How to Spot AI Writing Without a Detector

AI behaves as if following a template. In its default state, it “wants” to give you a standard word count and structure, while incorporating whatever you have asked for. Because of this, it falls into generic patterns, which become obvious when you know what to look for.

Look for: Patterns where the content is about a page long with bulleted or numbered lists and bold type.

Prompt: “Describe an oak tree like it is a product you are trying to sell.

Introducing the Oak Tree: Nature’s Masterpiece of Strength and Beauty
Discover the timeless elegance and unrivaled durability of the Oak Tree, your ultimate investment in outdoor luxury. Perfect for transforming any landscape into a serene, stately environment, this tree delivers decades of natural beauty, clean air, and reliable shade.

Key Features:

• Superior Longevity: Oaks are built to last, thriving for hundreds of years with minimal maintenance.
• Natural Canopy: The expansive, dense leaves create a wide-reaching canopy, perfect for shade during hot summers.
• Wildlife Magnet: Enhance biodiversity with an ecosystem that supports birds, squirrels, and beneficial insects.
• Hardy & Resilient: Resistant to harsh weather conditions and adaptable to most climates.
• Eco-Friendly: Improve your environment by absorbing CO2 and releasing oxygen, creating a cleaner, greener space.

Perfect for homeowners, landscapers, and anyone looking to make a statement with their yard, the Oak Tree is more than just a plant—it’s a legacy! Grow something that stands the test of time, all while enhancing your outdoor space with its majestic presence.

In this variation on formatting, the AI makes lists that are not bullet points, but are separated by paragraph spaces. These lists usually contain entries that are nearly the same length. The most common way to see them is bolded, numbered lists with a colon, or a header followed by text.

Look for: Several segments in a row of very similar length. If you see this, here’s a good chance AI wrote the text. You don’t need to read the content to recognize the pattern.

1. The Sun: The Sun is the center of our solar system, a massive star composed mostly of hydrogen and helium. It provides the energy that supports life on Earth and drives the climates of all the planets. Its powerful gravitational pull keeps the solar system in place, guiding the orbits of planets, asteroids, and comets.

2. The Inner Planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars make up the inner solar system. These terrestrial planets have solid, rocky surfaces and vary greatly in terms of atmosphere, climate, and potential for life. Mars, in particular, has been the subject of intense study due to its potential for past life and human exploration.

3. The Outer Planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, often referred to as gas giants, dominate the outer solar system. These massive planets are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, with thick atmospheres and numerous moons. Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s storms, including the Great Red Spot, are iconic features that captivate astronomers.

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Occasionally the numbers are removed, and there are slightly larger chunks of text beneath a header:

Early Battery Concepts
The invention of the battery began with simple electrochemical experiments in the late 18th century. Alessandro Volta is credited with creating the first true battery, the “voltaic pile,” in 1800. This invention used alternating layers of zinc and copper, separated by pieces of cloth soaked in saltwater, to produce a continuous electrical current. The voltaic pile represented a breakthrough in understanding electricity, allowing scientists to conduct experiments that were previously impossible. It laid the groundwork for modern electrochemistry and introduced the possibility of storing electrical energy.

Modern Battery Development
Over time, batteries evolved as scientists sought more efficient and powerful energy storage methods. In 1859, Gaston Planté invented the lead-acid battery, which became the first rechargeable battery. This type of battery remains in widespread use, particularly in vehicles. The 20th century saw the development of the nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) and lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion, first developed in the 1980s, revolutionized energy storage due to its high energy density and rechargeability, powering everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. Battery technology continues to advance, with innovations focused on sustainability and capacity.

There are a few words that AI really likes to use. Ensure, just, and whether are often overused. I see this constantly with AI writing. At this point, I don’t use the word “ensure” with human writing, because it’s so overused by AI it increases the chance people will think (either consciously or subconsciously) that it was generated by ChatGPT.

Look for: “Ensure” and other favorite AI words. This article has more about overused words.

• Ensure
• Ensuring
• Ensured
• Enhance
• Enhancing
• Enhanced
• Just
• Whether

There are a few sentence structures that AI often uses. Sentences constructed around “not just” and “whether” statements are used frequently along with dashes, colons, and hyphens.

Look for: A repetitive structure and cadence.

