How does the replacement table improve my writing?

It maps 43 high-frequency AI buzzwords to simpler, more direct alternatives (e.g., 'utilize' becomes 'use'), making the text more accessible and less robotic.

Why is a second-pass audit included?

The second-pass audit re-reads the rewritten version to ensure no new AI patterns were accidentally introduced during the cleanup process.

What specifically are 'AI-isms'?

AI-isms are predictable phrases, formatting styles, and linguistic patterns—like overusing 'delve,' 'leverage,' or 'pivotal'—that typically signal text was machine-generated.

Does this skill guarantee content will pass AI detectors?

While it significantly reduces machine patterns, its primary goal is readability and human tone rather than circumventing specific detection algorithms.

Can this skill audit programming code?

No, this skill is strictly designed for prose, including documentation, blog posts, and marketing copy. It does not detect or fix AI-generated code.

The Avoid AI Writing skill is a specialized tool designed to transform AI-generated prose into natural, human-sounding text. It systematically identifies 21 categories of common machine patterns, such as overused buzzwords, 'rule of three' sentence structures, and significance inflation. By utilizing a 43-entry replacement table and a rigorous four-step audit process—including a second-pass review—it helps users strip away 'chatbot artifacts' from documentation, marketing copy, and internal communications to ensure a more authentic and professional tone.

Key Features

01Elimination of significance inflation, vague attributions, and formulaic conclusions.

02Detection of 21 distinct AI writing pattern categories from formatting to structure.

03Integrated 43-entry word replacement table mapping buzzwords to plain language.

04Four-step output including issue identification, rewriting, and a second-pass audit.

05Fixes for formatting issues like bold overuse, emoji headers, and hollow intensifiers.

0637,717 GitHub stars

Use Cases

01Removing robotic patterns and filler phrases from technical documentation.

02Auditing internal communications to ensure a natural, human-written voice.

03Polishing AI-generated blog posts or marketing copy before publication.

name	avoid-ai-writing
description	Audit and rewrite content to remove 21 categories of AI writing patterns with a 43-entry replacement table
risk	none
source	https://github.com/conorbronsdon/avoid-ai-writing
date_added	2026-03-06

Avoid AI Writing — Audit & Rewrite

Detects and fixes AI writing patterns ("AI-isms") that make text sound machine-generated. Covers 21 pattern categories with a 43-entry word/phrase replacement table that maps each flagged term to a specific, plainer alternative.

When to Use This Skill

When asked to "remove AI-isms," "clean up AI writing," or "make this sound less like AI"
After drafting content with AI and before publishing
When editing any text that sounds like it was generated rather than written
When auditing documentation, blog posts, marketing copy, or internal communications for AI tells

What It Detects

21 pattern categories: formatting issues (em dashes, bold overuse, emoji headers, bullet-heavy sections), sentence structure problems (hedging, hollow intensifiers, rule of three), word/phrase replacements (43 entries like leverage→use, utilize→use, robust→reliable), template phrases, transition phrases, structural issues, significance inflation, copula avoidance, synonym cycling, vague attributions, filler phrases, generic conclusions, chatbot artifacts, notability name-dropping, superficial -ing analyses, promotional language, formulaic challenges, false ranges, inline-header lists, title case headings, and cutoff disclaimers.

Example

Prompt:

Audit this for AI writing patterns:

"In today's rapidly evolving AI landscape, developers are embarking on a pivotal journey to leverage cutting-edge tools that streamline their workflows. Moreover, these robust solutions serve as a testament to the industry's commitment to fostering seamless experiences."

Output: The skill returns four sections:

Issues found — every AI-ism quoted (landscape, embarking, pivotal, leverage, cutting-edge, streamline, robust, serves as, testament to, fostering, seamless, Moreover, In today's rapidly evolving...)
Rewritten version — "Developers are starting to use newer AI tools to simplify their work. These tools are reliable, and they're making development less painful."
What changed — summary of edits
Second-pass audit — re-reads the rewrite to catch any surviving tells

Limitations

Does not detect AI-generated code, only prose
Pattern matching is guideline-based, not absolute — some flagged words are fine in context
The replacement table suggests alternatives but the best choice depends on context
Cannot verify factual claims or find real citations to replace vague attributions

Avoid AI Writing