diff --git a/skills/copy-editing/SKILL.md b/skills/copy-editing/SKILL.md index dbfae81..9c232dc 100644 --- a/skills/copy-editing/SKILL.md +++ b/skills/copy-editing/SKILL.md @@ -411,6 +411,12 @@ This iterative process ensures each edit doesn't create new problems while respe --- +## References + +- [Plain English Alternatives](references/plain-english-alternatives.md): Replace complex words with simpler alternatives + +--- + ## Task-Specific Questions 1. What's the goal of this copy? (Awareness, conversion, retention) diff --git a/skills/copy-editing/references/plain-english-alternatives.md b/skills/copy-editing/references/plain-english-alternatives.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..18db3b0 --- /dev/null +++ b/skills/copy-editing/references/plain-english-alternatives.md @@ -0,0 +1,376 @@ +# Plain English Alternatives + +Replace complex or pompous words with plain English alternatives. + +Source: Plain English Campaign A-Z of Alternative Words (2001), Australian Government Style Manual (2024), plainlanguage.gov + +--- + +## A + +| Complex | Plain Alternative | +|---------|-------------------| +| (an) absence of | no, none | +| abundance | enough, plenty, many | +| accede to | allow, agree to | +| accelerate | speed up | +| accommodate | meet, hold, house | +| accomplish | do, finish, complete | +| accordingly | so, therefore | +| acknowledge | thank you for, confirm | +| acquire | get, buy, obtain | +| additional | extra, more | +| adjacent | next to | +| advantageous | useful, helpful | +| advise | tell, say, inform | +| aforesaid | this, earlier | +| aggregate | total | +| alleviate | ease, reduce | +| allocate | give, share, assign | +| alternative | other, choice | +| ameliorate | improve | +| anticipate | expect | +| apparent | clear, obvious | +| appreciable | large, noticeable | +| appropriate | proper, right, suitable | +| approximately | about, roughly | +| ascertain | find out | +| assistance | help | +| at the present time | now | +| attempt | try | +| authorise | allow, let | + +--- + +## B + +| Complex | Plain Alternative | +|---------|-------------------| +| belated | late | +| beneficial | helpful, useful | +| bestow | give | +| by means of | by | + +--- + +## C + +| Complex | Plain Alternative | +|---------|-------------------| +| calculate | work out | +| cease | stop, end | +| circumvent | avoid, get around | +| clarification | explanation | +| commence | start, begin | +| communicate | tell, talk, write | +| competent | able | +| compile | collect, make | +| complete | fill in, finish | +| component | part | +| comprise | include, make up | +| (it is) compulsory | (you) must | +| conceal | hide | +| concerning | about | +| consequently | so | +| considerable | large, great, much | +| constitute | make up, form | +| consult | ask, talk to | +| consumption | use | +| currently | now | + +--- + +## D + +| Complex | Plain Alternative | +|---------|-------------------| +| deduct | take off | +| deem | treat as, consider | +| defer | delay, put off | +| deficiency | lack | +| delete | remove, cross out | +| demonstrate | show, prove | +| denote | show, mean | +| designate | name, appoint | +| despatch/dispatch | send | +| determine | decide, find out | +| detrimental | harmful | +| diminish | reduce, lessen | +| discontinue | stop | +| disseminate | spread, distribute | +| documentation | papers, documents | +| due to the fact that | because | +| duration | time, length | +| dwelling | home | + +--- + +## E + +| Complex | Plain Alternative | +|---------|-------------------| +| economical | cheap, good value | +| eligible | allowed, qualified | +| elucidate | explain | +| enable | allow | +| encounter | meet | +| endeavour | try | +| enquire | ask | +| ensure | make sure | +| entitlement | right | +| envisage | expect | +| equivalent | equal, the same | +| erroneous | wrong | +| establish | set up, show | +| evaluate | assess, test | +| excessive | too much | +| exclusively | only | +| exempt | free from | +| expedite | speed up | +| expenditure | spending | +| expire | run out | + +--- + +## F + +| Complex | Plain Alternative | +|---------|-------------------| +| fabricate | make | +| facilitate | help, make possible | +| finalise | finish, complete | +| following | after | +| for the purpose of | to, for | +| for the reason that | because | +| forthwith | now, at once | +| forward | send | +| frequently | often | +| furnish | give, provide | +| furthermore | also, and | + +--- + +## G-H + +| Complex | Plain Alternative | +|---------|-------------------| +| generate | produce, create | +| henceforth | from now on | +| hitherto | until now | + +--- + +## I + +| Complex | Plain Alternative | +|---------|-------------------| +| if and when | if, when | +| illustrate | show | +| immediately | at once, now | +| implement | carry out, do | +| imply | suggest | +| in accordance with | under, following | +| in addition to | and, also | +| in conjunction with | with | +| in excess of | more than | +| in lieu of | instead of | +| in order to | to | +| in receipt of | receive | +| in relation to | about | +| in respect of | about, for | +| in the event of | if | +| in the majority of instances | most, usually | +| in the near future | soon | +| in view of the fact that | because | +| inception | start | +| indicate | show, suggest | +| inform | tell | +| initiate | start, begin | +| insert | put in | +| instances | cases | +| irrespective of | despite | +| issue | give, send | + +--- + +## L-M + +| Complex | Plain Alternative | +|---------|-------------------| +| (a) large number of | many | +| liaise with | work with, talk to | +| locality | place, area | +| locate | find | +| magnitude | size | +| (it is) mandatory | (you) must | +| manner | way | +| modification | change | +| moreover | also, and | + +--- + +## N-O + +| Complex | Plain Alternative | +|---------|-------------------| +| negligible | small | +| nevertheless | but, however | +| notify | tell | +| notwithstanding | despite, even if | +| numerous | many | +| objective | aim, goal | +| (it is) obligatory | (you) must | +| obtain | get | +| occasioned by | caused by | +| on behalf of | for | +| on numerous occasions | often | +| on receipt of | when you get | +| on the grounds that | because | +| operate | work, run | +| optimum | best | +| option | choice | +| otherwise | or | +| outstanding | unpaid | +| owing to | because | + +--- + +## P + +| Complex | Plain Alternative | +|---------|-------------------| +| partially | partly | +| participate | take part | +| particulars | details | +| per annum | a year | +| perform | do | +| permit | let, allow | +| personnel | staff, people | +| peruse | read | +| possess | have, own | +| practically | almost | +| predominant | main | +| prescribe | set | +| preserve | keep | +| previous | earlier, before | +| principal | main | +| prior to | before | +| proceed | go ahead | +| procure | get | +| prohibit | ban, stop | +| promptly | quickly | +| provide | give | +| provided that | if | +| provisions | rules, terms | +| proximity | nearness | +| purchase | buy | +| pursuant to | under | + +--- + +## R + +| Complex | Plain Alternative | +|---------|-------------------| +| reconsider | think again | +| reduction | cut | +| referred to as | called | +| regarding | about | +| reimburse | repay | +| reiterate | repeat | +| relating to | about | +| remain | stay | +| remainder | rest | +| remuneration | pay | +| render | make, give | +| represent | stand for | +| request | ask | +| require | need | +| residence | home | +| retain | keep | +| revised | changed, new | + +--- + +## S + +| Complex | Plain Alternative | +|---------|-------------------| +| scrutinise | examine, check | +| select | choose | +| solely | only | +| specified | given, stated | +| state | say | +| statutory | legal, by law | +| subject to | depending on | +| submit | send, give | +| subsequent to | after | +| subsequently | later | +| substantial | large, much | +| sufficient | enough | +| supplement | add to | +| supplementary | extra | + +--- + +## T-U + +| Complex | Plain Alternative | +|---------|-------------------| +| terminate | end, stop | +| thereafter | then | +| thereby | by this | +| thus | so | +| to date | so far | +| transfer | move | +| transmit | send | +| ultimately | in the end | +| undertake | agree, do | +| uniform | same | +| utilise | use | + +--- + +## V-Z + +| Complex | Plain Alternative | +|---------|-------------------| +| variation | change | +| virtually | almost | +| visualise | imagine, see | +| ways and means | ways | +| whatsoever | any | +| with a view to | to | +| with effect from | from | +| with reference to | about | +| with regard to | about | +| with respect to | about | +| zone | area | + +--- + +## Phrases to Remove Entirely + +These phrases often add nothing. Delete them: + +- a total of +- absolutely +- actually +- all things being equal +- as a matter of fact +- at the end of the day +- at this moment in time +- basically +- currently (when "now" or nothing works) +- I am of the opinion that (use: I think) +- in due course (use: soon, or say when) +- in the final analysis +- it should be understood +- last but not least +- obviously +- of course +- quite +- really +- the fact of the matter is +- to all intents and purposes +- very diff --git a/skills/copywriting/SKILL.md b/skills/copywriting/SKILL.md index 289f351..e34277b 100644 --- a/skills/copywriting/SKILL.md +++ b/skills/copywriting/SKILL.md @@ -118,6 +118,8 @@ Puns and wit make copy memorable—but only if it fits the brand and doesn't und **For comprehensive headline formulas**: See [references/copy-frameworks.md](references/copy-frameworks.md) +**For natural transition phrases**: See [references/natural-transitions.md](references/natural-transitions.md) + **Subheadline** - Expands on headline - Adds specificity diff --git a/skills/copywriting/references/natural-transitions.md b/skills/copywriting/references/natural-transitions.