# AI Writing Patterns Catalog

> Complete reference of patterns to identify and remove. Each pattern includes signal words, the problem it creates, and before/after examples.

- Skill: `tools-only/ai-writing-patterns-catalog` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 3 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tools-only/ai-writing-patterns-catalog`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tools-only/ai-writing-patterns-catalog/raw
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- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: tools-only (https://skillmd.com/u/tools-only)
- Updated: 2026-09-29
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tools-only/ai-writing-patterns-catalog

---

# AI Writing Patterns Catalog

Complete reference of patterns to identify and remove. Each pattern includes signal words, the problem it creates, and before/after examples.

## Content Patterns

### 1. Inflated Significance

**Signal words:** stands/serves as, is a testament/reminder, vital/significant/crucial/pivotal role, underscores/highlights importance, reflects broader, symbolizing ongoing/enduring, setting the stage for, key turning point, evolving landscape, indelible mark

**Problem:** Puffs up importance with claims about how things "represent" or "contribute to" broader trends.

**Before:**
> The institute was established in 1989, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of regional statistics. This was part of a broader movement to decentralize administrative functions.

**After:**
> The institute was established in 1989 to collect regional statistics independently from the national office.

### 2. Undue Notability Claims

**Signal words:** independent coverage, local/regional/national media outlets, written by a leading expert, active social media presence

**Problem:** Lists sources without context, hits readers over the head with claims of importance.

**Before:**
> Her views have been cited in The New York Times, BBC, and Financial Times. She maintains an active social media presence with over 500,000 followers.

**After:**
> In a 2024 New York Times interview, she argued that AI regulation should focus on outcomes rather than methods.

### 3. Superficial -ing Analyses

**Signal words:** highlighting/underscoring/emphasizing..., ensuring..., reflecting/symbolizing..., contributing to..., fostering..., showcasing...

**Problem:** Tacks present participle phrases onto sentences for fake depth.

**Before:**
> The temple's colors resonate with the region's natural beauty, symbolizing local bluebonnets and the Gulf, reflecting the community's deep connection to the land.

**After:**
> The temple uses blue, green, and gold. The architect said these reference local bluebonnets and the Gulf coast.

### 4. Promotional Language

**Signal words:** boasts, vibrant, rich (figurative), profound, showcasing, exemplifies, commitment to, natural beauty, nestled, in the heart of, groundbreaking, renowned, breathtaking, must-visit, stunning

**Problem:** Fails to maintain neutral tone, especially for cultural topics.

**Before:**
> Nestled within the breathtaking region of Gonder, the town stands as a vibrant community with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty.

**After:**
> The town is in the Gonder region of Ethiopia, known for its weekly market and 18th-century church.

### 5. Vague Attributions

**Signal words:** Industry reports, Observers have cited, Experts argue, Some critics argue, several sources/publications (when few cited)

**Problem:** Attributes opinions to vague authorities without specific sources.

**Before:**
> Due to its unique characteristics, the river is of interest to researchers. Experts believe it plays a crucial role in the regional ecosystem.

**After:**
> The river supports several endemic fish species, according to a 2019 survey by the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

### 6. Formulaic "Challenges" Sections

**Signal words:** Despite its... faces several challenges..., Despite these challenges, Challenges and Legacy, Future Outlook

**Problem:** Includes boilerplate "challenges and future prospects" regardless of relevance.

**Before:**
> Despite its prosperity, the area faces challenges typical of urban areas, including traffic and water scarcity. Despite these challenges, it continues to thrive as an integral part of the city's growth.

**After:**
> Traffic congestion increased after 2015 when three IT parks opened. A stormwater drainage project began in 2022 to address recurring floods.

## Language Patterns

### 7. AI Vocabulary

**High-frequency words:** Additionally, align with, crucial, delve, emphasizing, enduring, enhance, fostering, garner, highlight (verb), interplay, intricate/intricacies, key (adjective), landscape (abstract), pivotal, showcase, tapestry (abstract), testament, underscore (verb), valuable, vibrant

**Problem:** These words appear far more frequently in post-2023 text and often cluster together.

**Before:**
> Additionally, a distinctive feature is the incorporation of camel meat. An enduring testament to colonial influence is the widespread adoption of pasta in the local culinary landscape.

**After:**
> Somali cuisine also includes camel meat, considered a delicacy. Pasta dishes, introduced during Italian colonization, remain common in the south.

### 8. Copula Avoidance

**Signal words:** serves as/stands as/marks/represents [a], boasts/features/offers [a]

**Problem:** Substitutes elaborate constructions for simple "is/are/has."

**Before:**
> The gallery serves as the exhibition space for contemporary art. It features four separate spaces and boasts over 3,000 square feet.

