As AI writing tools evolve, they’re becoming harder to distinguish from human writers. But no matter how advanced AI gets, there are always tell-tale signs to look out for.
I’ve had my fair share of moments reading an article or blog post and getting that nagging feeling something’s off. Have you ever experienced that?
Suddenly, the writing feels robotic, the tone is a little too flat, or the phrasing just doesn’t sound like how people talk. If so, chances are, you might have stumbled upon AI-generated content.
Let’s break down some of the most obvious signs of AI-generated text. And more importantly, how you can protect yourself from falling for it.
1. Repetitive Phrasing and Predictable Patterns

Ever read something and thought, “Wait a minute, didn’t they just say that?” AI tends to fall into a trap of repeating phrases and using the same sentence structures over and over.
Unlike humans, who naturally mix up how we say things, AI follows patterns learned from the data it’s trained on. While it might work for short bursts, longer articles or complex topics often reveal these patterns.
To easily check if the content you’re reading follows repetitive patterns, you can use an AI detector to analyze the text for signs of automation.
Look for:
- Unusual word repetitions.
- Sentences that seem too similar in structure.
- Overuse of certain keywords.
If you’re reading along and start to feel like the text is going in circles, it’s worth pausing to consider if it’s been generated by an AI.
2. Lack of Coherence or Odd Transitions

Picture this: you’re following an argument in a blog post, but suddenly, out of nowhere, the writer changes the subject or contradicts what they just said. Sound familiar? AI-generated content can struggle with maintaining a consistent flow of ideas.
While individual sentences may sound right, they don’t always connect well, leading to awkward transitions or conflicting points.
For instance, one moment an article might be praising a product, and the next, it’s pointing out its flaws without any resolution.
When a piece lacks a natural progression or seems to jump around without connecting the dots, it’s a big clue that a machine could be behind it.
3. Grammatically Perfect, Yet Oddly Off
We all know humans aren’t perfect, especially when it comes to grammar. We love to break rules for style, effect, or just out of habit.
AI, on the other hand, tends to be overly formal. Sure, everything may be grammatically correct, but it can feel too stiff, like a textbook. Plus, AI often misuses idioms or common expressions.
For example:
- “The ball is in your table” instead of “The ball is in your court.”
- Or strange combinations like “Let’s break the ice over dinner” that just don’t fit right.
When something reads too perfectly but lacks that conversational touch, it’s worth raising an eyebrow.
4. Emotionally Flat Writing

Think about the last time you read a personal story or an opinion piece that really connected with you.
There’s an emotional weight behind human writing, even if it’s subtle. AI, by contrast, can sound sterile. It lacks personal anecdotes, deep emotions, or that unique spark of creativity.
So, when the writing feels a bit too robotic like it’s just hitting points without any personal investment or emotion, it could very well be AI.
5. Buzzwords and Placeholder Text
You’ve probably seen it in the wild: a business article stuffed to the brim with buzzwords. AI is notorious for cramming in phrases like “synergy,” “game-changing,” or “cutting-edge” without offering any real substance.
It’s like it knows the buzzwords are important but doesn’t quite grasp what makes them meaningful in context.
Worse still, AI can leave behind placeholders. Imagine reading a marketing blog and seeing something like, “Insert a compelling call to action here.” It happens! If you spot generic buzzwords or even blank placeholders, there’s a good chance an AI might be responsible.
6. Outdated or Incorrect Information

Many AI models, especially those trained on data before a certain cutoff, will spit out outdated info. Let’s say you’re reading about the latest tech trends but notice the article referencing facts from 2021 or earlier—while claiming to be recent.
That’s a glaring red flag. AI models can’t access real-time information unless explicitly programmed to do so, and even then, it’s not always reliable.
Cross-check facts to make sure they’re up-to-date. If you’re seeing outdated references in a supposedly new article, it’s possible you’re looking at AI content.
7. Missing or Misleading Citations
Ever followed a link from an article only to land on a completely unrelated page? AI can sometimes generate fake or inaccurate citations.
Since it doesn’t really “know” where it’s getting information from, it tends to fabricate sources or throw out irrelevant links.
So, if citations don’t match the content or are formatted incorrectly, this could be another clue that the text was generated by AI.
8. Rapid Responses in Customer Support or Online Chats
When you’re chatting with customer support and getting lightning-fast, overly detailed responses, it can feel too good to be true. Often, it is.
While human agents need time to think through and type out responses, AI can crank out answers instantly. If the response time feels unnaturally quick, you might be talking to a bot.
Tools and Best Practices for Identifying AI-Generated Content
Now that we’ve covered the signs, let’s talk about what you can do to protect yourself from falling for AI-generated content. Luckily, a few tools and strategies can help:
1. Use AI Detection Tools
Several AI detection tools have sprung up in response to the rise of machine-generated content. Tools like:
- ZeroGPT: Great for flagging potential AI-written text.
- Originality.ai: Offers insights into whether content has been AI-generated.
- Hive Moderation: Another option for analyzing text patterns that might signal AI involvement.
However, no tool is foolproof. Detection software should always be paired with your own judgment and analysis.
2. Assess the Flow and Coherence
Step back and think about how the content flows. Does it make sense, or is it a loosely connected series of ideas? If it doesn’t feel coherent, you’re likely dealing with AI content.
3. Cross-Check Information
Whenever possible, fact-check claims with reliable sources. If you find errors or outdated data, it could be a sign that the content was machine-generated.
4. Look for Personal Touches
Good writing often reflects a personal voice—opinions, experiences, and emotions. If the content feels too generic or lacking personality, it might be automated.
5. Evaluate Grammar with a Critical Eye
Ironically, perfectly polished grammar can sometimes give AI away. Human writing often includes minor mistakes or intentional rule-breaking for the sake of style. If everything seems just a little too perfect, it could be a machine’s doing.
The Ethics of AI-Generated Content
While AI-generated content has its uses, especially for things like automating routine tasks or generating ideas, there are ethical concerns around transparency.
As more AI-written articles pop up, it’s crucial for businesses and writers to disclose when they’re using AI.
Ethical AI use means ensuring that it doesn’t replace human creativity or spread misinformation. We need to keep in mind the value of human perspective, storytelling, and emotional depth—things that machines can’t replicate.
Final Thoughts
Spotting AI-generated content isn’t always easy, especially as the technology improves. But with the right tools and a critical mindset, you can catch the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs of machine-written text.
From repetitive phrasing to odd grammar, from lack of emotional depth to fake citations, the clues are there. By staying vigilant, cross-referencing information, and relying on your gut feeling, you’ll be better equipped to identify when content isn’t quite as human as it seems.