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..929116f --- /dev/null +++ b/skills/copywriting/references/natural-transitions.md @@ -0,0 +1,252 @@ +# Natural Transitions + +Transitional phrases to guide readers through your content. Good signposting improves readability, user engagement, and helps search engines understand content structure. + +Adapted from: University of Manchester Academic Phrasebank (2023), Plain English Campaign, web content best practices + +--- + +## Previewing Content Structure + +Use to orient readers and set expectations: + +- Here's what we'll cover... +- This guide walks you through... +- Below, you'll find... +- We'll start with X, then move to Y... +- First, let's look at... +- Let's break this down step by step. +- The sections below explain... + +--- + +## Introducing a New Topic + +- When it comes to X,... +- Regarding X,... +- Speaking of X,... +- Now let's talk about X. +- Another key factor is... +- X is worth exploring because... + +--- + +## Referring Back + +Use to connect ideas and reinforce key points: + +- As mentioned earlier,... +- As we covered above,... +- Remember when we discussed X? +- Building on that point,... +- Going back to X,... +- Earlier, we explained that... + +--- + +## Moving Between Sections + +- Now let's look at... +- Next up:... +- Moving on to... +- With that covered, let's turn to... +- Now that you understand X, here's Y. +- That brings us to... + +--- + +## Indicating Addition + +- Also,... +- Plus,... +- On top of that,... +- What's more,... +- Another benefit is... +- Beyond that,... +- In addition,... +- There's also... + +**Note:** Use "moreover" and "furthermore" sparingly. They can sound AI-generated when overused. + +--- + +## Indicating Contrast + +- However,... +- But,... +- That said,... +- On the flip side,... +- In contrast,... +- Unlike X, Y... +- While X is true, Y... +- Despite this,... + +--- + +## Indicating Similarity + +- Similarly,... +- Likewise,... +- In the same way,... +- Just like X, Y also... +- This mirrors... +- The same applies to... + +--- + +## Indicating Cause and Effect + +- So,... +- This means... +- As a result,... +- That's why... +- Because of this,... +- This leads to... +- The outcome?... +- Here's what happens:... + +--- + +## Giving Examples + +- For example,... +- For instance,... +- Here's an example:... +- Take X, for instance. +- Consider this:... +- A good example is... +- To illustrate,... +- Like when... +- Say you want to... + +--- + +## Emphasising Key Points + +- Here's the key takeaway:... +- The important thing is... +- What matters most is... +- Don't miss this:... +- Pay attention to... +- This is critical:... +- The bottom line?... + +--- + +## Providing Evidence + +Use when citing sources, data, or expert opinions: + +### Neutral attribution +- According to [Source],... +- [Source] reports that... +- Research shows that... +- Data from [Source] indicates... +- A study by [Source] found... + +### Expert quotes +- As [Expert] puts it,... +- [Expert] explains,... +- In the words of [Expert],... +- [Expert] notes that... + +### Supporting claims +- This is backed by... +- Evidence suggests... +- The numbers confirm... +- This aligns with findings from... + +--- + +## Summarising Sections + +- To recap,... +- Here's the short version:... +- In short,... +- The takeaway?... +- So what does this mean?... +- Let's pull this together:... +- Quick summary:... + +--- + +## Concluding Content + +- Wrapping up,... +- The bottom line is... +- Here's what to do next:... +- To sum up,... +- Final thoughts:... +- Ready to get started?... +- Now it's your turn. + +**Note:** Avoid "In conclusion" at the start of a paragraph. It's overused and signals AI writing. + +--- + +## Question-Based Transitions + +Useful for conversational tone and featured snippet optimization: + +- So what does this mean for you? +- But why does this matter? +- How do you actually do this? +- What's the catch? +- Sound complicated? It's not. +- Wondering where to start? +- Still not sure? Here's the