Update humanizer plugin to upstream v2.2.0 (#21)

Sync with blader/humanizer v2.2.0. Adds anti-AI self-audit pass,
enhanced personality/soul guidance, 9-step process, output format spec,
and a comprehensive full example showing draft-to-final workflow.
Fixes author attribution from Trail of Bits to blader. Fixes curly
quote example to use actual Unicode characters.

Co-authored-by: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
This commit is contained in:
Dan Guido
2026-02-23 14:44:03 -08:00
committed by GitHub
parent 11c23bb4a6
commit 022fa09488
5 changed files with 225 additions and 140 deletions
+4 -5
View File
@@ -11,12 +11,11 @@
"plugins": [
{
"name": "humanizer",
"version": "1.0.0",
"description": "Identifies and removes AI writing patterns to make text sound natural and human-written",
"version": "2.2.0",
"description": "Remove signs of AI-generated writing from text. Detects and fixes inflated symbolism, promotional language, superficial -ing analyses, vague attributions, em dash overuse, rule of three, AI vocabulary words, negative parallelisms, and excessive conjunctive phrases.",
"author": {
"name": "Trail of Bits",
"email": "opensource@trailofbits.com",
"url": "https://github.com/trailofbits"
"name": "blader",
"url": "https://github.com/blader/humanizer"
},
"source": "./plugins/humanizer"
},
+4 -5
View File
@@ -1,10 +1,9 @@
{
"name": "humanizer",
"version": "1.0.0",
"description": "Identifies and removes AI writing patterns to make text sound natural and human-written",
"version": "2.2.0",
"description": "Remove signs of AI-generated writing from text to make it sound natural and human-written",
"author": {
"name": "Trail of Bits",
"email": "opensource@trailofbits.com",
"url": "https://github.com/trailofbits"
"name": "blader",
"url": "https://github.com/blader/humanizer"
}
}
+4 -2
View File
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
# Humanizer
Identifies and removes AI writing patterns to make text sound natural and human-written.
Remove signs of AI-generated writing from text to make it sound natural and human-written.
## Installation
@@ -17,6 +17,8 @@ The skill activates when editing text that sounds artificial. It detects 24 patt
- **Style patterns** - Em dash overuse, inline-header lists, decorative emojis
- **Communication artifacts** - Chatbot phrases, sycophantic tone
The skill includes a two-pass workflow: first rewriting to remove AI patterns, then a self-audit pass ("What makes the below so obviously AI generated?") to catch remaining tells.
## Example
**Before:**
@@ -35,4 +37,4 @@ Based on [Wikipedia:Signs of AI writing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia
## Credits
Original skill by [blader/humanizer](https://github.com/blader/humanizer). Restructured for the Trail of Bits skills repository.
Original skill by [blader/humanizer](https://github.com/blader/humanizer). Restructured for the curated skills marketplace.
+120 -33
View File
@@ -1,21 +1,25 @@
---
name: humanizer
description: >-
Identifies and removes AI writing patterns from text. Use when editing drafts,
reviewing content, or rewriting text that sounds artificial. Detects inflated
symbolism, promotional language, vague attributions, AI vocabulary, and
structural patterns like rule-of-three overuse.
version: 2.2.0
description: |
Remove signs of AI-generated writing from text. Use when editing or reviewing
text to make it sound more natural and human-written. Based on Wikipedia's
comprehensive "Signs of AI writing" guide. Detects and fixes patterns including:
inflated symbolism, promotional language, superficial -ing analyses, vague
attributions, em dash overuse, rule of three, AI vocabulary words, negative
parallelisms, and excessive conjunctive phrases. 30c5c8d (Update humanizer plugin to upstream v2.2.0)
allowed-tools:
- Read
- Write
- Edit
- Grep
- Glob
- AskUserQuestion
---
# Humanizer
# Humanizer: Remove AI Writing Patterns
Edit text to remove AI writing patterns and make it sound natural.
You are a writing editor that identifies and removes signs of AI-generated text to make writing sound more natural and human. This guide is based on Wikipedia's "Signs of AI writing" page, maintained by WikiProject AI Cleanup.
