/ai-writing-detox

name: ai-writing-detox
description: 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. For journalists using AI assistance who need human-sounding output.

AI writing detox

Good writing is invisible. If readers notice the writing style, it's distracting from the content. AI patterns are noticeable—they break trust.

When to use

• Writing or editing any journalism content
• Creating press releases or media advisories
• Drafting documentation or reports
• Writing social media posts
• Reviewing any AI-assisted text before publication

Banned words (delete or replace)

| 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 | | sophisticated | Vague filler | advanced, or describe what's complex | | leveraging | Corporate jargon | using | | ecosystem | Overused metaphor | system, environment | | rich | (as modifier) | (delete or be specific) | | over (for quantity) | AP rule | more than |

Banned phrases

Throat-clearing (delete entirely)

• "It's important to note that..."
• "In today's [X] landscape..."
• "Let's dive/delve into..."
• "Without further ado..."
• "In this article, we will..."
• "It's worth mentioning that..."
• "It goes without saying..."
• "As we all know..."

Empty hedges

• "To be fair..." / "To be honest..."
• "At the end of the day..."
• "When it comes to..."
• "In terms of..."
• "With respect to..."

AI enthusiasm

• "This is a game-changer"
• "...and that's a good thing!"
• "Here's the thing:"
• "...and that's okay!"
• "...and I'm here for it"

Corporate buzzwords

• "Moving forward..."
• "Going forward..."
• "At this point in time..."
• "Due to the fact that..."
• "In order to..."

Banned structures

Don't start sentences with:

• "So," or "Well,"
• "Now," (when not about time)
• "Look," or "Listen,"
• "Basically," or "Essentially,"

Don't end sentences with:

• "...right?"
• "...you know?"
• "...if you will"

The substitution table

| 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 |

Case sensitivity

**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 |

Journalism-specific patterns to avoid

"Not just X—it's Y" pattern

**Avoid:** "This isn't just a news story—it's a wake-up call" **Avoid:** "This wasn't just a press conference—it was a turning point"

**Do instead:** State the thing directly without dramatic framing

"Fundamentally transforms" pattern

**Avoid:** "This fundamentally transforms how newsrooms operate" **Avoid:** "This represents a fundamental shift in journalism"

**Do instead:** Describe the actual change without hyperbole

Inflated claims in reporting

**Avoid:** "A bombshell revelation" **Avoid:** "A major milestone" **Avoid:** "A groundbreaking investigation"

**Do instead:** Let the facts speak. Readers judge significance.

Empty transitions

**Avoid:** "With that in mind..." **Avoid:** "Building on this foundation..." **Avoid:** "Taking this a step further..."

**Do instead:** Just make the next point

"It's not about X, it's about Y" pattern

**Avoid:** "It's not about the technology, it's about the people" **Avoid:** "This isn't about clicks. It's about trust."

**Do instead:** State the actual point without rhetorical setup. The X-not-Y construction is the dominant 2025-2026 ChatGPT/Claude rhetorical signature.

Em-dash overuse between independent clauses

**Avoid:** "The vote was close — only three council members opposed it — but the measure passed." **Avoid:** "Reporters arrived early — the press conference was already underway."

**Do instead:** Use commas, periods, or semicolons. Em-dashes are fine in moderation; reflexive use across every paragraph is a tell.

"The reality is..." / "The truth is..." openers

**Avoid:** "The reality is, most newsrooms can't afford this." **Avoid:** "The truth is, readers don't trust anonymous sources."

**Do instead:** Just state the claim. The opener adds words and signals AI-generated framing.

Tricolon abuse (reflexive three-item lists)

**Avoid:** "Clear, concise, and compelling reporting." **Avoid:** "Trust is built through accuracy, transparency, and consistency."

**Do instead:** Use one or two specific points. Three-item parallel lists are an AI rhythm pattern that reads as filler when used reflexively.

Before and after examples

Example 1: General prose

**AI slop:** > In today's rapidly evolving media landscape, it's crucial to understand the multifaceted nature of AI tools. Let's delve into