breakdown. + +--- + +## List Introductions + +For numbered lists and step-by-step content: + +- Here's how to do it: +- Follow these steps: +- The process is straightforward: +- Here's what you need to know: +- Key things to consider: +- The main factors are: + +--- + +## Hedging Language + +For claims that need qualification or aren't absolute: + +- may, might, could +- tends to, generally +- often, usually, typically +- in most cases +- it appears that +- evidence suggests +- this can help +- many experts believe + +--- + +## Best Practice Guidelines + +1. **Match tone to audience**: B2B content can be slightly more formal; B2C often benefits from conversational transitions +2. **Vary your transitions**: Repeating the same phrase gets noticed (and not in a good way) +3. **Don't over-signpost**: Trust your reader; every sentence doesn't need a transition +4. **Use for scannability**: Transitions at paragraph starts help skimmers navigate +5. **Keep it natural**: Read aloud; if it sounds forced, simplify +6. **Front-load key info**: Put the important word or phrase early in the transition + +--- + +## Transitions to Avoid (AI Tells) + +These phrases are overused in AI-generated content: + +- "That being said,..." +- "It's worth noting that..." +- "At its core,..." +- "In today's digital landscape,..." +- "When it comes to the realm of..." +- "This begs the question..." +- "Let's delve into..." + +See the seo-audit skill's `references/ai-writing-detection.md` for a complete list of AI writing tells. diff --git a/skills/seo-audit/SKILL.md b/skills/seo-audit/SKILL.md index 15e79b5..474910d 100644 --- a/skills/seo-audit/SKILL.md +++ b/skills/seo-audit/SKILL.md @@ -350,6 +350,13 @@ Same format as above --- +## References + +- [AI Writing Detection](references/ai-writing-detection.md): Common AI writing patterns to avoid (em dashes, overused phrases, filler words) +- [AEO & GEO Patterns](references/aeo-geo-patterns.md): Content patterns optimized for answer engines and AI citation + +--- + ## Tools Referenced **Free Tools** diff --git a/skills/seo-audit/references/aeo-geo-patterns.md b/skills/seo-audit/references/aeo-geo-patterns.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9f4eb09 --- /dev/null +++ b/skills/seo-audit/references/aeo-geo-patterns.md @@ -0,0 +1,279 @@ +# AEO and GEO Content Patterns + +Reusable content block patterns optimized for answer engines and AI citation. + +--- + +## Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) Patterns + +These patterns help content appear in featured snippets, AI Overviews, voice search results, and answer boxes. + +### Definition Block + +Use for "What is [X]?" queries. + +```markdown +## What is [Term]? + +[Term] is [concise 1-sentence definition]. [Expanded 1-2 sentence explanation with key characteristics]. [Brief context on why it matters or how it's used]. +``` + +**Example:** +```markdown +## What is Answer Engine Optimization? + +Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is the practice of structuring content so AI-powered systems can easily extract and present it as direct answers to user queries. Unlike traditional SEO that focuses on ranking in search results, AEO optimizes for featured snippets, AI Overviews, and voice assistant responses. This approach has become essential as over 60% of Google searches now end without a click. +``` + +### Step-by-Step Block + +Use for "How to [X]" queries. Optimal for list snippets. + +```markdown +## How to [Action/Goal] + +[1-sentence overview of the process] + +1. **[Step Name]**: [Clear action description in 1-2 sentences] +2. **[Step Name]**: [Clear action description in 1-2 sentences] +3. **[Step Name]**: [Clear action description in 1-2 sentences] +4. **[Step Name]**: [Clear action description in 1-2 sentences] +5. **[Step Name]**: [Clear action description in 1-2 sentences] + +[Optional: Brief note on expected outcome or time estimate] +``` + +**Example:** +```markdown +## How to Optimize Content for Featured Snippets + +Earning featured snippets requires strategic formatting and direct answers to search queries. + +1. **Identify snippet opportunities**: Use tools like Semrush or Ahrefs to find keywords where competitors have snippets you could capture. +2. **Match the snippet format**: Analyze whether the current snippet is a paragraph, list, or table, and format your content accordingly. +3. **Answer the question directly**: Provide a clear, concise answer (40-60 words for paragraph snippets) immediately after the question heading. +4. **Add supporting context**: Expand on your answer with examples, data, and expert insights in the following paragraphs. +5. **Use proper heading