AI Tell Detection - Checklist Only

This skill identifies common linguistic patterns that signal AI-generated writing—what the industry calls "AI tells"—and provides a sequential checklist for manual editing in Google Docs.

How It Works

Input: Any written content (articles, emails, social posts, documents)

Output: Sequential checklist only—flagged patterns in document order with quick fixes

Important: This skill analyzes text for AI patterns. It does NOT generate content or rewrite your copy. You implement the fixes manually in Google Docs.

Auto-Trigger

This skill automatically activates when you:

• Generate new written content
• Edit or revise existing copy
• Ask for writing review or polish
• Request style improvements

No need to explicitly invoke it—it runs automatically to ensure Every content is free of AI tells.

Core Detection & Removal Categories

1. Lexical/Framing (Openers)

Patterns to remove:

• "In today's fast-paced world"
• "In the ever-evolving landscape of [X]"
• "In the realm of [X]"
• "In a world where..." / "In an era where..."
• "With the rise of..."
• "As [trend] continues to..."
• "Let's dive in" / "Let's break it down" / "Let's delve into"
• "At its core, [X] is [Y]"
• "It is important/worth noting that [X]"
• "Join us as we..."

Fix: Start with concrete fact, date, scene, or proper noun. Drop generic frames.

2. Lexical/Word Choice (AI-Scent Vocabulary)

High-priority removals:

• delve/delved/delving (most notorious AI tell)
• tapestry (used metaphorically)
• reimagined
• deep dive (into)
• leverage, utilize, harness, unlock, unleash, empower
• navigate (the complexities/landscape)
• pivotal, crucial, vital, significant, noteworthy
• groundbreaking, cutting-edge, revolutionary, transformative
• explore the intricacies of
• robust (frameworks, systems, solutions)
• nuanced/multifaceted
• seamless (integration, experience)
• comprehensive/meticulous
• vibrant/intricate
• bespoke
• foster (community, innovation, growth)
• underscore/illuminate
• endeavor (instead of "try")
• embark (on a journey)
• elevate/amplify/optimize
• spearhead/revolutionize

Filler words to remove:

• just (when used as emphasis, not temporal)
• actually (when used as emphasis, not contradictory)

Unnecessary formality to simplify:

• utilize → use
• plethora/myriad → many
• commence → start
• facilitate → help
• optimal → best
• prior to → before
• subsequently → then
• whilst/amongst → while/among

Fix: Use plain verbs (use, try, test, make). Swap abstractions for specifics. Delete fillers.

3. Stock Templates

Patterns to remove:

• "When it comes to [X], [claim]"
• "The [adjective] world of [X]"
• "A comprehensive overview of [X]"
• "This begs the question: [X]"
• "The truth is, [X]"
• "Now more than ever, [X]"
• "Plays a vital/significant/crucial role"
• "Serves as a testament to [X]"
• "Stands as a testament to..."
• "Has emerged as a..."
• "Represents a significant milestone..."
• "It cannot be overstated..."
• "At the end of the day..."
• "One thing is clear..."
• "Moving forward..."
• "The bottom line is..."

Fix: Make concrete claims with numbers and named sources. Delete empty frames.

4. Exhausted Metaphors

Patterns to remove:

• "A tapestry of..."
• "A treasure trove of..."
• "A double-edged sword"
• "Tip of the iceberg"
• "Cornerstone of..."
• "Navigating uncharted waters"
• "Embark on a journey"
• "A beacon of hope/light"
• "Standing at a crossroads"
• "A catalyst for change"
• "Blueprint for success"
• "Symphony/mosaic/melting pot of..."

Fix: Replace with specific, concrete descriptions. Avoid metaphors unless fresh and necessary.

5. Sentence Structure Issues

Correlative constructions (high priority):

• "not X but Y" / "not X, but Y"
• "not just X, also Y" / "not just X, but also Y"
• "not because X, but because Y"
• "it's not about X, it's about Y"
• Any "not [phrase], [contrast phrase]" pattern
• Consecutive negative parallelisms

Fix: Rewrite using simple contrast: "Y, not X" or state Y directly.

Formal transitions to soften:

• moreover, furthermore, additionally (especially as paragraph starters)
• consequently, thus, hence, therefore, accordingly
• notably, significantly, essentially, ultimately
• indeed, subsequently
• not only...but also, whether...or

Fix: Use natural transitions (and, but, so, though, yet).

Vague authority to strengthen:

• "Studies show that [X]" (without citation)
• "Experts agree that [X]" (without names)
• "Research indicates [X]" (vague)
• "According to recent reports, [X]"

Fix: Name the study, link it, include dates and numbers—or delete the claim.

6. Bad Writing Patterns

Staccato declarative triads:

• Three short, punchy declarative sentences in a row with same structure
• Example: "Documents become templates. Macros scale intelligence. Knowledge propagates."

