List of AI Phrases and Words
A searchable list of the words and phrases that often show up in AI-generated drafts, with plainer alternatives for each. Use it to review your own writing, not as proof of who wrote a text.
- 122 entries
- Searchable
- Plain-English alternatives
Common AI Words and Phrases
These words and phrases appear often in AI-generated drafts. None of them proves AI authorship, because people use every one of them too. Search by word, filter by type, or show only the entries our free AI text checker already uses.
Overused verbs
19Formal verbs that models reach for where a plain verb would do.
- delve intoTryexplore, look atUsed in our checker
- leverageTryuse
- utilizeTryuse
- harnessTryuse, draw on
- fosterTryencourage, build
- facilitateTryhelp, make possible
- underscoreTryshow, stress
- showcaseTryshow, display
- embark onTrystart, begin
- navigateTryhandle, work through
- unlockTryopen up, make possible
- elevateTryimprove, raise
- streamlineTrysimplify
- empowerTrylet, enable
- bolsterTrystrengthen, support
- garnerTryget, attract
- resonateTryconnect, ring true
- spearheadTrylead
- revolutionizeTrychange, transform
Overused adjectives and nouns
29Grand, abstract descriptors and metaphors that add weight but little meaning.
- pivotalTrykey, important
- crucialTryimportant, needed
- vitalTryimportant, essential
- paramountTrymost important
- imperativeTrynecessary
- intricateTrycomplex, detailed
- multifacetedTrycomplex, varied
- nuancedTrysubtle, detailed
- holisticTryoverall, whole
- robustTrystrong, solid
- seamlessTrysmooth
- comprehensiveTryfull, thorough
- cutting-edgeTrynew, modern
- groundbreakingTrynew, significant
- transformativeTrymajor, significant
- vibrantTrylively, active
- meticulousTrycareful, thorough
- myriadTrymany
- plethoraTrymany, a lot of
- tapestryTrymix, rangeUsed in our checker
- realmTryarea, field
- cornerstoneTryfoundation, basis
- paradigmTrymodel, approach
- synergyTrycooperation, combined effect
- interplayTryrelationship, interaction
- game-changerTrybig change, breakthroughUsed in our checker
- ecosystemTrysystem, network
- beaconTryexample, guide
- journeyTryprocess, path
Transitions and connectors
25Normal in academic prose. They only become a pattern when nearly every sentence opens with one. Our checker counts them per 100 words.
- moreoverTryand, alsoUsed in our checker
- furthermoreTryalso, andUsed in our checker
- additionallyTryalsoUsed in our checker
- in additionTryalso, andUsed in our checker
- consequentlyTrysoUsed in our checker
- thereforeTrysoUsed in our checker
- thusTrysoUsed in our checker
- howeverTrybut, yetUsed in our checker
- neverthelessTrystill, even soUsed in our checker
- nonethelessTrystill, even soUsed in our checker
- in conclusionTryto finish, or just stopUsed in our checker
- to summarizeTryin shortUsed in our checker
- in summaryTryin shortUsed in our checker
- overallTryon the whole, or cut itUsed in our checker
- ultimatelyTryin the endUsed in our checker
- as a resultTrysoUsed in our checker
- on the other handTrybut, then againUsed in our checker
- in contrastTrybut, unlikeUsed in our checker
- similarlyTryalso, in the same wayUsed in our checker
- likewiseTryin the same wayUsed in our checker
- for instanceTryfor example, such asUsed in our checker
- for exampleTrysuch asUsed in our checker
- in particularTryespeciallyUsed in our checker
- notablyTryespeciallyUsed in our checker
- importantlyTrycut it, or say why it mattersUsed in our checker
Stock phrases and filler
25Well-worn openers and filler. Our checker highlights sentences built on these.
- it is important to noteTrycut it and state the pointUsed in our checker
- it is worth notingTrycut it and state the pointUsed in our checker
- it is crucial toTryyou need toUsed in our checker
- plays a crucial roleTrymatters for, is central toUsed in our checker
- plays a vital roleTrymatters for, is key toUsed in our checker
- plays a pivotal roleTryshapes, drivesUsed in our checker
- in today'sTrynow, these daysUsed in our checker
- in the realm ofTryin, withinUsed in our checker
- in the world ofTryinUsed in our checker
- a testament toTryproof of, showsUsed in our checker
- navigate the complexitiesTrydeal with, handleUsed in our checker
- rapidly evolvingTryfast-changing, changing quicklyUsed in our checker
- ever-evolvingTrychangingUsed in our checker
- ever-changingTrychangingUsed in our checker
- landscape ofTryfield of, state ofUsed in our checker
- to sum upTryin shortUsed in our checker
- cannot be overstatedTryis very importantUsed in our checker
- a wide range ofTrymany, variousUsed in our checker
- a myriad ofTrymanyUsed in our checker
- unlock the potentialTrymake the most ofUsed in our checker
- shed light onTryexplain, clarifyUsed in our checker
- pave the wayTrylead to, make possibleUsed in our checker
- at the end of the dayTryin the end, or cut itUsed in our checker
- in essenceTrybasically, in shortUsed in our checker
- it should be notedTrycut it and state the pointUsed in our checker
Openers, closers and chatbot leftovers
10Chatbot-style framing. Left in a final draft, these are the clearest sign that text was pasted without editing.
- certainly!Trycut it
- absolutely!Trycut it
- great questionTrycut it
- here is aTrystart with the content itself
- i hope this helpsTrycut it
- let me know if you'd likeTrycut it
- as an ai language modelTrydelete it, it is pasted chatbot text
- in this article, we will exploreTrysay what the piece covers
- let's dive inTryjust start
- i cannot provideTrydelete it, it is a chatbot refusal
More phrases worth a second look
14Other phrases that show up often in generated drafts and in marketing-style copy.
