Exposing AI-Generated Content: A Professional Editor’s Guide to Spotting ChatGPT Writing

In a world racing toward reliance on artificial intelligence, tools like ChatGPT have become double-edged swords: they simplify creative work but also threaten to flood content with low-quality material that devalues the reader. As a professional editor, I recently faced a wave of fully AI-generated articles on a platform I oversee. The result? A drastic drop in engagement and reader complaints about a "robotic tone" suffocating the authenticity of the words.

In this article, I’ll reveal the five phrases that signal ChatGPT use and share practical tips for leveraging AI intelligently without sacrificing content quality.

1. "According to Sources…": The Most Overused AI Giveaway!

When you encounter phrases like:

"According to available sources, it is believed that…"

"Data suggests the possibility of…"

"It is generally known that…"

This is a red flag! ChatGPT overuses vague language to avoid accountability. A human editor states facts confidently, citing specific sources:

"A 2023 study published in Nature confirmed that…"

"Dr. Ahmed Ali, a digital marketing expert, stated that…"

Keyword: ChatGPT phrases – AI-generated writing – generic sources.

2. Repetitive, Run-On Sentences: When Text Loses Its Natural Rhythm

AI struggles with "textual rambling": long paragraphs devoid of commas or bullet points. Example:

"It is very important to consider the various factors that may affect the final outcome of the project while taking into account the potential challenges the team may face during implementation stages, which include…"

The Human Fix:

Break ideas into lively, concise sentences:

"Executing any project requires meticulous planning. But what about unexpected obstacles? Here are 3 challenges your team might face: [1]… [2]… [3]…"

3. Overly Formal Language: When Articles Read Like Government Reports!

AI-generated content often lacks a human touch:

Repetitive terms like "furthermore," "moreover," "it is worth noting."

Overuse of passive voice: "It is recommended that measures be taken…" instead of "I advise you to take two steps…"

Style Comparison:

"This strategy can be applied to improve results." (ChatGPT)

"Try this actionable plan and watch your profits double in 60 days!" (Human writer)

4. Logical Inconsistencies: When the Conclusion Contradicts the Intro!

A major AI flaw is its inability to maintain logical coherence. Real example I encountered:

Paragraph 1: "TikTok marketing is essential for emerging brands."

Paragraph 4: "Experts advise avoiding TikTok in favor of more professional platforms."

How to Avoid This Trap:

Read the entire article as a casual reader before publishing.

Ask: "Does every paragraph serve the article’s core purpose?"

5. Fake Statistics: When Numbers Are Invented!

ChatGPT loves inventing convincing-sounding stats, like:

"78% of companies use AI in marketing."

But upon fact-checking, you’ll find no credible study backs this claim!

Fact-Checking Steps:

Search for the original source using Google with quotes (" ").

Use platforms like Statista or Google Scholar for verified data.

If no source exists, rephrase the statement without the percentage.

How to Use ChatGPT as an Assistant Without the "AI Smell"

I’m not asking you to abandon AI—harness it wisely. Here’s a practical plan:

Step 1: Treat It as a "Research Assistant"

Ask: "Provide 5 recent studies on social media’s impact on teen mental health."

Don’t use the results verbatim. Visit original sources and cherry-pick relevant data.

Step 2: Turn Dry Text into Compelling Stories

Paste ChatGPT’s output into tools like Hemingway Editor, then rewrite it in plain language. Example:

AI text: "Enhancing user experience contributes to higher conversion rates."

Human text: "Imagine your site visitor finding everything they need in one click… That’s the hidden power of user experience!"

Step 3: Infuse Articles with Your Unique Voice

Add:

Personal anecdotes: "In my first attempt at digital marketing, I made a costly mistake…"

Bold opinions: "In my view, most traditional SEO advice is now obsolete!"

Calls to action: "Tell me in the comments: What’s your biggest content-writing challenge?"

Conclusion: AI Won’t Steal Your Job… But Laziness Will!

The difference between a pro and an amateur isn’t the tools they use but how they wield them. ChatGPT can spit out 1,000 words in minutes, but one thoughtful sentence from a skilled writer leaves a deeper impact.

Before publishing your next article, ask:

Does this content reflect my unique voice?

Will readers feel they’re talking to a human?

Would I proudly put my name on this work?

If the answer is "yes," you’re on the right track.