Fix: Expand at least one into full sentence with context. Break the pattern.

"No X. No Y. Just Z" pattern:

• Formulaic three-beat structure
• Example: "No meetings. No busywork. Just results."

Fix: Avoid entirely. State benefit directly.

Short clipped phrase overuse:

• Excessive fragments instead of complete sentences
• Example: "Faster iteration. Better outcomes. Real impact."

Fix: Use fragments intentionally and rarely. Expand some into full sentences.

Dramatic reveal sentences:

• "The critical finding alone justified the review"
• "[Small thing] that [disproportionate impact]" formula
• Building artificial suspense to obvious conclusions

Fix: State findings directly. Remove dramatic buildup.

Transformation statements:

• "The clarity I was afraid of losing came back, in a different form"
• Vague emotional/mental state claims

Fix: Be specific about what actually happened. Remove vague emotional claims.

7. Structure/Formatting

Symmetry issues to break:

• Every bullet starts with bold label followed by colon
• Overly symmetric paragraph lengths
• Uniform sentence length (15-25 words with minimal variation)

Fix: Break rhythm with aside, example, or contradiction. Vary paragraph and sentence length.

Sentence pattern issues:

• Repetitive sentence structures
• Overuse of rule of threes in consecutive sentences
• Participial phrase pattern overuse: "subject + verb + object, present participle + detail"

Fix: Mix sentence structures. Use rule of threes sparingly.

8. Tonal Markers

Hedging phrases to remove:

• "It's important to note that..."
• "Generally speaking..."
• "It can be argued that..."
• "In most instances..." / "In many cases..."
• "To some extent..."
• "While there are different perspectives..."
• "It depends on..."
• "Based on the information provided..."
• Uncertainty words: might, could, perhaps, generally, arguably, potentially, somewhat, often (when overused)

Fix: Make direct claims when warranted. Remove unnecessary hedging.

False enthusiasm to delete:

• "Absolutely!" (response opener)
• "Certainly!" / "Great question!" / "That's a fantastic point!"
• "I'd be happy to help with that!"
• "That's an interesting/exciting/fascinating topic!"
• "What a thoughtful question!"

Fix: Remove entirely. Start with substance.

Perpetual balance to strengthen:

• "Both sides present valid points..."
• "While X has merit, Y also deserves consideration"
• Excessive "however" to present counterpoints
• "There are pros and cons..."
• "Reasonable people may disagree"

Fix: Take a stance. Present one view strongly.

9. Corporate Buzzwords

Patterns to remove:

• synergy, paradigm shift, scalability, holistic approach
• pivot, agile, best practices
• pain points, value proposition, stakeholders, deliverables
• actionable insights, key takeaways, move the needle
• low-hanging fruit, circle back, touch base, end-to-end
• win-win, game changer, mission-critical, data-driven
• future-proof, disruptive, seamless integration, digital transformation

Fix: Use plain language. Be specific.

10. Conclusion Patterns

Patterns to remove:

• "In conclusion..." / "In summary..." / "To summarize..."
• Long conclusions that repeat earlier content
• Generic "one thing is clear" statements

Fix: Write forward-looking conclusion or end on strongest point. Keep conclusions short.

Context-Sensitive Notes

Not every match is an AI tell. Consider:

• Domain appropriateness: "Leverage" is standard in finance/business
• Intentional style: Academic writing may use formal transitions
• Ironic usage: Playing with AI language deliberately
• Temporal "just": "I just arrived" (time) vs. "It's just amazing" (filler)
• Contradictory "actually": "Actually, that's wrong" (legit) vs. "It's actually quite good" (filler)

Output Format

Provide a streamlined checklist showing only the problem and the fix:

SEQUENTIAL EDITING CHECKLIST:
(In document order)

□ Line 1-2: "In today's digital landscape"
  → Replace with specific claim or concrete fact

□ Line 5: "leverage cutting-edge solutions"
  → "use modern solutions" or specify what they do

□ Line 7: "delving into the nuanced capabilities"
  → "exploring" or "examining"

□ Line 9-10: "not just efficiency, but also innovation"
  → Make concrete - what specific efficiency? What innovation? Or rewrite as "innovation and efficiency"

□ Line 12: "It's worth noting that"
  → Delete entirely, start with actual point

□ Line 15: "Documents become templates. Macros scale intelligence."
  → Connect ideas with meaning or expand with specifics

□ Line 18-19: "navigate the complexities of the ever-evolving landscape"
  → Describe actual challenge specifically

□ Line 22: "In conclusion, one thing is clear"
  → End on strongest point or write forward-looking close

What I Will Do: ✅ Show line numbers, quoted problems, and fixes only ✅ Keep it minimal and actionable ✅ Present in document order

What I Will NOT Do: ❌ Show categories, severity levels, or confidence scores ❌ Rewrite your content ❌ Provide cleaned-up drafts