structure**: Place your target question as an H2 or H3, with the answer immediately following. + +Most featured snippets appear within 2-4 weeks of publishing well-optimized content. +``` + +### Comparison Table Block + +Use for "[X] vs [Y]" queries. Optimal for table snippets. + +```markdown +## [Option A] vs [Option B]: [Brief Descriptor] + +| Feature | [Option A] | [Option B] | +|---------|------------|------------| +| [Criteria 1] | [Value/Description] | [Value/Description] | +| [Criteria 2] | [Value/Description] | [Value/Description] | +| [Criteria 3] | [Value/Description] | [Value/Description] | +| [Criteria 4] | [Value/Description] | [Value/Description] | +| Best For | [Use case] | [Use case] | + +**Bottom line**: [1-2 sentence recommendation based on different needs] +``` + +### Pros and Cons Block + +Use for evaluation queries: "Is [X] worth it?", "Should I [X]?" + +```markdown +## Advantages and Disadvantages of [Topic] + +[1-sentence overview of the evaluation context] + +### Pros + +- **[Benefit category]**: [Specific explanation] +- **[Benefit category]**: [Specific explanation] +- **[Benefit category]**: [Specific explanation] + +### Cons + +- **[Drawback category]**: [Specific explanation] +- **[Drawback category]**: [Specific explanation] +- **[Drawback category]**: [Specific explanation] + +**Verdict**: [1-2 sentence balanced conclusion with recommendation] +``` + +### FAQ Block + +Use for topic pages with multiple common questions. Essential for FAQ schema. + +```markdown +## Frequently Asked Questions + +### [Question phrased exactly as users search]? + +[Direct answer in first sentence]. [Supporting context in 2-3 additional sentences]. + +### [Question phrased exactly as users search]? + +[Direct answer in first sentence]. [Supporting context in 2-3 additional sentences]. + +### [Question phrased exactly as users search]? + +[Direct answer in first sentence]. [Supporting context in 2-3 additional sentences]. +``` + +**Tips for FAQ questions:** +- Use natural question phrasing ("How do I..." not "How does one...") +- Include question words: what, how, why, when, where, who, which +- Match "People Also Ask" queries from search results +- Keep answers between 50-100 words + +### Listicle Block + +Use for "Best [X]", "Top [X]", "[Number] ways to [X]" queries. + +```markdown +## [Number] Best [Items] for [Goal/Purpose] + +[1-2 sentence intro establishing context and selection criteria] + +### 1. [Item Name] + +[Why it's included in 2-3 sentences with specific benefits] + +### 2. [Item Name] + +[Why it's included in 2-3 sentences with specific benefits] + +### 3. [Item Name] + +[Why it's included in 2-3 sentences with specific benefits] +``` + +--- + +## Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) Patterns + +These patterns optimize content for citation by AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Gemini. + +### Statistic Citation Block + +Statistics increase AI citation rates by 15-30%. Always include sources. + +```markdown +[Claim statement]. According to [Source/Organization], [specific statistic with number and timeframe]. [Context for why this matters]. +``` + +**Example:** +```markdown +Mobile optimization is no longer optional for SEO success. According to Google's 2024 Core Web Vitals report, 70% of web traffic now comes from mobile devices, and pages failing mobile usability standards see 24% higher bounce rates. This makes mobile-first indexing a critical ranking factor. +``` + +### Expert Quote Block + +Named expert attribution adds credibility and increases citation likelihood. + +```markdown +"[Direct quote from expert]," says [Expert Name], [Title/Role] at [Organization]. [1 sentence of context or interpretation]. +``` + +**Example:** +```markdown +"The shift from keyword-driven search to intent-driven discovery represents the most significant change in SEO since mobile-first indexing," says Rand Fishkin, Co-founder of SparkToro. This perspective highlights why content strategies must evolve beyond traditional keyword optimization. +``` + +### Authoritative Claim Block + +Structure claims for easy AI extraction with clear attribution. + +```markdown +[Topic] [verb: is/has/requires/involves] [clear, specific claim]. [Source] [confirms/reports/found] that [supporting evidence]. This [explains/means/suggests] [implication or action]. +``` + +**Example:** +```markdown +E-E-A-T is the cornerstone of Google's content quality evaluation. Google's Search Quality Rater Guidelines confirm that trust is the most critical factor, stating that "untrustworthy pages have low E-E-A-T no matter how experienced, expert, or authoritative they may seem." This means content