If you’ve ever asked an AI to help with an essay or article, you’ve probably seen sentences that feel overly polished or formal in a way that doesn't sound quite right. This is where AI words come in. These are phrases, structures, and vocabulary that AI tools use a lot. They're not always wrong, but they often sound generic and repetitive.
As someone who helps students work with AI effectively, I’ve seen how common these patterns are. Learning to spot them can help you write more naturally and improve your chances of passing AI detection tools. It can also help your work feel more like you, which is what really matters.
Common AI Words and Phrases to Watch Out For
There are some phrases that show up in AI-generated writing again and again. Once you notice them, it becomes easier to avoid sounding like a robot. Here’s a quick table of common AI phrases, why they’re a problem, and better alternatives.
AI-Generated Phrase | Why It Feels Robotic | Try This Instead |
| In conclusion | Overused in AI-generated conclusions | To wrap things up, So, what does this mean? |
| It is important to note | Filler phrase that adds no real value | Just say the point directly |
| In today’s society | Generic intro that feels formulaic | Be specific about the time or setting |
| This essay will discuss | Standard structure, often found in AI content | Start with the argument or topic directly |
| Moreover / Furthermore | Sounds overly formal in casual student writing | Also, or split into two shorter sentences |
| The impact of X on Y | Overused academic phrasing | Describe the effect in real-world terms |
| Leverage | Tries to sound smart but ends up vague | Use, apply |
| Synergy | Business-speak that's lost its meaning | Teamwork, working together |
| Cutting-edge technology | Overused and generic | New tools, latest tech |
| In today’s fast-paced world | Empty intro phrase that says nothing | Just start with your main idea |
| Robust solution | Tries to sound fancy, ends up unclear | Strong idea, solid plan |
| Seamlessly integrated | Too smooth to be believable | Easy to use, works well |
| Harnessing the power of | Sounds like a commercial | Use, tap into |
| Revolutionary results | Big claim that often lacks evidence | Helpful results, noticeable improvements |
| Transforming the industry | Generic and vague | Changing how we do things |
| Utilize | Just a fancier way to say “use” | Use |
One of my students once had an essay returned with a note saying it felt too polished. It wasn’t that she did anything wrong. It just didn’t sound like her. We looked closer and realized she had used several of these phrases without realizing they were AI favorites.
Types of AI Words That Trip Up Student Writers
There are a few kinds of AI phrases that show up often in writing tools. Once you learn to recognize them, you’ll start writing more clearly and confidently.
Predictable Sentence Starters
AI often begins sentences with vague setups like "There are many reasons why..." or "It is widely believed that..." These openers add little value and make your writing feel robotic. Try starting directly with your point instead.
Wordy Transitions
Transitions like "in addition to the aforementioned" or "henceforth" show up often in AI writing. While they sound smart, they can actually make your writing harder to follow. Keep transitions simple and natural, the way you’d say them out loud.
Repetitive Vocabulary
Words like "remarkable," "crucial," and "significant" show up a lot in AI writing. While they aren’t wrong, using them too often can flatten your voice. Vary your word choice and use more specific language when you can.
How to Replace AI Phrases and Sound Like Yourself
One trick I always share with students is to read their work out loud. If a sentence doesn’t sound like something you’d actually say, it probably needs a little rewrite.
Here’s an example of a sentence generated by AI, and how I might revise it.
AI version: "In conclusion, it is evident that technological advancements play a crucial role in modern society."
Revised version: "So, it’s pretty clear that tech is shaping how we live and work today."
The second version says the same thing but sounds more human. It’s more like how you’d explain it to a friend or a teacher in conversation.
How AI Can Help You Skip AI Words
Believe it or not, AI can actually help you write in a more human way. The trick is knowing how to use it.
I remember working with a student whose paper was flagged by an AI detection tool. She hadn’t copied anything, but her writing used too many of those common phrases. We tried to humanize content with AI tool, which helped her rewrite the text in a more natural tone. That side-by-side comparison was a turning point. She started recognizing those robotic patterns on her own after that.
Later, I introduced her to the Paraphrasing Tool on JustDone for a class presentation. She used it to simplify and humanize her speech. It made her more confident and helped her sound more like herself.
These tools don’t replace your voice. They help you find it.
Why Avoiding AI-Generated Content Matters for Students
These days, professors, employers, and recruiters are getting better at spotting AI-generated content. It's not always about catching people cheating. Often, it's about wanting to hear your real voice and your real thinking.
AI-generated text might be technically correct, but it often lacks personality. It’s the small touches, like a unique phrase, a personal story, or a moment of honesty, that make writing memorable.
When I coach students on job applications or personal essays, I remind them that clarity and authenticity matter more than sounding perfect. The goal isn’t to write like a machine. It’s to sound smart while still being you.
Words With AI Sound vs Your Voice: How to Find the Right Balance
Here’s my simple writing process that helps students stay true to themselves.
- Use AI tools to brainstorm ideas or organize your thoughts
- Rewrite sentences that feel too formal or stiff
- Read your draft aloud and tweak anything that sounds off
- Ask yourself if the writing sounds like something you would say
AI can be helpful when you use it wisely. For example, you can easily fix AI-detected content with AI Humanizer tool by JustDone. It can help you edit your text and make it sound human. I often use this smart quick and easy solution to save time. I turn to tools when I feel stuck or need a push, but I always edit with my voice in mind. The more you write, the more confident you become in knowing what feels right and what sounds off.
Final Thoughts on Writing Like a Human
Understanding AI-generated words is a big step toward writing better and more naturally. You don’t need to sound like a machine to write well. You just need to be clear, honest, and yourself.
Use AI tools as a way to grow, not as a shortcut. Whether you’re writing a paper, preparing a speech, or working on an application, your voice is your strength. Let it shine through.
You’ve got this—and if you need a little help making your writing sound more natural, the right tools can guide you without taking over.
