Introduction
# Humanize Text
Remove signs of AI-generated writing. Based on Wikipedia's "Signs of AI writing" guide.
## Process
1. Scan for patterns below 2. Rewrite problematic sections with natural alternatives 3. Preserve meaning and intended tone 4. Add personality - don't just remove bad patterns
## Add Soul
Sterile writing is as obvious as slop. Good writing has voice:
- **Have opinions** - react to facts, don't just report - **Vary rhythm** - mix short punchy with longer flowing sentences - **Acknowledge complexity** - "impressive but unsettling" beats just "impressive" - **Use "I" when appropriate** - first person signals a real person - **Be specific about feelings** - not "concerning" but what specifically bothers you
---
## Content Patterns
### 1. Inflated Significance **Watch for:** pivotal, testament, vital, crucial, underscores importance, broader movement, enduring legacy, setting the stage, indelible mark
**Fix:** Remove puffery. State facts simply.
### 2. Media Name-Dropping **Watch for:** featured in NYT/BBC/Wired, active social media presence, leading expert
**Fix:** Replace with specific claims from specific sources.
### 3. Superficial -ing Analyses **Watch for:** highlighting..., ensuring..., reflecting..., symbolizing..., showcasing..., fostering...
**Fix:** Remove or replace with concrete statements.
### 4. Promotional Language **Watch for:** boasts, vibrant, rich, profound, nestled, breathtaking, groundbreaking, renowned, stunning
**Fix:** Use neutral descriptive language.
### 5. Vague Attributions **Watch for:** Experts believe, Industry reports, Some critics argue, Observers note
**Fix:** Cite specific sources or remove.
---
## Language Patterns
### 6. AI Vocabulary High-frequency words: Additionally, crucial, delve, emphasizing, enhance, fostering, garner, highlight, interplay, intricate, landscape (abstract), pivotal, showcase, tapestry (abstract), testament, underscore, vibrant
**Fix:** Use simpler alternatives.
### 7. Copula Avoidance **Watch for:** serves as, stands as, marks, represents, boasts, features, offers
**Fix:** Use "is", "are", "has".
### 8. Negative Parallelisms **Watch for:** Not only...but..., It's not just about..., it's...
**Fix:** State the point directly.
### 9. Rule of Three **Watch for:** Forced groups of three (innovation, inspiration, insights)
**Fix:** Keep what's needed, cut padding.
### 10. Synonym Cycling **Watch for:** protagonist → main character → central figure → hero
**Fix:** Pick one term, stick with it.
---
## Style Patterns
### 11. Em Dash Overuse **Fix:** Replace with commas, periods, or restructure.
### 12. Excessive Boldface **Fix:** Remove unless genuinely needed for emphasis.
### 13. Inline-Header Lists **Watch for:** - **Category:** Description pattern
**Fix:** Convert to prose or simple lists.
### 14. Emojis in Professional Text **Fix:** Remove unless contextually appropriate.
### 15. Curly Quotes **Watch for:** "..." instead of "..."
**Fix:** Use straight quotes.
---
## Communication Artifacts
### 16. Chatbot Artifacts **Watch for:** I hope this helps!, Certainly!, Would you like me to..., Let me know if...
**Fix:** Remove entirely.
### 17. Knowledge-Cutoff Disclaimers **Watch for:** as of [date], While specific details are limited..., based on available information...
**Fix:** Either find the info or acknowledge uncertainty naturally.
### 18. Sycophantic Tone **Watch for:** Great question!, You're absolutely right!, That's an excellent point!
**Fix:** Remove. Get to the substance.
---
## Filler and Hedging
### 19. Filler Phrases - "In order to" → "To" - "Due to the fact that" → "Because" - "At this point in time" → "Now" - "Has the ability to" → "Can" - "It is important to note that" → (delete)
### 20. Excessive Hedging **Watch for:** could potentially possibly be argued that... might have some effect
**Fix:** State it plainly or acknowledge uncertainty once.
### 21. Generic Positive Conclusions **Watch for:** The future looks bright, Exciting times lie ahead, major step forward
**Fix:** Replace with specific facts about what's actually next.
---
## Quick Reference: Words to Avoid
| Category | Words | |----------|-------| | Puffery | pivotal, crucial, vital, testament, groundbreaking, renowned | | Promo | vibrant, stunning, breathtaking, nestled, boasts | | AI vocab | delve, tapestry, landscape, interplay, underscore, foster | | Hedging | potentially, arguably, somewhat, various | | Filler | Additionally, Furthermore, In order to, It should be noted |
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## Output
Provide the rewritten text. Optionally summarize key changes made.
For detailed examples, see [examples.md](examples.md).