You can tell when ChatGPT has written something, untouched by a human. It’s obvious in the rhythm and the tone. The good news is that it’s easy to fix. AI is a powerful writing tool. But to get something worth reading, you have to stop treating the first draft like a final product.
The Tell-Tale Signs
It’s easy to spot AI-generated copy when you know what to look for. Repeating patterns, overused structures, filler transitions, and a tone that feels more synthetic than sincere, will all poison your message. Here are the top five signs.
❌ The “Offensive Structure”
“It’s not just X… it’s also Y.”
This rhythm appears constantly. It’s AI’s favourite sentence skeleton.
❌ The Emdash Overload
Too many em dashes — especially used to stuff extra ideas — is a clear tell. Humans don’t format like this.
❌ Buzzword Soup
“Unlocking potential with transformative AI-driven solutions.”
Watch out for copy that’s crafted to sound intelligent or insightful but ultimately adds no value.
❌ Overly Polite Intros
“In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape…”
If it sounds like a LinkedIn post or an overwritten high school essay, it probably is.
❌ Predictable Transitions
“Furthermore… In conclusion… On the other hand…”
AI loves overused idioms. The tone is “business casual beige”, with no rhythm or voice.
How to Fix It
AI is a powerful tool, but too many people give up after a single prompt. Some take what the AI gives them and run with it. Others close the browser tab in frustration and tell their friends, “I tried AI but it doesn’t work.”
The key to success, in either case, is to keep prompting and bring humanity to the interaction. Here’s a simple process:
✅ Upgrade the Input
Most bad AI writing isn’t the model’s fault.If you ask, “Write a blog post about X,” you’ll get something generic. Instead, give it raw notes, a messy first draft, and examples of what “good” looks like, in your voice or for your audience.
✅ Cut the Fluff
AI loves a slow warm-up. Most first drafts start with a padded intro full of soft, polite framing. Cut it.
Your reader doesn’t need a recap of the state of technology. They need to get to the point.
✅ Rewrite the Robot Sentences
Look for structure patterns: the Offensive Structure, the generic buzzwords, or the soft verbs. Rephrase them with intent. Swap vague for specific. Replace flat rhythms with real momentum. Manually replace clichés or overused phrases with flourishes that make the writing uniquely your own.
Conclusion
AI is a co-writer, not a ghostwriter. Your taste, your choices, and your rhythm will make the words feel human. If your writing reads like a robot, that’s not AI’s fault. That’s just the first draft. Treat AI like a junior writer. Give it the tools to do good work, and then shape the result with your own voice and intent.
