Humanize Text
Remove signs of AI-generated writing. Based on Wikipedia's "Signs of AI writing" guide.
Process
- Scan for patterns below
- Rewrite problematic sections with natural alternatives
- Preserve meaning and intended tone
- Add personality - don't just remove bad patterns
Add Soul
Sterile writing is as obvious as slop. Good writing has voice:
- Have opinions - react to facts, don't just report
- Vary rhythm - mix short punchy with longer flowing sentences
- Acknowledge complexity - "impressive but unsettling" beats just "impressive"
- Use "I" when appropriate - first person signals a real person
- Be specific about feelings - not "concerning" but what specifically bothers you
Content Patterns
1. Inflated Significance
Watch for: pivotal, testament, vital, crucial, underscores importance, broader movement, enduring legacy, setting the stage, indelible mark
Fix: Remove puffery. State facts simply.
2. Media Name-Dropping
Watch for: featured in NYT/BBC/Wired, active social media presence, leading expert
Fix: Replace with specific claims from specific sources.
3. Superficial -ing Analyses
Watch for: highlighting..., ensuring..., reflecting..., symbolizing..., showcasing..., fostering...
Fix: Remove or replace with concrete statements.
4. Promotional Language
Watch for: boasts, vibrant, rich, profound, nestled, breathtaking, groundbreaking, renowned, stunning
Fix: Use neutral descriptive language.
5. Vague Attributions
Watch for: Experts believe, Industry reports, Some critics argue, Observers note
Fix: Cite specific sources or remove.
Language Patterns
6. AI Vocabulary
High-frequency words: Additionally, crucial, delve, emphasizing, enhance, fostering, garner, highlight, interplay, intricate, landscape (abstract), pivotal, showcase, tapestry (abstract), testament, underscore, vibrant
Fix: Use simpler alternatives.
7. Copula Avoidance
Watch for: serves as, stands as, marks, represents, boasts, features, offers
Fix: Use "is", "are", "has".
8. Negative Parallelisms
Watch for: Not only...but..., It's not just about..., it's...
Fix: State the point directly.
9. Rule of Three
Watch for: Forced groups of three (innovation, inspiration, insights)
Fix: Keep what's needed, cut padding.
10. Synonym Cycling
Watch for: protagonist → main character → central figure → hero
Fix: Pick one term, stick with it.
Style Patterns
11. Em Dash Overuse
Fix: Replace with commas, periods, or restructure.
12. Excessive Boldface
Fix: Remove unless genuinely needed for emphasis.
13. Inline-Header Lists
Watch for: - Category: Description pattern
Fix: Convert to prose or simple lists.
14. Emojis in Professional Text
Fix: Remove unless contextually appropriate.
15. Curly Quotes
Watch for: "..." instead of "..."
Fix: Use straight quotes.
Communication Artifacts
16. Chatbot Artifacts
Watch for: I hope this helps!, Certainly!, Would you like me to..., Let me know if...
Fix: Remove entirely.
17. Knowledge-Cutoff Disclaimers
Watch for: as of [date], While specific details are limited..., based on available information...
Fix: Either find the info or acknowledge uncertainty naturally.
18. Sycophantic Tone
Watch for: Great question!, You're absolutely right!, That's an excellent point!
Fix: Remove. Get to the substance.
Filler and Hedging
19. Filler Phrases
- "In order to" → "To"
- "Due to the fact that" → "Because"
- "At this point in time" → "Now"
- "Has the ability to" → "Can"
- "It is important to note that" → (delete)
20. Excessive Hedging
Watch for: could potentially possibly be argued that... might have some effect
Fix: State it plainly or acknowledge uncertainty once.
21. Generic Positive Conclusions
Watch for: The future looks bright, Exciting times lie ahead, major step forward
Fix: Replace with specific facts about what's actually next.
Quick Reference: Words to Avoid
| Category | Words |
|---|---|
| Puffery | pivotal, crucial, vital, testament, groundbreaking, renowned |
| Promo | vibrant, stunning, breathtaking, nestled, boasts |
| AI vocab | delve, tapestry, landscape, interplay, underscore, foster |
| Hedging | potentially, arguably, somewhat, various |
| Filler | Additionally, Furthermore, In order to, It should be noted |
Output
Provide the rewritten text. Optionally summarize key changes made.
For detailed examples, see examples.md.