- when it comes toTryfor, on
- it goes without sayingTrycut it
- in the digital ageTrytoday, now
- a double-edged swordTryhas upsides and downsides
- this highlights the importance ofTrythis shows why it matters
- serves as a reminderTryreminds us
- stands as a testamentTryshows
- a rich tapestryTrya mix
- unwavering commitmentTrycommitment, steady commitment
- a deep understanding ofTryknowledge of
- valuable insightsTryuseful findings
- key takeawaysTrymain points
- take it to the next levelTryimprove it
- the power ofTrycut it, or say what it does
Highlight AI Phrases in Your Own Text
Paste a draft to see which words and phrases from the list appear in it, with plainer alternatives. The tool only highlights matches. It does not score your text or detect AI.
Your text is analyzed locally in your browser. It is not uploaded, stored, or sent to our servers.
Matches are prompts to review, not proof that text was written by AI. Human writers use all of these words and phrases, and edited AI text can contain none of them.
What Are AI Phrases and Words?
AI phrases and words are expressions that appear unusually often in text produced by large language models. Examples include “delve into”, “tapestry”, “pivotal”, “it is important to note” and “plays a crucial role”.
They are not AI-only vocabulary. Every one of them is ordinary English that human writers have used for generations. What makes them noticeable is frequency and clustering: a draft where nearly every paragraph opens with “Moreover”, calls everything “crucial” and “multifaceted”, and ends with “In conclusion” reads as templated, whether a person or a model wrote it.
This page collects the most commonly cited words and phrases, groups them by type, and suggests a plainer alternative for each one.
Why AI-Generated Text Overuses Certain Words
Language models write by predicting likely next words from patterns in their training data. Formal, general-purpose phrasing is common in that data and rarely wrong, so it is a safe choice again and again. Models are also often tuned to sound polished and helpful, which pushes them toward the same formal vocabulary, balanced sentences, and signposting such as “it is worth noting” and “in conclusion”.
The effect can be measured. Researchers who studied millions of biomedical abstracts found that certain style words became far more common after large language models became widely available.
What the research found
Source: Kobak et al., “Delving into ChatGPT usage in academic writing through excess vocabulary”, arXiv:2406.07016.
Models keep changing, and newer ones are often tuned or prompted to avoid some of these habits. Treat any list, including this one, as a snapshot rather than a rulebook.
Can a Word List Prove Text Is AI-Written?
No. A match only tells you that a common word or phrase appears. Formal essays, technical writing, marketing copy, and writing by people working in a second language all use many of these words, and AI-assisted text that has been edited can contain none of them.
In a 2023 study published in Patterns, researchers ran 91 TOEFL essays written by non-native English speakers through seven GPT detectors. More than half were misclassified as AI-generated. Style-based signals can misfire on formal, simple, or second-language writing. Read the news release.
Use the list as an editing aid for your own drafts. For a broader look at sentence rhythm and vocabulary variety, try the free AI text checker, and see how to read its report in Understanding AI Detection Results.
How to Revise Flagged Phrases
The aim is clearer, more specific writing, not an empty list. Work through a flagged draft in four steps.
Check the context
Keep a word when it is the most precise choice. A pivotal moment can be truly pivotal.
Swap or cut
Replace the phrase with the plain alternative from the list, or delete it if the sentence works without it.
Say something specific
Replace filler such as “plays a crucial role” with what the thing actually does.
Vary the rhythm and read aloud
Mix short and long sentences, then read the paragraph aloud. If it sounds like you, it is done.
It is important to note that technology plays a crucial role in shaping modern education.
Moreover, it is crucial to leverage innovative tools to unlock the potential of every student.
Technology now shapes how students learn.
Teachers get better results when they use tools that fit their students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What words does AI use too much?
Commonly cited examples include “delve”, “tapestry”, “pivotal”, “crucial”, “intricate”, “leverage”, “foster”, “underscore” and “showcase”, along with formal transitions such as “moreover” and “furthermore”. No single word proves that text was written by AI, because human writers use all of them too.
Is “delve” a sign of AI writing?
It can be one small signal among many. A 2024 study of biomedical abstracts found that “delves” appeared far more often after large language models became widely available. But people use the word as well, so on its own it proves nothing about who wrote a text.
Can AI detectors flag these words and phrases?
Some detectors consider vocabulary and phrasing alongside other signals, such as sentence rhythm. Our free checker counts a defined list of transitions and stock phrases and shows them in a sentence view. Neither it nor any detector can give a reliable verdict on authorship.
Should I remove every word on this list?
No. Keep a word when it is the most precise choice, and replace it only when it adds nothing. A “pivotal” moment may truly be pivotal. The goal is clear, specific writing, not an empty list.
Will removing these words make my text undetectable?
No, and we make no such claim. Detectors use other signals, and editing only to avoid detection can break your school’s or employer’s rules. Use the list to make your own writing clearer and more specific.
Is this list complete?
No. It is a practical selection of commonly cited words and phrases. Models change, and newer ones are often tuned or prompted to avoid some of these habits, so any list ages.
Is the text I paste into the highlighter stored?
No. The highlighter runs in your browser. Your text is not uploaded, stored, or sent to our servers.
Is this the Proofademic AI detector’s word list?
No. This site is independent and not affiliated with Proofademic. The list is our own selection and does not reproduce any other service’s scoring or methods.
See how your own writing reads
Paste your draft into the free checker to see sentence rhythm, vocabulary variety, repeated phrases and transitions, then revise the flagged lines in your own voice.