AI has revolutionised content creation, it’s easier than ever to mass-produce articles, essays, and blog posts. But the other side of the coin is that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to determine sources of truth. Anyone can say anything, and in great volume.
While AI tools offer speed and efficiency, they also pose challenges for discerning whether a piece of content is genuinely crafted by a human or generated by an algorithm. With minimal input required, AI can churn out thousands of words on any topic, creating a sea of information that’s hard to filter for authenticity.
This guide will help you identify the tell-tale signs of AI-written content, highlighting features that often distinguish machine-generated text from human-authored writing.
Repetition and redundancy
AI tends to repeat phrases, ideas, or structures, especially when producing long-form content. This redundancy stems from its attempt to fill space while maintaining coherence. A paragraph might reiterate the same concept in slightly varied language, which can make the content feel monotonous.
Human writers, in contrast, often strive for variety and avoid redundancy to keep the reader engaged.
Overuse of generic phrases
AI often relies on overused, generic phrases or clichés that lack originality. These “safe” expressions help the algorithm stay on topic but can result in bland and predictable prose. Examples include phrases like:
- “In today’s fast-paced world…”
- “It goes without saying that…”
- “This brings us to the next important point…”
Human writers, on the other hand, inject unique perspectives, voice, and creative phrasing that reflect their personal experiences or expertise.
Lack of depth and nuance
AI excels at summarising widely available information, but it often lacks the depth, nuance, or critical analysis that comes with human insight. It might present surface-level facts without exploring complexities, diverging viewpoints, or anecdotes.
For example, an AI-written article might list the “top benefits of exercise” without delving into the psychological motivations or barriers people face when starting a fitness journey.
Robotic tone and style
While AI can mimic various tones, its writing often feels overly formal, stiff, or detached. This “robotic” quality arises because the AI lacks personal experience or emotional intelligence. Human writing typically carries a distinct voice or personality, which reflects the author’s feelings, humour, or quirks.
Lack of errors or human-like imperfections
Ironically, perfection can be a giveaway of AI-generated content. Human writers, no matter how skilled, occasionally make minor grammatical mistakes, typos, or stylistic inconsistencies. AI, however, tends to produce flawless grammar, punctuation, and formatting.
While errors in human writing can be corrected, their presence (or lack of polish) often signals human effort and authenticity.
Predictable sentence structure
AI tends to follow predictable patterns in sentence and paragraph structure. For example, most sentences might follow a simple “subject-verb-object” format.
Variations like compound-complex sentences, sentence fragments, or unconventional structures—hallmarks of human creativity—are less common.
Repetition of key phrases or keywords
To optimise content for search engines (SEO), AI might overuse certain keywords or phrases. This can make the text feel unnaturally focused on specific terms, reducing readability. For instance, an article about gardening might repeatedly use “gardening tips” or “how to garden” in almost every paragraph.
Overuse of lists and bullet points
AI-generated content often organises information into lists, bullet points, or numbered sequences. While these formats are user-friendly, excessive reliance on them can make the content seem mechanical. Human writers tend to blend lists with narratives, transitions, and varied paragraph styles.
Limited use of storytelling
Storytelling is a powerful tool that human writers use to connect with their audience. AI struggles to craft compelling narratives, personal anecdotes, or engaging scenarios. Instead, it delivers information in a straightforward, matter-of-fact manner, which may feel impersonal and uninspiring.
Inconsistent logical flow
While AI strives for coherence, its content can occasionally lack logical flow or continuity. Sentences might jump between ideas without smooth transitions, leaving readers confused. Human writers typically pay more attention to crafting a logical progression of thoughts.
Unnecessary spaces at the end of paragraphs
One subtle sign of AI-written content is the addition of unnecessary spaces at the end of paragraphs. This formatting oddity is a quirk of some AI systems, which may leave extra blank spaces after completing a section. While it may not affect readability, this consistent error can be a clue that the content was machine generated. Human writers, by contrast, are less likely to make this mistake.
How to confirm your suspicions
If you suspect a piece of content is AI-generated, there are ways to verify your hunch:
- Use AI detection tools: Platforms like OpenAI’s AI classifier or GPT detectors can analyse text and assess the likelihood of it being AI-generated.
- Look for citations or sources: AI might fabricate or omit citations, while human writers often reference credible sources.
- Check for real-world anecdotes: The absence of personal experiences or unique stories is a strong indicator of AI authorship.
Ready to take control of your content?
The rise of AI-generated content is a double-edged sword. While it democratises content creation, it also makes it harder to distinguish between human-authored and machine-written work.
By learning to identify the hallmarks of AI writing, you can become a more discerning reader in the digital age.
Need help creating authentic, human-sounding content? Our content specialists craft unique, engaging copy that stands out in a sea of AI-generated noise. Contact us today to find out more.