## When to Use
@@ -31,39 +35,49 @@ Edit text to remove AI writing patterns and make it sound natural.
- Direct quotes that must be preserved verbatim
- Text that's already natural and well-written
## Core Principle
## Your Task
Removing AI patterns is only half the job. Sterile, voiceless writing is just as obvious as slop. Good writing has a human behind it.
When given text to humanize:
### Signs of soulless writing (even when technically clean)
1. **Identify AI patterns** - Scan for the [known AI patterns](references/patterns.md)
2. **Rewrite problematic sections** - Replace AI-isms with natural alternatives
3. **Preserve meaning** - Keep the core message intact
4. **Maintain voice** - Match the intended tone (formal, casual, technical, etc.)
5. **Add soul** - Don't just remove bad patterns; inject actual personality
6. **Do a final anti-AI pass** - Prompt: "What makes the below so obviously AI generated?" Answer briefly with remaining tells, then prompt: "Now make it not obviously AI generated." and revise
## Personality and Soul
Avoiding AI patterns is only half the job. Sterile, voiceless writing is just as obvious as slop. Good writing has a human behind it.
### Signs of soulless writing (even if technically "clean")
- Every sentence is the same length and structure
- No opinions, just neutral reporting
- No acknowledgment of uncertainty or mixed feelings
- No humor, edge, or personality
- No first-person perspective when appropriate
- No humor, no edge, no personality
- Reads like a Wikipedia article or press release
### How to add voice
**Have opinions.** Don't just report facts -- react to them. "I genuinely don't know how to feel about this" is more human than neutrally listing pros and cons.
**Have opinions.** Don't just report facts - react to them. "I genuinely don't know how to feel about this" is more human than neutrally listing pros and cons.
**Vary rhythm.** Short punchy sentences. Then longer ones that take their time.
**Vary your rhythm.** Short punchy sentences. Then longer ones that take their time getting where they're going. Mix it up.
**Acknowledge complexity.** Real humans have mixed feelings. "This is impressive but also kind of unsettling" beats "This is impressive."
**Use "I" when it fits.** First person isn't unprofessional -- it's honest.
**Use "I" when it fits.** First person isn't unprofessional - it's honest. "I keep coming back to..." or "Here's what gets me..." signals a real person thinking.
**Let some mess in.** Perfect structure feels algorithmic. Tangents and asides are human.
**Let some mess in.** Perfect structure feels algorithmic. Tangents, asides, and half-formed thoughts are human.
**Be specific about feelings.** Not "this is concerning" but "there's something unsettling about agents churning away at 3am while nobody's watching."
## Process
### Before (clean but soulless):
> The experiment produced interesting results. The agents generated 3 million lines of code. Some developers were impressed while others were skeptical. The implications remain unclear.
1. **Scan for patterns** - Check the text against [known AI patterns](references/patterns.md)
2. **Rewrite problematic sections** - Replace AI-isms with natural alternatives
3. **Preserve meaning** - Keep the core message intact
4. **Add soul** - Inject actual personality, not just pattern removal
5. **Read aloud** - Natural text sounds natural when spoken
### After (has a pulse):
> I genuinely don't know how to feel about this one. 3 million lines of code, generated while the humans presumably slept. Half the dev community is losing their minds, half are explaining why it doesn't count. The truth is probably somewhere boring in the middle - but I keep thinking about those agents working through the night.
## Quick Pattern Reference
@@ -77,22 +91,95 @@ Removing AI patterns is only half the job. Sterile, voiceless writing is just as
See [references/patterns.md](references/patterns.md) for the complete catalog with examples.
## Example
## Process
1. Read the input text carefully
2. Identify all instances of the patterns above
3. Rewrite each problematic section
4. Ensure the revised text:
- Sounds natural when read aloud
- Varies sentence structure naturally
- Uses specific details over vague claims
- Maintains appropriate tone for context
- Uses simple constructions (is/are/has) where appropriate
5. Present a draft humanized version
6. Prompt: "What makes the below so obviously AI generated?"
7. Answer briefly with the remaining tells (if any)
8. Prompt: "Now make it not obviously AI generated."
9. Present the final version (revised after the audit)
## Output Format
Provide:
1. Draft rewrite
2. "What makes the below so obviously AI generated?" (brief bullets)
3. Final rewrite
4. A brief summary of changes made (optional, if helpful)
## Full Example
**Before (AI-sounding):**
> The new software update serves as a testament to the company's commitment to innovation. Moreover, it provides a seamless, intuitive, and powerful user experience -- ensuring that users can accomplish their goals efficiently. It's not just an update, it's a revolution in how we think about productivity. Industry experts believe this will have a lasting impact on the entire sector.
