AI words and phrases to avoid

A phrase becomes a problem when it fills space instead of helping the reader. This list collects wording common in AI drafts, with a plain alternative or a question to guide your edit. People use these phrases too. Finding one cannot tell you who wrote a text.

Try the AI phrase checker to mark these phrases in a draft. It uses the same list and runs in your browser. Review the suggestion in context before accepting it. Keep a precise technical term, necessary qualification or direct quote when changing it would lose meaning.

How to use the list

Start with the draft’s main request or finding. Cut an opener if it delays that point. Replace inflated wording when a familiar word says the same thing. Keep a connector when it explains a real relationship between ideas. A shorter sentence helps only if it still gives the reader enough information.

Alternatives are starting points rather than automatic substitutions. A word such as “use” can replace a longer verb in one sentence and be wrong in another. Read the whole sentence after an edit. Check whether you changed the action, degree of certainty or responsibility along with the wording.

Stock openers and closers

I hope this email finds you well: Start with the reason for writing.
in today's fast-paced world: Name the situation.
in the ever-evolving landscape: Name the field and change.
let's dive in: Cut it.
I'd be happy to help: Answer the request.
we are reaching out to inform you: Say what happened.
in conclusion: Cut it if the ending is clear.
to sum up: Keep only a useful summary.
in summary: Keep only a useful summary.
without further ado: Cut it.
let's get started: Start with the first step.
welcome to the world of: Name the subject.
in the modern world: Give a specific time or setting.
in today's digital age: Name the technology.
in this day and age: Say when.
as we all know: State the fact and support it.
it goes without saying: Cut it.
needless to say: Cut it.
as we wrap up: State the conclusion.
all things considered: State your judgment.
to conclude: Cut it if the ending is clear.
in closing: State the next step.
the bottom line is: State the point.
when all is said and done: State the result.
at the end of the day: State what matters.
thank you for your time and consideration: Use a brief thanks if needed.
I trust this message finds you well: Start with the reason for writing.
I am writing to inform you: Say what happened.
I wanted to take a moment: State the request.
it is my pleasure to: Say what you are doing.
look no further: Name the option.
have you ever wondered: Ask the specific question.
picture this: Describe the situation.
imagine a world where: Describe the actual change.
the future is here: Say what is available.
reach out: Say email, call or ask.
circle back: Say when you will follow up.
touch base: Say what you want to discuss.

Padding and intensifiers

it is important to note that: State the fact.
it's worth noting: State the fact.
it is worth noting that: State the fact.
very unique: Use unique or describe the difference.
truly remarkable: Give evidence or cut it.
absolutely essential: Use needed.
incredibly powerful: Describe what it does.
extremely important: Explain why it matters.
really quite: Cut it.
in order to ensure: Use to keep or to make sure.
in order to: Use to.
for the purpose of: Use for or to.
due to the fact that: Use because.
in light of the fact that: Use because.
at this point in time: Use now.
in the event that: Use if.
with regard to: Use about.
with respect to: Use about.
in terms of: Name the subject directly.
a wide range of: Name the range.
a vast array of: Name the options.
a plethora of: Use many or give a number.
a myriad of: Use many or give a number.
a multitude of: Use many or give a number.
each and every: Use each.
first and foremost: Use first.
last but not least: Use last.
for all intents and purposes: State what is true.
it should be noted that: State the fact.
it is essential to understand: Explain the point.
plays a pivotal role: Say what it does.
underscores the importance of: Explain why it matters.
a testament to: Say what the evidence shows.
testament to: Say what the evidence shows.
serves as a reminder: State the lesson.
stands as a: Use is.
ensuring that: Check whether so or to works.
valuable insights: Name the finding.
key takeaways: Name the conclusions.
proven track record: Give a specific result.

Inflated vocabulary

delve into: Use examine or look at.
delve: Use examine.
tapestry: Name the parts and their relationship.
a rich tapestry: Name the parts.
leverage: Say use, or name the specific action.
robust: Describe what holds up and how.
seamless: Describe the steps that changed.
a seamless experience: Describe what the person can do.
harness the power of: Say what you use.
unlock the full potential: Name the result.
unlock: Name what becomes possible.
embark on a journey: Say what you will do.
foster collaboration: Say who works together.
foster: Use support or help.
elevate your workflow: Name the improvement.
elevate: Use improve or raise.
streamline: Name the steps removed.
a holistic approach: Explain what is included.
cutting-edge: Name the actual change.
a game-changer: Explain what changed.
game-changer: Explain what changed.
comprehensive: Say what is covered.
nuanced: Explain the distinction.
multifaceted: Name the parts.
paradigm shift: Describe the change.
in the realm of: Use in.
navigate the complexities: Name the problem and action.
synergy: Explain the combined result.
transformative: Describe the change.
revolutionize: Describe the change.
empower: Say what someone can do.
optimize: Name the measure improved.
utilize: Say use.
facilitate: Use help or make possible.
commence: Use start.
endeavor: Use try or effort.
ascertain: Use find out.
meticulous: Describe the care taken.
paramount: Use most important and explain why.
invaluable: Explain the value.
indispensable: Say why it is needed.
dynamic landscape: Name the changes.
ever-evolving: Name the change.
interconnected world: Explain the connection.
resonate: Say who agrees and why.
unprecedented: Give the comparison.
innovative solution: Describe how it works.
strategic imperative: Say what must happen and why.
thought leadership: Name the useful idea.
best-in-class: Give the comparison and evidence.
fast-paced landscape: Name the market or field.
significant strides: Say what changed and by how much.
commitment to excellence: Show the work instead.
crucial: Say why it matters.

Hedges and signposting

furthermore: Use also or cut it.
moreover: Use also or cut it.
additionally: Use also or cut it.
consequently: Use so if the cause is clear.
nonetheless: Use still or explain the contrast.
nevertheless: Use still.
that being said: State the contrast.
having said that: State the contrast.
with that said: State the contrast.
on the other hand: Name the contrast.
it could be argued that: Name the argument and its source.
one might argue: Name who makes the argument.
it is possible that: Use may when it preserves the meaning.
perhaps more importantly: Explain the priority.
to a certain extent: Name the limit.
in many ways: Name the ways.
arguably: Support the judgment or cut it.
it seems that: Keep uncertainty only when needed.
it appears that: State the evidence and uncertainty.
generally speaking: Name the group or exception.
broadly speaking: Name the scope.
from this perspective: Name the perspective.
in this context: State the relevant condition.
this highlights: Say what the evidence shows.
this underscores: Say what the evidence shows.
the fact remains that: State the fact.
it is clear that: State the evidence.
it is evident that: State the evidence.
there is no doubt that: Support the claim.
notably: Explain what matters.
importantly: Explain why it matters.
interestingly: Let the fact carry the interest.
essentially: State the main point.
ultimately: State the outcome.
by the same token: Explain the connection.
moving forward: Cut it or give a date.
going forward: Cut it or give a date.

Review the result

Do not remove every match just to make the list empty. Read the draft aloud and keep wording that fits. For a fuller edit, see Deslop AI writing and the writing guide. After any rewrite, use the facts checklist to review what survived.

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