creators must prioritize transparency and accuracy above all other optimization tactics. +``` + +### Self-Contained Answer Block + +Create quotable, standalone statements that AI can extract directly. + +```markdown +**[Topic/Question]**: [Complete, self-contained answer that makes sense without additional context. Include specific details, numbers, or examples in 2-3 sentences.] +``` + +**Example:** +```markdown +**Ideal blog post length for SEO**: The optimal length for SEO blog posts is 1,500-2,500 words for competitive topics. This range allows comprehensive topic coverage while maintaining reader engagement. HubSpot research shows long-form content earns 77% more backlinks than short articles, directly impacting search rankings. +``` + +### Evidence Sandwich Block + +Structure claims with evidence for maximum credibility. + +```markdown +[Opening claim statement]. + +Evidence supporting this includes: +- [Data point 1 with source] +- [Data point 2 with source] +- [Data point 3 with source] + +[Concluding statement connecting evidence to actionable insight]. +``` + +--- + +## Domain-Specific GEO Tactics + +Different content domains benefit from different authority signals. + +### Technology Content +- Emphasize technical precision and correct terminology +- Include version numbers and dates for software/tools +- Reference official documentation +- Add code examples where relevant + +### Health/Medical Content +- Cite peer-reviewed studies with publication details +- Include expert credentials (MD, RN, etc.) +- Note study limitations and context +- Add "last reviewed" dates + +### Financial Content +- Reference regulatory bodies (SEC, FTC, etc.) +- Include specific numbers with timeframes +- Note that information is educational, not advice +- Cite recognized financial institutions + +### Legal Content +- Cite specific laws, statutes, and regulations +- Reference jurisdiction clearly +- Include professional disclaimers +- Note when professional consultation is advised + +### Business/Marketing Content +- Include case studies with measurable results +- Reference industry research and reports +- Add percentage changes and timeframes +- Quote recognized thought leaders + +--- + +## Voice Search Optimization + +Voice queries are conversational and question-based. Optimize for these patterns: + +### Question Formats for Voice +- "What is..." +- "How do I..." +- "Where can I find..." +- "Why does..." +- "When should I..." +- "Who is..." + +### Voice-Optimized Answer Structure +- Lead with direct answer (under 30 words ideal) +- Use natural, conversational language +- Avoid jargon unless targeting expert audience +- Include local context where relevant +- Structure for single spoken response diff --git a/skills/seo-audit/references/ai-writing-detection.md b/skills/seo-audit/references/ai-writing-detection.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ffa5dce --- /dev/null +++ b/skills/seo-audit/references/ai-writing-detection.md @@ -0,0 +1,190 @@ +# AI Writing Detection + +Words, phrases, and punctuation patterns commonly associated with AI-generated text. Avoid these to ensure writing sounds natural and human. + +Sources: Grammarly (2025), Microsoft 365 Life Hacks (2025), GPTHuman (2025), Walter Writes (2025), Textero (2025), Plagiarism Today (2025), Rolling Stone (2025), MDPI Blog (2025) + +--- + +## Em Dashes: The Primary AI Tell + +**The em dash (—) has become one of the most reliable markers of AI-generated content.** + +Em dashes are longer than hyphens (-) and are used for emphasis, interruptions, or parenthetical information. While they have legitimate uses in writing, AI models drastically overuse them. + +### Why Em Dashes Signal AI Writing +- AI models were trained on edited books, academic papers, and style guides where em dashes appear frequently +- AI uses em dashes as a shortcut for sentence variety instead of commas, colons, or parentheses +- Most human writers rarely use em dashes because they don't exist as a standard keyboard key +- The overuse is so consistent that it has become the unofficial signature of ChatGPT writing + +### What To Do Instead +| Instead of | Use | +|------------|-----| +| The results—which were surprising—showed... | The results, which were surprising, showed... | +| This approach—unlike traditional methods—allows... | This approach, unlike traditional methods, allows... | +| The study found—as expected—that... | The study found, as expected, that... | +| Communication skills—both written and verbal—are essential | Communication skills (both written and verbal) are essential | + +### Guidelines +- Use commas for most parenthetical information +- Use colons to