Examining the frequent use of specific words and phrases can reveal telltale signs of AI-written content. Tools like ChatGPT, which are AI language models, often contribute to this phenomenon. The role of artificial intelligence in generating content has led to the increased appearance of certain repetitive and mechanical words. “Dive” was a prominent example, even receiving attention in online discussions.
While using such words is not inherently problematic, over-reliance on them can make writing appear less authentic and more machine-like. This article explores various overused words and phrases in AI content, helping readers develop a critical eye for identifying AI-generated text.
Key Takeaways
AI often overuses specific words and phrases.
Patterns of mechanical and vague terms can indicate AI text.
Awareness of these words helps identify AI-generated writing.
Transitional words overused by AI language model ChatGPT
Here are several transitional words frequently found in ChatGPT’s responses:
Accordingly
Additionally
Arguably
Certainly
Consequently
Hence
Indeed
Moreover
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
Notwithstanding
Thus
Undoubtedly
These words can help connect ideas and provide clarity but may appear excessively in generated content. Understanding their usage can improve the effectiveness of one’s interactions with ChatGPT. However, the overuse of these transitional words also highlights the challenges of detecting AI-written text. AI-generated content can be designed to evade detection, leading to an ongoing ‘arms race' between detection tools and evasion techniques.
Adjectives Overused by ChatGPT
Many adjectives frequently appear in ChatGPT’s responses. Some of these include:
Adept
Commendable
Dynamic
Efficient
Ever-evolving
Exciting
Exemplary
Innovative
Invaluable
Robust
Seamless
Synergistic
Thought-provoking
Transformative
Utmost
Vibrant
Vital
These terms often appear due to their versatility and positive connotations. AI tools often use certain words like ‘commendable,' ‘meticulous,' ‘intricate,' ‘innovative,' and ‘versatile,' making the text appear less authentic.
Nouns Overused by ChatGPT
Certain nouns tend to appear more frequently in texts generated by ChatGPT. Here are some of them:
Efficiency: Often used when discussing performance and productivity.
Innovation: Common in contexts related to new ideas and advancements.
Institution: Frequently appears in educational or organizational themes.
Integration: Popular in discussions about combining systems or processes.
Implementation: Regularly included in the context of executing plans or strategies.
Landscape: Used often in reference to the environment or field of study.
Optimization: Commonly associated with making something as effective as possible.
Realm: Frequently appears when referring to a domain or area of expertise.
Tapestry: Occasionally used metaphorically to describe a complex situation.
Transformation: Regularly seen in discussions about significant changes or evolutions.
While useful, these words can sometimes make AI-generated content appear repetitive or predictable. A large language model like ChatGPT frequently uses these nouns in generated content.
Verbs overused by ChatGPT
Certain verbs appear frequently in ChatGPT’s outputs. Here are some of these verbs:
Aligns
Augment
Embark
Facilitate
Maximize
Underscores
Utilize
These words are often used in various contexts, making them common in AI-generated text. They can convey a sense of action and importance but may become repetitive. AI tools create text using these verbs, contributing to the repetitive nature of AI-generated content.
Phrases Overused by ChatGPT
A testament to…
In conclusion…
In summary…
It’s important to note/consider…
It’s worth noting that…
On the contrary…
This is not an exhaustive list.
ChatGPT writing often includes these overused phrases, making it easier to identify AI-generated text.
Commonly Overused Data Analysis Phrases in ChatGPT
Deliver actionable insights through detailed data study
Drive insightful data-based choices
Leveraging data-driven insights
Utilizing complex datasets to obtain valuable insights
Other signs that ChatGPT may have written AI written text:
Overly complex sentence structures
An unusually formal tone in casual texts or an overly casual tone in formal texts
Unnecessarily long and wordy sentences
Vague statements that lack detail and specifics
ChatGPT text often exhibits these signs, making it identifiable as AI-generated.
Example 1: Ask ChatGPT to Write a Recommendation Letter
When you ask ChatGPT to compose a recommendation letter, some signs can indicate the text was AI-generated. For instance, it may lack specific examples of the coworker’s contributions to events. Additionally, the letter might overuse adverbs, making it seem unnatural, with terms such as “enthusiastically” and “flawlessly.” Words like “professionalism” and “furthermore” are also uncommon in human writing, leading to a less authentic feel. By fine-tuning these aspects, the recommendation can sound more genuine. ChatGPT, a large language model trained by OpenAI, often produces recommendation letters with these characteristics.
