If readers notice the writing, it's getting in the way of the content.