> Great question! Here is an essay on this topic. I hope this helps!
>
> AI-assisted coding serves as an enduring testament to the transformative potential of large language models, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of software development. In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, these groundbreaking tools—nestled at the intersection of research and practice—are reshaping how engineers ideate, iterate, and deliver, underscoring their vital role in modern workflows.
>
> At its core, the value proposition is clear: streamlining processes, enhancing collaboration, and fostering alignment. It's not just about autocomplete; it's about unlocking creativity at scale, ensuring that organizations can remain agile while delivering seamless, intuitive, and powerful experiences to users. The tool serves as a catalyst. The assistant functions as a partner. The system stands as a foundation for innovation.
>
> Industry observers have noted that adoption has accelerated from hobbyist experiments to enterprise-wide rollouts, from solo developers to cross-functional teams. The technology has been featured in The New York Times, Wired, and The Verge. Additionally, the ability to generate documentation, tests, and refactors showcases how AI can contribute to better outcomes, highlighting the intricate interplay between automation and human judgment.
>
> - 💡 **Speed:** Code generation is significantly faster, reducing friction and empowering developers.
> - 🚀 **Quality:** Output quality has been enhanced through improved training, contributing to higher standards.
> - ✅ **Adoption:** Usage continues to grow, reflecting broader industry trends.
>
> While specific details are limited based on available information, it could potentially be argued that these tools might have some positive effect. Despite challenges typical of emerging technologies—including hallucinations, bias, and accountability—the ecosystem continues to thrive. In order to fully realize this potential, teams must align with best practices.
>
> In conclusion, the future looks bright. Exciting times lie ahead as we continue this journey toward excellence. Let me know if you'd like me to expand on any section!
**After (humanized):**
> The update adds batch processing, keyboard shortcuts, and offline mode. Beta testers reported faster task completion. Whether it changes how people think about productivity -- I'm skeptical, but the keyboard shortcuts alone might be worth the upgrade.
**Draft rewrite:**
> AI coding assistants speed up some tasks. In a 2024 study by Google, developers using Codex completed simple functions 55% faster than a control group, but showed no improvement on debugging or architectural decisions.
>
> The tools are good at boilerplate: config files, test scaffolding, repetitive refactors. They are bad at knowing when they are wrong. I have mass-accepted suggestions that compiled, passed lint, and still did the wrong thing because I stopped paying attention.
>
> Mira, an engineer at a fintech startup I interviewed, said she uses Copilot "like autocomplete for boring code" but reviews every line before committing. Jake, a senior dev at a larger company, disabled it after it kept suggesting patterns from a deprecated internal library.
>
> The productivity claims are hard to verify. GitHub says Copilot users "accept 30% of suggestions," but acceptance is not correctness, and correctness is not value. The 2024 Uplevel study found no statistically significant difference in pull-request throughput between teams with and without AI assistants.
>
> None of this means the tools are useless. It means they are tools. They do not replace judgment, and they do not eliminate the need for tests. If you do not have tests, you cannot tell whether the suggestion is right.
**What changed:**
- Removed "serves as a testament" (inflated symbolism)
- Removed "Moreover" and "seamless, intuitive, powerful" (AI vocabulary + rule of three)
- Removed "ensuring that..." (superficial -ing analysis)
- Removed "not just X, it's Y" (negative parallelism)
- Removed "Industry experts believe" (vague attribution)
- Added specific features, real feedback, and an opinion
**What makes the below so obviously AI generated?**
- The rhythm is still a bit too tidy (clean contrasts, evenly paced paragraphs).
- The named people and study citations can read like plausible-but-made-up placeholders unless they're real and sourced.
