Every model has a vocabulary it overuses. After enough exposure, readers learn it — and a single "delve" or "I hope this helps!" can get a comment tagged as AI. Here's the running list of words, phrases, and sign-offs that give it away, with the plain-English replacement.
Words ChatGPT overuses
| AI word | Say instead | |---|---| | delve (into) | look into, dig into, get into | | leverage | use | | robust | solid, reliable | | tapestry | mix, range | | testament (a testament to) | shows, proves | | navigate (the complexities of) | deal with, handle | | realm | area, space, world | | underscore / highlight | show, point out | | utilize | use | | facilitate | help, make easier | | myriad | lots of, tons of | | pivotal | key, important |
Phrases that read as AI
- "It's important to note that…" → delete it; just note it.
- "In today's fast-paced world…" → cut the whole runway.
- "When it comes to…" → name the thing directly.
- "At the end of the day…" → usually deletable.
- "That being said…" → "but," "still."
- "A double-edged sword." → say the actual trade-off.
- "The key takeaway is…" → just state it.
Sign-offs that instantly out a bot
In a casual comment, these are the loudest tells of all:
- "I hope this helps!" / "Hope that helps."
- "Great question!"
- "Let me know if you have any questions!"
- "Happy to help!"
- "Best of luck on your journey!"
Real people don't sign off a Reddit reply. Delete every one.
The deeper fix: structure and stance
Swapping words isn't enough if the shape still reads as AI — perfectly balanced lists, a tidy summary sentence, no first-person, relentless hedging. (See 17 signs of AI writing and the em dash tell.) Write first-person, take a side, and let it be a little uneven.
Do it automatically
The free Prowlo Comment Humanizer removes these words, phrases, and sign-offs, fixes the structure, and rewrites in a real Reddit or X voice — and shows which tells were in your original. Paste a comment, pick a voice, post.
Related reading
- 17 signs a comment was written by AI
- The em dash: the #1 sign of AI writing
- How to make ChatGPT sound human
- Humanize an AI comment now →
FAQ
What words give away AI writing? 'Delve,' 'tapestry,' 'testament,' 'robust,' 'leverage,' 'navigate,' plus phrases like 'it's important to note' and 'when it comes to,' and sign-offs like 'I hope this helps!'
What can I say instead? The plain word: 'look into' not 'delve into,' 'use' not 'leverage,' 'shows' not 'is a testament to' — and delete the throat-clearing and sign-offs entirely.