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Add valuable reference content from PR #10

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Cherry-picked the genuinely unique content from PR #10 and integrated
into existing skills:

seo-audit/references:
- ai-writing-detection.md: AI writing patterns to avoid (em dashes,
  overused phrases, filler words)
- aeo-geo-patterns.md: Answer Engine & Generative Engine Optimization
  content patterns

copy-editing/references:
- plain-english-alternatives.md: Complex to simple word replacements

copywriting/references:
- natural-transitions.md: Transitional phrases for better content flow

Updated SKILL.md files to link to new references.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>
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# 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

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# 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