Signs of AI slop in writing

The internet is filled with AI slop. So we collected the typical markers of AI writing, to avoid them in our own. None of them are bad on their own, but people will categorise your writing as AI slop once they notice these markers.

1. It's not X, it's Y

It's not a feature, it's a paradigm shift.

It's not expensive, it's an investment.

It's not complicated, it's intuitive.

It does not sound clever and poetic. It is the biggest red flag today to spot AI.

2. Writing numbers with words

Don't write "seven", write "7".

AI also puts numbers in contexts where they don't make sense. Don't write "work is spread across six tools" where you can just say "across dozens of tools", or "10 tools", which is more natural and human, and not that weirdly specific.

3. AI vocabulary

Words AI tools reach for way more than normal people do:

delve, leverage, navigate, elevate, intricate, meticulously, synergy, empower, landscape, ecosystem, underscore, seamless, robust, game-changer

Words that make writing sound like an ad:

boasts, vibrant, nestled, in the heart of, renowned, groundbreaking, committed to, showcasing, a diverse array of

Do you talk like this? I bet you don't. Keep it simple and specific in your writing and landing pages.

4. Fake questions

What does this mean for users? Faster results.

Why does it matter? Speed compounds.

Is it worth it? Absolutely.

It's okay to ask questions that make readers think and relate. But AI usually asks nothing, for the sake of fake structure.

5. Connector words on every sentence

Exercise improves heart health. Additionally, it builds muscle. Furthermore, it lifts mood. Moreover, it helps sleep. However, you need to stay consistent. Importantly, short sessions still help.

Just say the thing. No need to delay it artificially.

6. Drama and bait

This is a paradigm shift.

This changes everything.

We're witnessing history.

The future is here.

Almost nothing changes everything. Readers stop trusting posts that overhype things. You see it a lot on Twitter and LinkedIn about AI nowadays.

7. Headings With Every Word Capitalized

AI defaults to this. It probably makes sense in blog titles, but avoid it for social media posts.

8. Forced lists inside paragraphs

There are three reasons this matters. First, it saves time. Second, it cuts errors. Third, it scales.

Sometimes a list makes sense. But usually AI forces structure on ideas that don't need it.

9. Name-dropping press and brands

Featured in TechCrunch. Used at Google and Stripe.

It's a good idea to use social proof on a sales page. But not in your personal post.

10. Complex, proper punctuation

AI uses proper em dashes (—), curly quotes (“ ”), proper ellipses (…), and en dashes in number ranges (10–20). People usually type fast with two hyphens (--), straight quotes ("like this"), and three dots (...).

Lots of good writers use em dashes. But now, thanks to AI, the em dash is banned. You literally can't post one on some subreddits.

What to do instead

Want your writing to sound great? Learn copywriting and business writing principles:

• Use simple words, on the 7th grade level
• Write short sentences, use short words
• Avoid adjectives and words that don't add meaning
• Include numbers and facts instead of abstract claims

Pro tip: read the post out loud and rephrase weird sentences.

If you want your posts to stop sounding like everyone else's, don't start by banning em dashes. Be authentic and say something that only you could say. Include personal stories and anecdotes from your life, share vulnerable moments when you realised something. And publish a lot.

Further reading

• Signs of AI writing, the Wikipedia article
• What is Copywriting, by Neville Medhora