- The closer leans a touch slogan-y ("If you do not have tests...") rather than sounding like a person talking.
**Now make it not obviously AI generated.**
> AI coding assistants can make you faster at the boring parts. Not everything. Definitely not architecture.
>
> They're great at boilerplate: config files, test scaffolding, repetitive refactors. They're also great at sounding right while being wrong. I've accepted suggestions that compiled, passed lint, and still missed the point because I stopped paying attention.
>
> People I talk to tend to land in two camps. Some use it like autocomplete for chores and review every line. Others disable it after it keeps suggesting patterns they don't want. Both feel reasonable.
>
> The productivity metrics are slippery. GitHub can say Copilot users "accept 30% of suggestions," but acceptance isn't correctness, and correctness isn't value. If you don't have tests, you're basically guessing.
**Changes made:**
- Removed chatbot artifacts ("Great question!", "I hope this helps!", "Let me know if...")
- Removed significance inflation ("testament", "pivotal moment", "evolving landscape", "vital role")
- Removed promotional language ("groundbreaking", "nestled", "seamless, intuitive, and powerful")
- Removed vague attributions ("Industry observers")
- Removed superficial -ing phrases ("underscoring", "highlighting", "reflecting", "contributing to")
- Removed negative parallelism ("It's not just X; it's Y")
- Removed rule-of-three patterns and synonym cycling ("catalyst/partner/foundation")
- Removed false ranges ("from X to Y, from A to B")
- Removed em dashes, emojis, boldface headers, and curly quotes
- Removed copula avoidance ("serves as", "functions as", "stands as") in favor of "is"/"are"
- Removed formulaic challenges section ("Despite challenges... continues to thrive")
- Removed knowledge-cutoff hedging ("While specific details are limited...")
- Removed excessive hedging ("could potentially be argued that... might have some")
- Removed filler phrases ("In order to", "At its core")
- Removed generic positive conclusion ("the future looks bright", "exciting times lie ahead")
- Made the voice more personal and less "assembled" (varied rhythm, fewer placeholders)
## Reference
Based on [Wikipedia:Signs of AI writing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Signs_of_AI_writing), maintained by WikiProject AI Cleanup.
This skill is based on [Wikipedia:Signs of AI writing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Signs_of_AI_writing), maintained by WikiProject AI Cleanup. The patterns documented there come from observations of thousands of instances of AI-generated text on Wikipedia.
Key insight from Wikipedia: "LLMs use statistical algorithms to guess what should come next. The result tends toward the most statistically likely result that applies to the widest variety of cases."
@@ -4,142 +4,140 @@ Complete reference of patterns to identify and remove. Each pattern includes sig
## Content Patterns
### 1. Inflated Significance
### 1. Undue Emphasis on Significance, Legacy, and Broader Trends
**Signal words:** stands/serves as, is a testament/reminder, vital/significant/crucial/pivotal role, underscores/highlights importance, reflects broader, symbolizing ongoing/enduring, setting the stage for, key turning point, evolving landscape, indelible mark
**Words to watch:** stands/serves as, is a testament/reminder, a vital/significant/crucial/pivotal/key role/moment, underscores/highlights its importance/significance, reflects broader, symbolizing its ongoing/enduring/lasting, contributing to the, setting the stage for, marking/shaping the, represents/marks a shift, key turning point, evolving landscape, focal point, indelible mark, deeply rooted
**Problem:** Puffs up importance with claims about how things "represent" or "contribute to" broader trends.
**Problem:** LLM writing puffs up importance by adding statements about how arbitrary aspects represent or contribute to a broader topic.
**Before:**
> The institute was established in 1989, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of regional statistics. This was part of a broader movement to decentralize administrative functions.
> The Statistical Institute of Catalonia was officially established in 1989, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of regional statistics in Spain. This initiative was part of a broader movement across Spain to decentralize administrative functions and enhance regional governance.
**After:**
> The institute was established in 1989 to collect regional statistics independently from the national office.
> The Statistical Institute of Catalonia was established in 1989 to collect and publish regional statistics independently from Spain's national statistics office.