introduce explanations or lists +- Use parentheses for supplementary information +- Reserve em dashes for rare, deliberate emphasis only +- If you find yourself using more than one em dash per page, revise + +--- + +## Overused Verbs + +| Avoid | Use Instead | +|-------|-------------| +| delve (into) | explore, examine, investigate, look at | +| leverage | use, apply, draw on | +| optimise | improve, refine, enhance | +| utilise | use | +| facilitate | help, enable, support | +| foster | encourage, support, develop, nurture | +| bolster | strengthen, support, reinforce | +| underscore | emphasise, highlight, stress | +| unveil | reveal, show, introduce, present | +| navigate | manage, handle, work through | +| streamline | simplify, make more efficient | +| enhance | improve, strengthen | +| endeavour | try, attempt, effort | +| ascertain | find out, determine, establish | +| elucidate | explain, clarify, make clear | + +--- + +## Overused Adjectives + +| Avoid | Use Instead | +|-------|-------------| +| robust | strong, reliable, thorough, solid | +| comprehensive | complete, thorough, full, detailed | +| pivotal | key, critical, central, important | +| crucial | important, key, essential, critical | +| vital | important, essential, necessary | +| transformative | significant, important, major | +| cutting-edge | new, advanced, recent, modern | +| groundbreaking | new, original, significant | +| innovative | new, original, creative | +| seamless | smooth, easy, effortless | +| intricate | complex, detailed, complicated | +| nuanced | subtle, complex, detailed | +| multifaceted | complex, varied, diverse | +| holistic | complete, whole, comprehensive | + +--- + +## Overused Transitions and Connectors + +| Avoid | Use Instead | +|-------|-------------| +| furthermore | also, in addition, and | +| moreover | also, and, besides | +| notwithstanding | despite, even so, still | +| that being said | however, but, still | +| at its core | essentially, fundamentally, basically | +| to put it simply | in short, simply put | +| it is worth noting that | note that, importantly | +| in the realm of | in, within, regarding | +| in the landscape of | in, within | +| in today's [anything] | currently, now, today | + +--- + +## Phrases That Signal AI Writing + +### Opening Phrases to Avoid +- "In today's fast-paced world..." +- "In today's digital age..." +- "In an era of..." +- "In the ever-evolving landscape of..." +- "In the realm of..." +- "It's important to note that..." +- "Let's delve into..." +- "Imagine a world where..." + +### Transitional Phrases to Avoid +- "That being said..." +- "With that in mind..." +- "It's worth mentioning that..." +- "At its core..." +- "To put it simply..." +- "In essence..." +- "This begs the question..." + +### Concluding Phrases to Avoid +- "In conclusion..." +- "To sum up..." +- "By [doing X], you can [achieve Y]..." +- "In the final analysis..." +- "All things considered..." +- "At the end of the day..." + +### Structural Patterns to Avoid +- "Whether you're a [X], [Y], or [Z]..." (listing three examples after "whether") +- "It's not just [X], it's also [Y]..." +- "Think of [X] as [elaborate metaphor]..." +- Starting sentences with "By" followed by a gerund: "By understanding X, you can Y..." + +--- + +## Filler Words and Empty Intensifiers + +These words often add nothing to meaning. Remove them or find specific alternatives: + +- absolutely +- actually +- basically +- certainly +- clearly +- definitely +- essentially +- extremely +- fundamentally +- incredibly +- interestingly +- naturally +- obviously +- quite +- really +- significantly +- simply +- surely +- truly +- ultimately +- undoubtedly +- very + +--- + +## Academic-Specific AI Tells + +| Avoid | Use Instead | +|-------|-------------| +| shed light on | clarify, explain, reveal | +| pave the way for | enable, allow, make possible | +| a myriad of | many, numerous, various | +| a plethora of | many, numerous, several | +| paramount | very important, essential, critical | +| pertaining to | about, regarding, concerning | +| prior to | before | +| subsequent to | after | +| in light of | because of, given, considering | +| with respect to | about, regarding, for | +| in terms of | regarding, for, about | +| the fact that | that (or rewrite sentence) | + +--- + +## How to Self-Check + +1. Read your text aloud. If phrases sound unnatural in speech, revise them +2. Ask: "Would I say this in a conversation with a colleague?" +3. Check for repetitive sentence structures +4. Look for clusters of the words listed above +5. Ensure varied sentence lengths (not all similar length) +6. Verify each intensifier adds genuine meaning