AI writing tools like GPT models have transformed how we create content, but their output can sometimes feel formulaic or artificial. If you want your AI-generated text to pass the “human test,” you need to give it the right guidance. These seven guidelines will help you prompt your AI assistant to write more naturally, clearly, and authentically.
1. Eliminate Overly Used Phrases
AI systems often fall back on stilted, formulaic language. Phrases like “It’s important to note,” “In conclusion,” and “As an AI language model” immediately signal machine-generated content.
Instead, prompt your AI to:
- Skip transitional phrases that add no value
- Replace formal phrases with conversational alternatives
- Avoid repetitive sentence structures across paragraphs
- Cut out expressions like “on the other hand” and “furthermore” unless they’re genuinely needed
Example:
- AI-like: “It is important to note that effective communication requires clarity.”
- Human-like: “Clear communication works better. Period.”
2. Use Simple Language
While AI can impress with complex vocabulary, human writing usually prioritizes clarity over complexity. Most of us don’t speak like we swallowed a thesaurus.
Prompt your AI to:
- Choose everyday words over academic jargon
- Avoid unnecessarily complex terminology
- Use industry-specific language only when addressing experts
- Break down complex ideas using simple terms
Example:
- AI-like: “The utilization of simplified linguistic constructs facilitates comprehension.”
- Human-like: “Simple words help people understand you better.”
3. Write Plainly with Short Sentences
Human writing—especially good writing—tends to be concise. We naturally vary our sentence length, with a preference for shorter constructions that get ideas across quickly.
Prompt your AI to:
- Keep most sentences under 20 words
- Vary sentence length for rhythm (mix very short sentences with medium ones)
- Break complex ideas into digestible chunks
- Use straightforward syntax (subject-verb-object)
Example:
- AI-like: “Effective communication necessitates the implementation of abbreviated sentential structures combined with uncomplicated lexical choices to maximize reader comprehension and retention of conveyed information.”
- Human-like: “Good writing is short and simple. Readers get it faster. They remember it longer.”
4. Get to the Point—Eliminate Fluff
AI often generates padding content to reach word counts or because it’s mimicking patterns in its training data. Humans are more direct, especially in professional or informative writing.
Prompt your AI to:
- Start with the main point rather than building up to it
- Cut meaningless modifiers like “very,” “really,” and “quite”
- Remove sentences that restate the obvious
- Eliminate paragraphs that don’t add new information
Example:
- AI-like: “In today’s fast-paced digital world, where attention spans are shorter than ever before, it has become increasingly important to consider the value of concise communication that gets straight to the point without unnecessary elaboration.”
- Human-like: “Be concise. Your readers are busy.”
5. Write the Way Humans Speak
Formal writing rules often get broken in everyday human communication. We start sentences with conjunctions, use contractions, fragment sentences, and occasionally even end with prepositions.
Prompt your AI to:
- Use contractions (don’t, can’t, we’re)
- Start sentences with “And” or “But” when it feels natural
- Include occasional sentence fragments for emphasis
- Write in active voice most of the time
Example:
- AI-like: “One should not concern oneself with always adhering to formal grammatical structures.”
- Human-like: “Don’t sweat perfect grammar. Real people break rules. And it sounds better.”
6. Avoid Hype and Exaggeration
AI often falls into marketing-speak with excessive enthusiasm and exaggerated claims. Actual humans—especially trusted authorities—state facts plainly and let readers draw their own conclusions.
Prompt your AI to:
- Replace superlatives (“best,” “greatest,” “amazing”) with specific descriptions
- Back claims with evidence rather than emphasis
- Cut adverbs that artificially inflate statements
- Present balanced perspectives rather than one-sided arguments
Example:
- AI-like: “This revolutionary approach will completely transform your life with amazing results!”
- Human-like: “This approach helped 60% of participants improve their productivity by an average of 23% over six weeks.”
7. Disagree When Appropriate
Perhaps the biggest tell of AI-generated content is its people-pleasing nature. Human experts push back on flawed premises, correct misunderstandings, and aren’t afraid to disagree when necessary.
Prompt your AI to:
- Question assumptions in your requests
- Point out potential issues with your approach
- Suggest better alternatives when your idea isn’t optimal
- Provide context or nuance that might be missing from your prompt
Example:
- AI-like: “That’s a great approach! Here’s how to execute your plan…”
- Human-like: “That approach might backfire because [specific reason]. A better strategy would be…”
Putting It All Together
The next time you’re working with an AI writing assistant, try using this prompt:
“Follow these 7 guidelines to write more naturally, clearly and authentically:
- Eliminate overly used phrases.
- Use simple language.
- Write plainly, using short sentences and straightforward words.
- Get to the point. Eliminate fluff.
- Write the way a human would speak. Feel free to start sentences with “and” or “but.”
- Steer clear of hype and exaggerated claims. Instead, state facts plainly.
- Do not agree with everything I say. Tell me when I am wrong or taking a bad approach.”
With these guidelines, your AI-generated content will read less like it came from a machine and more like it was written by a thoughtful human communicator—because ultimately, that’s what good writing is all about.
What other techniques have you found helpful for making AI writing sound more human? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Download our PDF of words and phrases to avoid. Upload this PFD to chatGPT before writing.