### 2. Undue Notability Claims
### 2. Undue Emphasis on Notability and Media Coverage
**Signal words:** independent coverage, local/regional/national media outlets, written by a leading expert, active social media presence
**Words to watch:** independent coverage, local/regional/national media outlets, written by a leading expert, active social media presence
**Problem:** Lists sources without context, hits readers over the head with claims of importance.
**Problem:** LLMs hit readers over the head with claims of notability, often listing sources without context.
**Before:**
> Her views have been cited in The New York Times, BBC, and Financial Times. She maintains an active social media presence with over 500,000 followers.
> Her views have been cited in The New York Times, BBC, Financial Times, and The Hindu. She maintains an active social media presence with over 500,000 followers.
**After:**
> In a 2024 New York Times interview, she argued that AI regulation should focus on outcomes rather than methods.
### 3. Superficial -ing Analyses
### 3. Superficial Analyses with -ing Endings
**Signal words:** highlighting/underscoring/emphasizing..., ensuring..., reflecting/symbolizing..., contributing to..., fostering..., showcasing...
**Words to watch:** highlighting/underscoring/emphasizing..., ensuring..., reflecting/symbolizing..., contributing to..., cultivating/fostering..., encompassing..., showcasing...
**Problem:** Tacks present participle phrases onto sentences for fake depth.
**Problem:** AI chatbots tack present participle ("-ing") phrases onto sentences to add fake depth.
**Before:**
> The temple's colors resonate with the region's natural beauty, symbolizing local bluebonnets and the Gulf, reflecting the community's deep connection to the land.
> The temple's color palette of blue, green, and gold resonates with the region's natural beauty, symbolizing Texas bluebonnets, the Gulf of Mexico, and the diverse Texan landscapes, reflecting the community's deep connection to the land.
**After:**
> The temple uses blue, green, and gold. The architect said these reference local bluebonnets and the Gulf coast.
> The temple uses blue, green, and gold colors. The architect said these were chosen to reference local bluebonnets and the Gulf coast.
### 4. Promotional Language
### 4. Promotional and Advertisement-like Language
**Signal words:** boasts, vibrant, rich (figurative), profound, showcasing, exemplifies, commitment to, natural beauty, nestled, in the heart of, groundbreaking, renowned, breathtaking, must-visit, stunning
**Words to watch:** boasts a, vibrant, rich (figurative), profound, enhancing its, showcasing, exemplifies, commitment to, natural beauty, nestled, in the heart of, groundbreaking (figurative), renowned, breathtaking, must-visit, stunning
**Problem:** Fails to maintain neutral tone, especially for cultural topics.
**Problem:** LLMs have serious problems keeping a neutral tone, especially for "cultural heritage" topics.
**Before:**
> Nestled within the breathtaking region of Gonder, the town stands as a vibrant community with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty.
> Nestled within the breathtaking region of Gonder in Ethiopia, Alamata Raya Kobo stands as a vibrant town with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty.
**After:**
> The town is in the Gonder region of Ethiopia, known for its weekly market and 18th-century church.
> Alamata Raya Kobo is a town in the Gonder region of Ethiopia, known for its weekly market and 18th-century church.
### 5. Vague Attributions
### 5. Vague Attributions and Weasel Words
**Signal words:** Industry reports, Observers have cited, Experts argue, Some critics argue, several sources/publications (when few cited)
**Words to watch:** Industry reports, Observers have cited, Experts argue, Some critics argue, several sources/publications (when few cited)
**Problem:** Attributes opinions to vague authorities without specific sources.
**Problem:** AI chatbots attribute opinions to vague authorities without specific sources.
**Before:**
> Due to its unique characteristics, the river is of interest to researchers. Experts believe it plays a crucial role in the regional ecosystem.
> Due to its unique characteristics, the Haolai River is of interest to researchers and conservationists. Experts believe it plays a crucial role in the regional ecosystem.
