We’ve all read content that feels a little off. The sentences are smooth, the grammar is correct, but something about it sounds oddly similar to the last 5 IG captions you’ve read.

AI can be a great helper for brainstorming and drafting, but when the text is left untouched, it leaves clues that make it sound flat or automated.

Here are seven dead giveaways that AI had more control over the keyboard than you did. P.s. once you see it you can never unsee it. I apologize in advance.

Pro Tip*** - Copy and paste this post into the AI you’re using and tell it to avoid these common Ai writing blunders.

1. “_____ that works as hard as you do.”

This line pops up in AI-generated copy constantly. It tries to sound motivating, but it feels like a template pulled from a stack of taglines.

Better approach:

Be specific about your value. For example, if you’re a website designer writing copy for your site → Instead of “A website that works as hard as you do,” you could say, “A website designed to book clients while you focus on what you do best.”

2. Overuse of the hyphen

AI loves a hyphen. It drops them into places that do not need them, making sentences feel choppy.

Better approach:

Replace them with clear sentence structure or use them very intentionally and sparingly. Your writing will feel smoother and more natural.

3. “No ____, just ____.”

This formula shows up everywhere in AI writing. “No jargon, just results.” “No stiff words, just a human touch.” It sounds catchy until you see it for the tenth time.

Better approach:

Rephrase in a way that feels fresh. For example, if you’re a photographer writing copy for your website → Instead of “No filler shots, just the moments that matter,” try, “Every image tells the story exactly as it should be remembered.”

4. Generic transitional phrases

AI loves to connect ideas with phrases like “Let’s explore,” “It is important to note,” or “On the other hand.” They read more like formal reports than real conversation.

Better approach:

Move directly into your point without formal filler. Short, direct transitions keep your writing sounding human.

5. Buzzword overload

AI leans heavily on vague buzzwords—“cutting edge,” “innovative,” “game changer.” They may sound impressive, but they rarely say anything concrete.

Better approach:

Swap buzzwords for specifics. Instead of “cutting edge design,” try, “design that attracts the right audience and makes it easy for them to take the next step.”

6. Metaphors that feel recycled

AI tends to use the same figurative language over and over—“a tapestry of ideas,” “a treasure trove of insights,” “in the realm of business.” These phrases lose their power because they are so common.

Better approach:

Create comparisons that feel true to your voice. Instead of “a treasure trove of insights,” say, “A focused collection of insights built to inform smart decisions.”

7. “Harness the power of”

This is an AI favorite for dramatic emphasis. It sounds big, but it rarely feels natural in everyday writing.

Better approach:

Replace it with clear, direct language. Instead of “Harness the power of strategic branding,” try, “Use branding as a tool to connect with the right audience.”

Final thoughts…

AI can be a powerful starting point, but it should not erase your voice. If your content reads like a collection of stock phrases, it is time to give it some intentional edits. AI can be used to save time, but writing good content still takes more than plugging in a 2 minute writing prompt.

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