AI doesn’t just generate content – it generates patterns.
Readers are getting better at spotting those patterns, not because they can reliably detect AI, but because certain phrases now feel generic, cautious, or strangely familiar.
This post isn’t anti-AI. It’s about understanding which phrases quietly undermine credibility, trust, and originality – especially on business websites.
The problem isn’t that AI uses these phrases. It’s that humans keep publishing them.
The Problem Isn’t AI – It’s Pattern Fatigue
Most so-called “AI tells” aren’t technical giveaways. They’re stylistic shortcuts:
- vague openers
- neutral conclusions
- over-polished transitions
- filler phrases meant to sound thoughtful
These existed long before AI. After all, AI is trained from writing content it “reads”. Once AI started outputting these phrases and writers went along with it, the phrases have been everywhere.
1. “In a world where…” and Other Hollow Openers
Few phrases raise suspicion faster than:
- “In a world where technology is constantly evolving…”
- “In today’s fast-paced digital landscape…”
- “In an era of rapid innovation…”
They sound cinematic, but say nothing specific. Readers have seen them hundreds of times, often generated by tools trying to avoid taking a stance.
Why it feels AI-written:
- Abstract
- Safe
- Interchangeable across industries
What works better: Start with a concrete problem, contradiction, or observation you’ve actually encountered.
2. “Let’s Be Honest…” (Ironically)
Humans do say this. AI just says it far too often.
Common versions:
- “Let’s be honest…”
- “Honestly…”
- “Truth be told…”
These phrases try to signal authenticity instead of delivering it.
Rule of thumb: If you’re genuinely being honest, you don’t need to announce it.
3. Vague Authority Claims
Phrases like these are everywhere:
- “Experts agree that…”
- “Studies show that…” (no study cited)
- “Many believe…”
AI relies on implied authority. Humans usually rely on experience, examples, or specifics.
A human writer is more likely to say:
“We see this break when…” “In real client setups…” “Here’s what actually goes wrong…”
4. Over-Polished Transitions
Words like:
- Moreover
- Furthermore
- Additionally
- It’s important to note that
Aren’t wrong – but they often read like academic glue rather than natural speech.
This style predates AI. AI just repeats it, while human writing increasingly moves away from it.
5. Empty Emphasis Phrases
These phrases add length without clarity:
- “Unlock the power of…”
- “Take your business to the next level”
- “Game-changing solution”
- “Seamlessly integrates”
They’re marketing clichés, not explanations.
There’s nothing wrong with hype. The problem starts when it becomes a substitute for meaning.
6. The Overly Safe Conclusion
AI hates committing.
That’s how you get endings like:
- “Ultimately, it depends on your needs…”
- “There’s no one-size-fits-all solution…”
- “Both options have their pros and cons…”
Sometimes that’s true – but when every post ends this way, readers notice.
Strong human writing chooses a position and defends it.
7. “This Article Breaks Down…” – A Nuanced Case
Phrases like:
“This article breaks down…”
Are commonly associated with AI – but this is where nuance matters.
On its own, this phrasing is not an AI tell. Humans have used it for years, especially when clearly setting expectations.
It starts to feel AI-generated only when paired with:
- vague nouns (“key insights”, “important aspects”)
- neutral framing
- no clear opinion or outcome
Compare:
This post breaks down a realistic WordPress plugin stack, what it typically costs per year, and why some site owners are rethinking whether this model truly feels like ownership.
(via Do you really own your WordPress website?)
That sentence works because it’s:
- specific
- opinionated
- grounded in real-world cost and tradeoffs
Context matters more than phrasing alone.
Editor’s Checklist (Human Writing Quick Scan)
Before publishing, ask yourself these questions:
- Does my opening say something specific, or could it apply to any industry?
- Am I using authority phrases without evidence or experience?
- Did I conclude with a real stance – or a safe non-answer?
- Would I speak this sentence out loud?
- Am I relying on filler phrases instead of explanation?
Trust your instincts: If a question makes you hesitate or feel uncomfortable, that’s a sign this part of your writing may not feel authentic to readers. Pause and revise — that instinct is a human signal.
A Quick Note About False Positives (Uh‑Oh)
If you naturally write like this – uh‑oh – don’t panic.
Some writing habits are increasingly misread as “AI signals” simply because AI uses them frequently – because people have used them. That doesn’t make them wrong.
A good example is the em dash.
It’s been part of human writing for decades, yet it’s now oddly controversial.
We dig into that here: Is the Em Dash (aka Long Dash) a Red Flag for AI Writing Now?
The takeaway: don’t chase AI detectors. Write clearly, specifically, and with intent.
The Real Signal Readers Look For
AI detection is becoming pattern-based, not truth-based.
That means:
- humans can get flagged
- clichés are riskier than punctuation
- originality comes from clarity, not avoidance
When a platform pushes writers to be clear and make real decisions, the writing usually sounds more human and natural – simply because clarity leaves less room for filler.
That has nothing to do with AI.
It’s about everyday writing habits.
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