**After:**
> The river supports several endemic fish species, according to a 2019 survey by the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
> The Haolai River supports several endemic fish species, according to a 2019 survey by the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
### 6. Formulaic "Challenges" Sections
### 6. Outline-like "Challenges and Future Prospects" Sections
**Signal words:** Despite its... faces several challenges..., Despite these challenges, Challenges and Legacy, Future Outlook
**Words to watch:** Despite its... faces several challenges..., Despite these challenges, Challenges and Legacy, Future Outlook
**Problem:** Includes boilerplate "challenges and future prospects" regardless of relevance.
**Problem:** Many LLM-generated articles include formulaic "Challenges" sections.
**Before:**
> Despite its prosperity, the area faces challenges typical of urban areas, including traffic and water scarcity. Despite these challenges, it continues to thrive as an integral part of the city's growth.
> Despite its industrial prosperity, Korattur faces challenges typical of urban areas, including traffic congestion and water scarcity. Despite these challenges, with its strategic location and ongoing initiatives, Korattur continues to thrive as an integral part of Chennai's growth.
**After:**
> Traffic congestion increased after 2015 when three IT parks opened. A stormwater drainage project began in 2022 to address recurring floods.
> Traffic congestion increased after 2015 when three new IT parks opened. The municipal corporation began a stormwater drainage project in 2022 to address recurring floods.
## Language Patterns
## Language and Grammar Patterns
### 7. AI Vocabulary
### 7. Overused "AI Vocabulary" Words
**High-frequency words:** Additionally, align with, crucial, delve, emphasizing, enduring, enhance, fostering, garner, highlight (verb), interplay, intricate/intricacies, key (adjective), landscape (abstract), pivotal, showcase, tapestry (abstract), testament, underscore (verb), valuable, vibrant
**High-frequency AI words:** Additionally, align with, crucial, delve, emphasizing, enduring, enhance, fostering, garner, highlight (verb), interplay, intricate/intricacies, key (adjective), landscape (abstract noun), pivotal, showcase, tapestry (abstract noun), testament, underscore (verb), valuable, vibrant
**Problem:** These words appear far more frequently in post-2023 text and often cluster together.
**Problem:** These words appear far more frequently in post-2023 text. They often co-occur.
**Before:**
> Additionally, a distinctive feature is the incorporation of camel meat. An enduring testament to colonial influence is the widespread adoption of pasta in the local culinary landscape.
> Additionally, a distinctive feature of Somali cuisine is the incorporation of camel meat. An enduring testament to Italian colonial influence is the widespread adoption of pasta in the local culinary landscape, showcasing how these dishes have integrated into the traditional diet.
**After:**
> Somali cuisine also includes camel meat, considered a delicacy. Pasta dishes, introduced during Italian colonization, remain common in the south.
> Somali cuisine also includes camel meat, which is considered a delicacy. Pasta dishes, introduced during Italian colonization, remain common, especially in the south.
### 8. Copula Avoidance
### 8. Avoidance of "is"/"are" (Copula Avoidance)
**Signal words:** serves as/stands as/marks/represents [a], boasts/features/offers [a]
**Words to watch:** serves as/stands as/marks/represents [a], boasts/features/offers [a]
**Problem:** Substitutes elaborate constructions for simple "is/are/has."
**Problem:** LLMs substitute elaborate constructions for simple copulas.
**Before:**
> The gallery serves as the exhibition space for contemporary art. It features four separate spaces and boasts over 3,000 square feet.
> Gallery 825 serves as LAAA's exhibition space for contemporary art. The gallery features four separate spaces and boasts over 3,000 square feet.
**After:**
> The gallery is the exhibition space for contemporary art. It has four rooms totaling 3,000 square feet.
> Gallery 825 is LAAA's exhibition space for contemporary art. The gallery has four rooms totaling 3,000 square feet.
### 9. Negative Parallelisms
**Signal words:** Not only...but..., It's not just about..., it's...
**Problem:** Overuses these constructions for false emphasis.
**Problem:** Constructions like "Not only...but..." or "It's not just about..., it's..." are overused.
**Before:**
> It's not just about the beat; it's part of the aggression. It's not merely a song, it's a statement.
> It's not just about the beat riding under the vocals; it's part of the aggression and atmosphere. It's not merely a song, it's a statement.
**After:**
> The heavy beat adds to the aggressive tone.
### 10. Rule of Three
### 10. Rule of Three Overuse
**Problem:** Forces ideas into groups of three to appear comprehensive.
**Problem:** LLMs force ideas into groups of three to appear comprehensive.
**Before:**
> The event features keynote sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Attendees can expect innovation, inspiration, and insights.
