# 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.

- Skill: `tools-only/style-patterns-13-18` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 3 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tools-only/style-patterns-13-18`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tools-only/style-patterns-13-18/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- 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/style-patterns-13-18

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# 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.