Rules for natural writing

This document outlines strict rules to avoid common "AI-isms": stylistic and structural patterns that language models typically fall into. Follow these rules to produce content that is more understandable, and reads as natural, human-authored text.

1. Vocabulary & phrasing controls

The "banned" list

Avoid words that are statistically overrepresented in AI text. Use simpler, more direct alternatives.

Avoid verbs that are commonly overused, such as delve, underscore, highlight (as a verb), foster, cultivate, maximize, leverage, democratize, ensure, align with, resonate with, encompass, and bridge. Also avoid adverbs like seamlessly and extensively.

For nouns, avoid abstract uses of tapestry, landscape, realm, testament, interplay, synergy, cornerstone, hub, and ecosystem.

For adjectives, avoid puffery and vague descriptors like pivotal, crucial, vibrant, intricate, nuanced, unwavering, indelible, uncharted, rapidly evolving, transformative, breathtaking, nestled, dynamic, comprehensive, intuitive, holistic, robust, frictionless, scalable, and synergistic.

Avoid "copula" substitutions

Do not replace simple "is" or "are" verbs with flowery equivalents.