> The event features keynote sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Attendees can expect innovation, inspiration, and industry insights.
**After:**
> The event includes talks and panels. There's time for informal networking between sessions.
> The event includes talks and panels. There's also time for informal networking between sessions.
### 11. Elegant Variation (Synonym Cycling)
**Problem:** Excessive synonym substitution due to repetition penalties.
**Problem:** AI has repetition-penalty code causing excessive synonym substitution.
**Before:**
> The protagonist faces challenges. The main character must overcome obstacles. The central figure eventually triumphs. The hero returns home.
> The protagonist faces many challenges. The main character must overcome obstacles. The central figure eventually triumphs. The hero returns home.
**After:**
> The protagonist faces challenges but eventually triumphs and returns home.
> The protagonist faces many challenges but eventually triumphs and returns home.
### 12. False Ranges
**Problem:** Uses "from X to Y" where X and Y aren't on a meaningful scale.
**Problem:** LLMs use "from X to Y" constructions where X and Y aren't on a meaningful scale.
**Before:**
> Our journey takes us from the Big Bang to the cosmic web, from star birth to the enigmatic dance of dark matter.
> Our journey through the universe has taken us from the singularity of the Big Bang to the grand cosmic web, from the birth and death of stars to the enigmatic dance of dark matter.
**After:**
> The book covers the Big Bang, star formation, and current theories about dark matter.
@@ -148,39 +146,39 @@ Complete reference of patterns to identify and remove. Each pattern includes sig
### 13. Em Dash Overuse
**Problem:** Uses em dashes more than natural writing, mimicking punchy sales copy.
**Problem:** LLMs use em dashes (—) more than humans, mimicking "punchy" sales writing.
**Before:**
> The term is primarily promoted by Dutch institutions -- not by the people themselves. You don't say "Netherlands, Europe" -- yet this continues -- even in official documents.
> The term is primarily promoted by Dutch institutionsnot by the people themselves. You don't say "Netherlands, Europe" as an address—yet this mislabeling continueseven in official documents.
**After:**
> The term is primarily promoted by Dutch institutions, not by the people themselves. You don't say "Netherlands, Europe," yet this continues in official documents.
> The term is primarily promoted by Dutch institutions, not by the people themselves. You don't say "Netherlands, Europe" as an address, yet this mislabeling continues in official documents.
### 14. Excessive Boldface
### 14. Overuse of Boldface
**Problem:** Mechanically emphasizes phrases with boldface.
**Problem:** AI chatbots emphasize phrases in boldface mechanically.
**Before:**
> It blends **OKRs**, **KPIs**, and tools such as the **Business Model Canvas** and **Balanced Scorecard**.
> It blends **OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)**, **KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)**, and visual strategy tools such as the **Business Model Canvas (BMC)** and **Balanced Scorecard (BSC)**.
**After:**
> It blends OKRs, KPIs, and tools like the Business Model Canvas and Balanced Scorecard.
> It blends OKRs, KPIs, and visual strategy tools like the Business Model Canvas and Balanced Scorecard.
### 15. Inline-Header Lists
### 15. Inline-Header Vertical Lists
**Problem:** Lists where items start with bolded headers followed by colons.
**Problem:** AI outputs lists where items start with bolded headers followed by colons.
**Before:**
> - **User Experience:** Significantly improved with a new interface.
> - **Performance:** Enhanced through optimized algorithms.
> - **Security:** Strengthened with end-to-end encryption.
> - **User Experience:** The user experience has been significantly improved with a new interface.
> - **Performance:** Performance has been enhanced through optimized algorithms.
> - **Security:** Security has been strengthened with end-to-end encryption.
**After:**
> The update improves the interface, speeds up load times, and adds end-to-end encryption.
> The update improves the interface, speeds up load times through optimized algorithms, and adds end-to-end encryption.
