How Editors Instantly Recognize AI-Generator Writing

With AI writing tools like ChatGPT becoming more popular, editors can often spot when an article or essay has been generated by AI. While ChatGPT is great for structuring content, it tends to use specific phrases that make its origin obvious. As a professional editor, I’ve come across many telltale signs that a piece wasn’t written entirely by a human. Here are some of the most common phrases that signal AI involvement—and tips on how to make your writing sound more natural.

1. Overly Polished Yet Generic Introductions

AI-generated writing often starts with a smooth but generic opening. It tries to sound authoritative while avoiding real depth. Examples include:

• "In today's fast-paced world, [topic] has become more important than ever."

• "With the rise of [trend], it’s crucial to understand [topic]."

• "Throughout history, [topic] has played a significant role in shaping society."

These introductions feel polished but lack originality. A better approach is to start with a specific fact, statistic, or personal anecdote related to the topic.

2. Formulaic Transitions

ChatGPT frequently uses certain transition phrases that make writing sound robotic. Some of the most common ones include:

• "That being said…"

• "On the other hand, it’s important to note…"

• "Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that…"

While these transitions work grammatically, they often appear in a forced, predictable way. Instead, try varying your transitions with natural flow and contextual relevance. Example:

❌ "That being said, it is crucial to understand the implications of this issue." ✅ "But how does this actually impact our daily lives?"

3. Overuse of Passive Voice

AI-generated content often leans on passive voice, which makes writing sound detached or unnatural. Common phrases include:

• "It has been widely recognized that…"

• "Studies have shown that…"

• "It can be observed that…"

Passive voice can make sentences vague or overly formal. Instead, use active voice for clarity:

❌ "It has been widely recognized that exercise improves mental health." ✅ "Experts agree that exercise boosts mental health."

4. Redundant or Overused Phrases

ChatGPT sometimes includes unnecessary filler phrases that don’t add value. Some examples:

• "Needless to say…"

• "It goes without saying that…"

• "In conclusion, it can be said that…"

These phrases can usually be removed without affecting the meaning of the sentence. Instead of saying "Needless to say, drinking water is important," just say "Drinking water is important."

5. Awkward Formality & Repetitive Structure

ChatGPT tends to be overly formal and repetitive in structuring sentences. Some common signs include:

• "One must take into consideration…" (instead of "Consider")

• "The importance of [topic] cannot be overstated."

• "A variety of factors contribute to [issue], including…"

If your writing sounds too rigid, try simplifying your language and making it more conversational.

How to Make AI-Generated Writing More Human

If you use AI tools like ChatGPT to draft content, here are some ways to make your writing sound more natural:

✅ Personalize It – Add your own experiences, opinions, or unique insights. AI-generated text lacks personal voice, so make it yours.

✅ Vary Sentence Structure – AI often produces sentences with the same length and rhythm. Mix short and long sentences for a more engaging flow.

✅ Use Specific Details – Instead of generic statements, include real examples, case studies, or anecdotes to add authenticity.

✅ Edit Ruthlessly – After generating text, go through it critically. Remove redundant phrases, fix awkward transitions, and add natural expressions.

Final Thoughts

AI writing tools can be helpful, but they often leave clear traces behind. As an editor, I can spot AI-generated content by its overuse of generic phrases, passive voice, and rigid formality. The key to making AI-assisted writing more natural is editing with a human touch—injecting personality, simplifying language, and ensuring originality.

So, if you’re using AI to write, make sure to humanize your content before publishing!