“They’re not just clients—they’re long-term partners in our success.”

“It’s not just the clouds in the sky—it’s the way they paint ever-changing stories with light and shadow.”

Another very common one is the “whether” sentence:

“Whether eaten on its own or transformed into cider or sauce, the apple has a way of finding its place in every season and every kitchen.”

Or from the text I generated earlier: “Experience unparalleled productivity with our Desktop Computer, engineered to meet your every need—whether you’re working, gaming, or creating.”

As you’ve probably noticed, colons and dashes are also a staple of AI writing:

“There’s a certain excitement in being surrounded by the unfamiliar, where every corner you turn offers a surprise: a café you’ve never seen, a hidden park, or a lively market filled with voices speaking in a language you may or may not understand. The sounds, sights, and even the feel of the city beneath your feet as you explore become a part of the adventure, and slowly, you begin to get a sense of the city’s character. Each day holds the promise of discovery—whether it’s a new street to wander, a local dish to try, or simply a quiet spot to sit and observe the flow of life in this new place. And by the time you leave, you carry with you not just photos or souvenirs, but a deeper sense of connection to a place you now feel a little more familiar with.”

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Colons and dashes aren’t used in every sentence, and plenty of humans use them, but when you see them it’s worth taking notice. I’ve also found that AI uses hyphenated words slightly more often than human writers.

Sometimes, especially if you ask for lists, AI will give you multiple sentences with the same format:

1. The sun began to set, and the city lit up with vibrant colors.
2. I wanted to explore the park, but the rain started pouring down.
3. She planned to visit the museum, yet she ran out of time.
4. He finished his work early, so we decided to grab coffee together.
5. The streets were quiet, and the only sound was the rustling of leaves in the breeze.

Too many sentences that are segmented by a comma can be repetitive to read, no matter who writes them, but they also signal the use of AI.

AI writing is often padded out with adjectives. This makes sense when you consider it’s attempting to hit a word count and follow the sentence structure it is comfortable using.

Look for: Wordy sentences full of adjectives.

Here is ChatGPT-4o describing a generic winter jacket:

“Indulge in the ultimate winter experience with a jacket that exudes timeless elegance, offering unparalleled warmth and protection without sacrificing style. This jacket is designed for those who demand the best of both worlds: impeccable fashion and the highest level of winter comfort. Whether you’re navigating the snowy city streets or venturing into the great outdoors, our Winter Jacket promises to keep you incredibly warm, effortlessly stylish, and endlessly comfortable throughout the season.”

Here it is describing a rose:

“A rose is a masterpiece of nature, each bloom unfolding in soft layers that seem to swirl endlessly toward the center. Its petals, velvety to the touch, range from deep, rich reds to delicate blush pinks, creating a spectrum of color that feels both luxurious and serene. The fragrance it releases is subtle yet enchanting, filling the air with a sweet, almost nostalgic scent that lingers long after you walk away.”

AI content tends to have a neutral tone, but can describe things like products and mission statements in a way that is earnest and serious, regardless of how trivial the subject might be. This is the hardest point for me to quantify, but I’ve seen it enough times that I want to mention it.

Look for: Overly earnest, serious tone in product descriptions, mission statements, and About Us pages. If it’s incongruous with the trivial subject matter, begin looking for other signs of AI writing.

Prompt: “I’m selling novelty thimbles for sewing. Help describe them.”

Output: “These novelty thimbles are a fun and unique twist on a classic sewing tool. Each one is designed to bring personality and charm to your sewing kit, making the practical task of stitching more enjoyable. Whether adorned with playful designs, bright colors, or quirky shapes, these thimbles add a touch of creativity to your crafting routine. They’re perfect for collectors, hobbyists, or anyone looking to add a bit of flair to their sewing experience. Not only do they protect your fingers, but they also serve as a delightful conversation piece or a thoughtful gift for sewing enthusiasts.”

Prompt: “Give me a positive mission statement for my thimble business.”

Output: “Our mission is to bring creativity and joy to the world of sewing through unique, high-quality novelty thimbles. We aim to inspire crafters and collectors alike by offering charming and playful designs that turn a timeless tool into a delightful experience. At the heart of our business is the belief that even the smallest details can make a big difference, sparking imagination and adding fun to every stitch.”