Natural Writing

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.

• Instead of: "The library serves as a center for learning."
• Write: "The library is a center for learning."
• Instead of: "The statue stands as a monument to..."
• Write: "The statue is a monument to..."

Eliminate "elegant variation"

Do not use synonyms just to avoid repeating a subject's name (e.g., "the eponymous character," "the titular protagonist," "the celebrated author"). It is acceptable to repeat the name or use pronouns naturally.

Prefer literal words to idioms

Choose the word that states the meaning directly over an idiom whose meaning depends on context. Idioms are harder to read for non-native speakers and for anyone skimming instructions.

• Instead of: "Leave the version alone."
• Write: "Leave the version untouched."

2. Content & tone

No "puffery" or forced significance

Do not inflate the importance of a topic with vague praise. If a subject is important, the facts should demonstrate it without help.

Avoid phrases like "serves as a testament to," "marking a pivotal moment," "underscoring the importance of," "leaving an indelible mark," or "shaping the landscape."

• Instead of: "The founding of the institute marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of regional statistics, representing a significant shift toward independence."
• Write: "The institute was founded in 1989 to collect regional statistics."

No superficial analysis

Avoid attaching "dangling" present-participle phrases that offer vague commentary.

Delete clauses starting with "highlighting," "emphasizing," "reflecting," "showcasing," or "demonstrating" if they just restate the obvious or add fluff.

• Instead of: "The building uses blue glass, reflecting the region's natural beauty and symbolizing unity."
• Write: "The building uses blue glass."

Avoid promotional language

Maintain a neutral tone. Avoid "advertisement" words like boasts, features (as a verb), offers, premier, leading, state-of-the-art, committed to, and dedicated to.

• Instead of: "Nestled in the heart of the city, the hotel boasts a vibrant atmosphere."
• Write: "The hotel is located in the city center."

No "challenges and future outlook" formula

Language models often end articles with a generic "Despite challenges... remains important" conclusion. Do not end with a summary paragraph starting with "Despite [X], [Subject] continues to..." or speculating on the future. End with the last fact.

• Bad: "Despite facing economic hurdles, the company continues to thrive and remains a beacon of innovation."

No "title as proper noun" leads

Do not treat a descriptive article title (like a list or broad topic) as a proper noun in the first sentence.

• Instead of: "The List of songs about Mexico is a curated compilation..."
• Write: "This list contains songs about Mexico..."

No generic "see also" links

Do not populate "See Also" sections with broad, generic terms. Links must be directly relevant and specific to the subject.

• Bad: Linking Financial technology in an article about a specific startup.
• Good: Linking a competitor or specific related technology.

Attribution precision

Avoid vague "weasel words" like "Experts argue," "Observers have noted," or "Several sources indicate" unless you cite specific people immediately. Do not claim a subject interacts with a "broader" history or trend unless a source explicitly says so.

3. Sentence structure

No negative parallelism

Avoid sentences that structure a contrast unnecessarily.

• Instead of: "It is not only a painting, but also a representation of..."
• Instead of: "It is not just about X; it is about Y."
• Write: "It is a painting that represents..."

No "rule of three"

Avoid listing exactly three adjectives or three noun phrases to sound "comprehensive."

• Bad: "The event brings together marketers, engineers, and designers." (Unless those specific three groups are the only ones).
• Bad: "It is bold, innovative, and unique."