**After:**
> The gallery is the exhibition space for contemporary art. It has four rooms totaling 3,000 square feet.

### 9. Negative Parallelisms

**Signal words:** Not only...but..., It's not just about..., it's...

**Problem:** Overuses these constructions for false emphasis.

**Before:**
> It's not just about the beat; it's part of the aggression. It's not merely a song, it's a statement.

**After:**
> The heavy beat adds to the aggressive tone.

### 10. Rule of Three

**Problem:** Forces ideas into groups of three to appear comprehensive.

**Before:**
> The event features keynote sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Attendees can expect innovation, inspiration, and insights.

**After:**
> The event includes talks and panels. There's time for informal networking between sessions.

### 11. Elegant Variation (Synonym Cycling)

**Problem:** Excessive synonym substitution due to repetition penalties.

**Before:**
> The protagonist faces challenges. The main character must overcome obstacles. The central figure eventually triumphs. The hero returns home.

**After:**
> The protagonist faces challenges but eventually triumphs and returns home.

### 12. False Ranges

**Problem:** Uses "from X to Y" where X and Y aren't on a meaningful scale.

**Before:**
> Our journey takes us from the Big Bang to the cosmic web, from star birth to the enigmatic dance of dark matter.

**After:**
> The book covers the Big Bang, star formation, and current theories about dark matter.

## Style Patterns

### 13. Em Dash Overuse

**Problem:** Uses em dashes more than natural writing, mimicking punchy sales copy.

**Before:**
> The term is primarily promoted by Dutch institutions -- not by the people themselves. You don't say "Netherlands, Europe" -- yet this continues -- even in official documents.

**After:**
> The term is primarily promoted by Dutch institutions, not by the people themselves. You don't say "Netherlands, Europe," yet this continues in official documents.

### 14. Excessive Boldface

**Problem:** Mechanically emphasizes phrases with boldface.

**Before:**
> It blends **OKRs**, **KPIs**, and tools such as the **Business Model Canvas** and **Balanced Scorecard**.

**After:**
> It blends OKRs, KPIs, and tools like the Business Model Canvas and Balanced Scorecard.

### 15. Inline-Header Lists

**Problem:** Lists where items start with bolded headers followed by colons.

**Before:**
> - **User Experience:** Significantly improved with a new interface.
> - **Performance:** Enhanced through optimized algorithms.
> - **Security:** Strengthened with end-to-end encryption.

**After:**
> The update improves the interface, speeds up load times, and adds end-to-end encryption.

### 16. Title Case Headings

**Problem:** Capitalizes all main words in headings.

**Before:**
> ## Strategic Negotiations And Global Partnerships

**After:**
> ## Strategic negotiations and global partnerships

### 17. Decorative Emojis

**Problem:** Decorates headings or bullet points with emojis.

**Before:**
> Launch Phase: The product launches in Q3
> Key Insight: Users prefer simplicity

**After:**
> The product launches in Q3. User research showed a preference for simplicity.

### 18. Curly Quotes

**Problem:** Uses curly quotes instead of straight quotes.

**Before:**
> He said "the project is on track" but others disagreed.

**After:**
> He said "the project is on track" but others disagreed.

## Communication Artifacts

### 19. Chatbot Phrases

**Signal words:** I hope this helps, Of course!, Certainly!, You're absolutely right!, Would you like..., let me know, here is a...

**Problem:** Chatbot correspondence language gets left in content.

**Before:**
> Here is an overview of the French Revolution. I hope this helps! Let me know if you'd like me to expand on any section.

**After:**
> The French Revolution began in 1789 when financial crisis and food shortages led to widespread unrest.

### 20. Knowledge-Cutoff Disclaimers

**Signal words:** as of [date], Up to my last training update, While specific details are limited/scarce..., based on available information...

**Problem:** AI disclaimers about incomplete information left in text.

**Before:**
> While specific details about the founding are not extensively documented in readily available sources, it appears to have been established in the 1990s.

**After:**
> The company was founded in 1994, according to registration documents.

### 21. Sycophantic Tone

**Problem:** Overly positive, people-pleasing language.

**Before:**
> Great question! You're absolutely right that this is complex. That's an excellent point about the economic factors.

**After:**
> The economic factors you mentioned are relevant here.

## Filler and Hedging

### 22. Filler Phrases

| Before | After |
|--------|-------|
| In order to achieve this goal | To achieve this |
| Due to the fact that | Because |
| At this point in time | Now |
| In the event that | If |
| Has the ability to | Can |
| It is important to note that | (delete) |

### 23. Excessive Hedging

**Problem:** Over-qualifying statements.

**Before:**
> It could potentially possibly be argued that the policy might have some effect on outcomes.

**After:**
> The policy may affect outcomes.

### 24. Generic Positive Conclusions

**Problem:** Vague upbeat endings.

**Before:**
> The future looks bright for the company. Exciting times lie ahead as they continue their journey toward excellence.

**After:**
> The company plans to open two more locations next year.

## Reference

Based on [Wikipedia:Signs of AI writing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Signs_of_AI_writing), maintained by WikiProject AI Cleanup.