ChatGPT is changing the best way we write. Here's how it really works and why it's an issue

Have you noticed that certain words and expressions have been popping up in every single place currently?

Phrases like “immerse yourself in” and “explore the landscape” appear to pop up in every single place, from social media posts to news articles and academic publications. They may sound fancy, but their overuse could make a text feel monotonous and repetitive.

This trend could also be related to the increasingly Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools corresponding to ChatGPT and other large language models (LLMs). These Tools are designed to make writing easier by basing them on patterns within the text with which they’ve been trained.

However, these patterns can result in an overuse of certain stylistic words and expressions, leading to works that aren’t exactly resemble real human writing.

The rise of stylistic language

Generative AI tools are trained on large amounts of text from different sources, so they have an inclination to favor probably the most common words and phrases of their results.

Since the discharge of ChatGPT, using words like “deepened”, “presented”, “underlined”, “Pivot point”, “empire” And “fastidiously“ has increased significantly within the scientific literature.

And although many of the research has focused specifically on academic texts, the trend towards stylistic language can be observed in various other text forms, including Essays and college applicationsAs one editor explained to Forbes, “tapestry” is a very commonly used offensive term in cases where AI has been used to jot down a draft:

I not consider you can use the word “tapestry” in an essay without malicious intent. If the word “tapestry” appears, it was generated by ChatGPT.

Why it’s an issue

Overuse of certain words and phrases causes writing to lose its personal touch. It becomes harder to tell apart between individual voices and perspectives, and every thing takes on a robotic undertone.

Also, words like “revolutionary” or “fascinating” – although they offer the impression that your product is more sophisticated – could make text more obscure.

Elegant and/or flowery language doesn’t convey ideas as effectively as clear and simple language. In addition, a study found that straightforward and precise words not only improve comprehension, but in addition intelligent.

Finally, the excessive use of fashion words could make writing boringThe texts needs to be exciting and varied. If you depend on just a few keywords, readers will quickly switch off.

Currently, there isn’t a research that might give us an accurate list of probably the most commonly used style words by ChatGPT. This would require a comprehensive evaluation of all output ever generated. However, here’s what ChatGPT itself presented when asked.

Possible solutions

So how can we fix the issue? Here are some ideas:

1. Pay attention to repetitions

If you're using a tool like ChatGPT, listen to how often certain words or phrases come up. If you notice the identical terms cropping up over and yet again, try replacing them with simpler and/or more original wording. Instead of claiming “delve into,” you would simply say “explore” or “take an in depth look.”

2. Ask for clear language

Much of what you get out of ChatGPT is dependent upon the precise input you give it. If you don't want complex language, try asking it to “write clearly without using complex words.”

3. Edit your work

ChatGPT could be a useful start line for writing many differing types of text, but editing the output stays necessary. By reviewing and changing certain words and phrases, you may still give the output your individual voice.

One method to do that is to be creative with synonyms. You could use a synonym dictionary or think more fastidiously about what you wish to say together with your text – and the way you would do it in a brand new way.

4. Adjust AI settings

Many AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Claude will let you customize writing style through settings or tailored prompts. For example, you may prioritize clarity and ease or create an exclusion list to avoid certain words.

By being more conscious in regards to the use of generative AI and striving to jot down clearly and originally, we will avoid falling into the AI ​​style trap.

Ultimately, writing needs to be about expressing your ideas in your individual way. While ChatGPT will help, it's as much as each of us to be sure that we're saying what we actually need to say – not what an AI tool tells us to say.