tools-only Style Patterns (13-18)
Detailed reference for style-level AI writing patterns. Read the compact summary table in SKILL.md first to identify which patterns apply, then consult this file for rewriting guidance.
13. Em Dash Overuse
Problem: LLMs use em dashes (--) more than humans, mimicking "punchy" sales writing.
Before:
The term is primarily promoted by Dutch institutions--not by the people themselves. You don't say "Netherlands, Europe" as an address--yet this mislabeling 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" as an address, yet this mislabeling continues in official documents.
14. Overuse of Boldface
Problem: AI chatbots emphasise phrases in boldface mechanically.
Before:
It blends OKRs (Objectives and Key Results), KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), and visual strategy tools such as the Business Model Canvas (BMC) and Balanced Scorecard (BSC).
After:
It blends OKRs, KPIs, and visual strategy tools like the Business Model Canvas and Balanced Scorecard.
15. Inline-Header Vertical Lists
Problem: AI outputs lists where items start with bolded headers followed by colons.
Before:
- User Experience: The user experience has been significantly improved with a new interface.
- Performance: Performance has been enhanced through optimized algorithms.
- Security: Security has been strengthened with end-to-end encryption.
After:
The update improves the interface, speeds up load times through optimized algorithms, and adds end-to-end encryption.
16. Title Case in Headings
Problem: AI chatbots capitalise all main words in headings.
Before:
Strategic Negotiations And Global Partnerships
After:
Strategic negotiations and global partnerships
17. Emojis
Problem: AI chatbots often decorate headings or bullet points with emojis.
Before:
The product launches in Q3 Key Insight: Users prefer simplicity Next Steps: Schedule follow-up meeting
After:
The product launches in Q3. User research showed a preference for simplicity. Next step: schedule a follow-up meeting.
18. Curly Quotation Marks
Problem: ChatGPT uses curly quotes ("\u2026") instead of straight quotes ("...").
Before:
He said \u201cthe project is on track\u201d but others disagreed.
After:
He said "the project is on track" but others disagreed.