40 Words That Make Writing Sound Like AI (and What to Use Instead)
· 6 min read · GhostVerb team
Read enough chatbot writing and you start to spot it in a sentence or two. It isn't one word that gives it away, it's the same handful turning up again and again: everything is "crucial", every topic is a "rich tapestry", and every essay wants to "delve into" something.
Below are the words and phrases that most often make text read as AI-written, why language models lean on them, and simple words to use instead.
Why AI models overuse certain words
Large language models pick each next word based on what is most likely given everything before it. Training then rewards answers that sound helpful, polished and confident. The result is a "safe" register: slightly formal, upbeat, full of words that sound impressive without committing to much. Those words aren't wrong. They just appear far more often in AI text than in anything a person writes, so readers have learned to notice them.
Single words that stand out
| AI favourite | Try instead |
|---|---|
| delve (into) | look at, dig into, cover |
| tapestry | mix, range, (or just cut it) |
| leverage | use |
| utilize | use |
| crucial / pivotal | important, key |
| robust | strong, solid, reliable |
| seamless(ly) | smooth, easy |
| landscape | field, market, world |
| realm | area, field |
| navigate | deal with, handle, get through |
| foster | build, encourage |
| bolster | support, strengthen |
| underscore | show, highlight |
| showcase | show |
| elevate | improve, raise |
| unlock / unleash | open up, get |
| embark | start, begin |
| multifaceted | complex, varied |
| myriad | many, lots of |
| plethora | plenty, a lot |
| paramount | most important |
| meticulous(ly) | careful(ly) |
| intricate | detailed, complicated |
| vibrant | lively, busy, bright |
| testament (to) | proof, sign |
| beacon | example, model |
| synergy | teamwork, working together |
| holistic | overall, complete |
Phrases that give it away
- "In today's fast-paced world…" Start with your actual point instead.
- "It's important to note that…" If it's important, just say it.
- "Whether you're a beginner or an expert…" Pick who you're talking to.
- "Not only… but also…" Fine once; AI uses it in every paragraph.
- "In conclusion," / "In summary," People rarely announce their conclusion in emails or posts.
- "Let's dive in." / "Buckle up." Filler that delays the content.
- "A testament to…" Say what it proves.
- "Ever-evolving" / "ever-changing" Almost always cuttable.
- "Navigating the complexities of…" Name the actual problem.
- "I hope this helps!" / "Great question!" Chat habits that leak into copied text.
- "Embark on a journey" Nobody's journey is that dramatic.
- "Unlock the power of…" Say what it does.
It's not only words: patterns to watch
- Groups of three everywhere. "Fast, reliable and secure." Once is natural; every sentence is a tell.
- Same-length sentences. People mix short and long. AI text often marches at one steady rhythm.
- Em dashes in every paragraph. Real writers use them, but chatbots use them constantly.
- Bold headings on everything. A short email doesn't need sections.
- No opinion. AI tends to balance every point. People pick a side.
Swapping words isn't the whole fix
A find-and-replace on this list helps, but it won't make text sound like you. Your writing has its own habits: how long your sentences run, whether you use contractions, British or American spelling, the slang you'd actually use. Those matter more than any single word.
That's the idea behind GhostVerb's default "Your voice" style. It reads the text you give it, keeps your sentence rhythm, spelling and tone, and filters out these AI favourites unless you used them yourself. If a rewrite slips one in, it's caught and redone.
Whatever you use, read the result out loud before you send it. If a sentence sounds like something you'd never say, change it.