Example 2: Ask ChatGPT to write a job search data analyst cover letter
To demonstrate how ChatGPT can craft a cover letter, consider asking the AI to draft one for a data analyst position at Eventbrite. Provide details like having two years of work experience as a Google data analyst. The resulting letter may show signs typical of AI-generated text, such as vague phrases like “driving insightful data-driven decisions” and “leveraging complex datasets to extract meaningful insights.” Observe the absence of specific project examples, with only broad mentions of “dynamic visualizations and dashboards.” Additionally, you may notice an overuse of adverbs, such as “effectively” and “efficiently,” that add little value. Finally, an AI-generated cover letter often concludes with a generic closing like “Warm regards.” Using AI-generated cover letters can significantly streamline the job search process and improve outcomes by saving time and providing personalized content.
Example 3: Ask ChatGPT to Write a LinkedIn Outreach Note
A user requested ChatGPT to draft a LinkedIn message to a University of Virginia employee about a data analyst job. Several traits reveal the text was AI-generated:
Overly formal subject line: “Inquiry about Data Analyst Position at UVA.”
Uncommon words: Words like “keen,” “dynamic,” “inquiry,” and “deriving” stand out
Vague phrases: Phrases such as “exciting work being done at your institution” and “passion for deriving insights from data” lack substance
Lack of specifics: The message does not mention specific projects or units at the University of Virginia and vaguely refers to a “background in data analysis.”
Example 4: Ask ChatGPT to Write an Email about Data Analysis Findings
When requesting ChatGPT to compose an email summarizing data analysis results, paying attention to common indicators that the text might be AI-generated is important. These signs include the use of generic adverbs like “additionally,” “consistently,” and “effectively.” Furthermore, watch for the overuse of the word “delve.” Another aspect is the greeting and sign-off. An AI-generated message often starts with “Dear Stakeholders” and concludes with “Best regards,” rather than naming specific recipients. Lastly, long, vague sentences can also reveal AI involvement. For example, phrases like “highlights the importance” or “provide valuable opportunities” are typically more verbose than necessary.
ChatGPT can also delve deeper into data analysis topics, providing detailed and comprehensive responses.
Example 5: Ask ChatGPT to Write Your Resume Summary
When asking ChatGPT to create a resume summary, include key details about your current role and technical skills. For example, share your job title, areas of expertise, and significant accomplishments. While phrases like “results-driven” or “innovative solutions” might be vague, being specific about your certifications and projects will strengthen the summary. Below is a sample prompt: Please write a resume summary highlighting my role as a software engineer with four years of experience in Python and AI projects.
Final Thoughts
Text produced by ChatGPT can often seem bland and nonspecific. This happens because it synthesizes responses from a vast pool of potential answers, resulting in outputs that lean toward the average or most common language. There is no guaranteed method to identify AI-generated text. Even advanced tools like GPTZero can be outsmarted. AI continues to improve and find ways to avoid detection, creating an ongoing battle between text detectors and those aiming to bypass them. Improving ChatGPT’s output involves using more precise and meaningful language. Avoid commonly used words and phrases that make the text sound flat. Instead, incorporate specific examples and rich vocabulary to increase the authenticity. One strategy is to generate a draft through ChatGPT and then interact with it to refine and edit the text. This can help produce content that feels more human. AI tools like ChatGPT can impact traditional search engine usage by providing specific information directly, making traditional search engines seem primitive.
Tips for Creating Natural Text:
Use specific details and examples
Choose words that add color and depth
Avoid relying solely on generalized language
Further Reading:
Financial Review: Is this one word the shortcut to detecting AI-written work?
How to Tell if ChatGPT wrote Something
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can Text From ChatGPT Be Detected?
There are a few ways to identify if ChatGPT generated text. Analyzing the length and complexity of messages can offer clues, as can looking for specific patterns in the language used.
What AI Tools Identify ChatGPT-Generated Content?
Several tools are available to help detect if ChatGPT produced content. These include Turnitin and GPTZero. Turnitin is popular in educational settings, while GPTZero is a specialized tool designed to spot AI-generated text.
How Can Educators Identify Student Use of ChatGPT?
Educators can look for inconsistencies in writing style or sudden improvements in students' work. Software like Turnitin can also help by scanning student submissions for AI-generated content.
Are There Specific Signs That Indicate ChatGPT Made Text?
Text created by ChatGPT might contain certain indicators like repetitive phrases, overly formal language, or contextually odd sentences. These signs can be subtle but are often noticeable upon careful review.
How Good Is Turnitin at Detecting ChatGPT Content?
Turnitin is designed to scan for and flag AI-generated text. While it is not foolproof, it is an effective tool in many cases for identifying content that might have been produced by ChatGPT or similar AIs.
What Is GPTZero and How Does It Help Spot ChatGPT-Generated Text?
GPTZero is a tool designed to identify text created by AI models like ChatGPT. It analyzes language patterns and other markers to determine if content was generated by an AI. This makes it a useful resource for anyone needing to verify the originality of text.
Researchers often use AI tools like ChatGPT to write studies, and GPTZero can help identify such AI-generated content.