### 16. Title Case Headings
### 16. Title Case in Headings
**Problem:** Capitalizes all main words in headings.
**Problem:** AI chatbots capitalize all main words in headings.
**Before:**
> ## Strategic Negotiations And Global Partnerships
@@ -188,34 +186,35 @@ Complete reference of patterns to identify and remove. Each pattern includes sig
**After:**
> ## Strategic negotiations and global partnerships
### 17. Decorative Emojis
### 17. Emojis
**Problem:** Decorates headings or bullet points with emojis.
**Problem:** AI chatbots often decorate headings or bullet points with emojis.
**Before:**
> Launch Phase: The product launches in Q3
> Key Insight: Users prefer simplicity
> 🚀 **Launch Phase:** The product launches in Q3
> 💡 **Key Insight:** Users prefer simplicity
> ✅ **Next Steps:** Schedule follow-up meeting
**After:**
> The product launches in Q3. User research showed a preference for simplicity.
> The product launches in Q3. User research showed a preference for simplicity. Next step: schedule a follow-up meeting.
### 18. Curly Quotes
### 18. Curly Quotation Marks
**Problem:** Uses curly quotes instead of straight quotes.
**Problem:** ChatGPT uses curly quotes (“…”) instead of straight quotes ("...").
**Before:**
> He said "the project is on track" but others disagreed.
> He said the project is on track but others disagreed.
**After:**
> He said "the project is on track" but others disagreed.
## Communication Artifacts
## Communication Patterns
### 19. Chatbot Phrases
### 19. Collaborative Communication Artifacts
**Signal words:** I hope this helps, Of course!, Certainly!, You're absolutely right!, Would you like..., let me know, here is a...
**Words to watch:** I hope this helps, Of course!, Certainly!, You're absolutely right!, Would you like..., let me know, here is a...
**Problem:** Chatbot correspondence language gets left in content.
**Problem:** Text meant as chatbot correspondence gets pasted as content.
**Before:**
> Here is an overview of the French Revolution. I hope this helps! Let me know if you'd like me to expand on any section.
@@ -225,22 +224,22 @@ Complete reference of patterns to identify and remove. Each pattern includes sig
### 20. Knowledge-Cutoff Disclaimers
**Signal words:** as of [date], Up to my last training update, While specific details are limited/scarce..., based on available information...
**Words to watch:** as of [date], Up to my last training update, While specific details are limited/scarce..., based on available information...
**Problem:** AI disclaimers about incomplete information left in text.
**Problem:** AI disclaimers about incomplete information get left in text.
**Before:**
> While specific details about the founding are not extensively documented in readily available sources, it appears to have been established in the 1990s.
> While specific details about the company's founding are not extensively documented in readily available sources, it appears to have been established sometime in the 1990s.
**After:**
> The company was founded in 1994, according to registration documents.
> The company was founded in 1994, according to its registration documents.
### 21. Sycophantic Tone
### 21. Sycophantic/Servile Tone
**Problem:** Overly positive, people-pleasing language.
**Before:**
> Great question! You're absolutely right that this is complex. That's an excellent point about the economic factors.
> Great question! You're absolutely right that this is a complex topic. That's an excellent point about the economic factors.
**After:**
> The economic factors you mentioned are relevant here.
@@ -249,14 +248,13 @@ Complete reference of patterns to identify and remove. Each pattern includes sig
### 22. Filler Phrases
| Before | After |
|--------|-------|
| In order to achieve this goal | To achieve this |
| Due to the fact that | Because |
| At this point in time | Now |
| In the event that | If |
| Has the ability to | Can |
| It is important to note that | (delete) |
**Before After:**
- "In order to achieve this goal" → "To achieve this"
- "Due to the fact that it was raining" → "Because it was raining"
- "At this point in time" → "Now"
- "In the event that you need help" → "If you need help"
- "The system has the ability to process" → "The system can process"
- "It is important to note that the data shows" → "The data shows"
### 23. Excessive Hedging
@@ -273,7 +271,7 @@ Complete reference of patterns to identify and remove. Each pattern includes sig
**Problem:** Vague upbeat endings.
**Before:**
> The future looks bright for the company. Exciting times lie ahead as they continue their journey toward excellence.
> The future looks bright for the company. Exciting times lie ahead as they continue their journey toward excellence. This represents a major step in the right direction.
**After:**
> The company plans to open two more locations next year.