Words that make writing sound like AI, and what to use instead
Language models have favorite words. Some, like "delve" and "tapestry", became running jokes because they appeared so often in generated text. Others are ordinary business words that models simply overuse.
One of these words won't make your writing look generated. A cluster of them will. Use this list as an editing checklist: when you see several in one paragraph, swap them for the plain alternative.
Verbs models overuse
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| delve into | look at, dig into, cover |
| leverage | use |
| utilize | use |
| unlock | get, open up, make possible |
| elevate | improve, raise |
| harness | use, put to work |
| foster | build, encourage |
| empower | let, help |
| streamline | simplify, speed up |
| navigate | deal with, work through |
| embark on | start |
| underscore | show, highlight |
| revolutionize | change |
Adjectives that add nothing
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| seamless | smooth, or say what doesn't break |
| robust | reliable, strong, or the actual spec |
| cutting-edge | new, or name the technology |
| comprehensive | complete, full, or cut |
| pivotal / crucial | key, important, or cut |
| transformative | say what changes |
| unparalleled | cut, or give the comparison |
| meticulous | careful |
| vibrant / bustling | describe what you saw |
| ever-evolving | changing |
| invaluable | useful, or say how |
Nouns and metaphors
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| tapestry | mix, range |
| landscape | market, field, situation |
| realm | area, field |
| journey | process, the last year, what happened |
| testament to | shows, proves |
| game-changer | say what it changes |
| synergy | say what works together |
| paradigm | model, approach |
| myriad | many |
Phrases and sentence starters
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| In today's fast-paced world | cut it |
| It's important to note that | cut it and make the point |
| It's worth noting | cut it |
| When it comes to | for, with, or cut |
| Plays a crucial role in | helps, matters for |
| A wide range of | many, or list them |
| Whether you're a … or a … | name your actual reader |
| Look no further | cut it |
| Dive deep / deep dive | look closely, a detailed look |
| At the end of the day | cut it |
| Furthermore / Moreover / Additionally | usually cut; "also" if needed |
| In conclusion / Overall | end with a next step instead |
It's the pattern, not the word
Every word here is a real word that people use. What makes text read as generated is density and combination: three stock words in a paragraph, every sentence opening with a transition, and no specifics anywhere. Swapping vocabulary helps, but the bigger wins come from varying sentence length and adding concrete details, covered in our guide on how to make AI writing sound human.
Find them automatically
Plainspoke's checker highlights stock phrases and the other patterns behind them, like flat rhythm and stacked transitions, and explains each flag. You can check a draft on the home page without an account.
Frequently asked questions
What words does ChatGPT overuse?
Common examples include "delve", "tapestry", "seamless", "leverage", "unlock", "elevate", "robust", "pivotal", "foster" and phrases like "it's important to note" and "in today's fast-paced world".
Does using the word "delve" mean something was written by AI?
No. Any single word is weak evidence. What stands out is a cluster of these words together with uniform sentence rhythm and no specific details.
How do I remove AI-sounding words from my writing?
Search your draft for the words on this list, replace each with the plain alternative or cut it, and then vary your sentence length and add one concrete detail per paragraph.
Keep reading
How to make AI writing sound human: 12 edits that actually work
Twelve concrete edits, from fixing sentence rhythm to cutting stock phrases, with before-and-after examples.
Why AI detectors flag human writing, and what to do about it
How detectors actually work, why careful human writers get flagged, and what to do if it happens to you.