StudyDrop Mascot

StudyDrop

10 Common AI Writing Mistakes and How to Fix Them

•9 min read
AI WritingContent TipsWriting GuideHumanization

Why AI Writing Falls Short

AI writing tools are powerful, but they often produce content with telltale signs of machine generation. Understanding these common mistakes is the first step to creating more authentic, engaging content. Let's explore the top 10 AI writing mistakes and how to fix them.

Mistake #1: Repetitive Phrase Patterns

The Problem:

AI tends to overuse certain phrases like "delve into," "it's important to note," "in today's digital age," and "comprises." These patterns make content predictable and robotic.

The Fix:

  • Create a list of overused AI phrases to avoid
  • Replace with varied, natural language
  • Use synonyms and alternative expressions
  • Read content aloud to catch repetition

Example:

AI version: "It's important to note that in today's digital age, businesses must delve into social media marketing."

Humanized: "Businesses can't ignore social media anymore—it's where their customers live."

Mistake #2: Perfect Grammar Syndrome

The Problem:

AI rarely makes grammatical mistakes, producing unnaturally perfect prose. Real human writing includes occasional contractions, sentence fragments, and conversational elements.

The Fix:

  • Use contractions naturally (don't, won't, it's)
  • Include occasional sentence fragments for emphasis
  • Start sentences with "And" or "But" when appropriate
  • Vary punctuation—use dashes and ellipses

Mistake #3: Lack of Personal Voice

The Problem:

AI content often sounds generic, lacking personality or a distinct point of view. It presents information without opinion or emotion.

The Fix:

  • Add personal anecdotes or experiences
  • Include opinions and take stances
  • Use humor when appropriate
  • Develop a consistent brand voice

Mistake #4: Overly Structured Lists

The Problem:

AI loves creating perfectly balanced lists with exactly 3, 5, or 7 items, each with similar length and structure.

The Fix:

  • Vary list lengths naturally
  • Mix short and detailed points
  • Sometimes use prose instead of lists
  • Include unexpected or quirky items

Mistake #5: Generic Examples

The Problem:

AI tends to use safe, overused examples like "Apple" for innovation or "Amazon" for e-commerce, lacking specificity and originality.

The Fix:

  • Use specific, lesser-known examples
  • Include recent case studies
  • Add personal or local examples
  • Create hypothetical scenarios

Example:

AI version: "Like Apple, companies should focus on innovation."

Humanized: "Remember when Blockbuster laughed at Netflix? That's why even small businesses need to stay curious about what's next."

Mistake #6: Hedging Language Overload

The Problem:

AI overuses cautious language: "may," "might," "could potentially," "it seems," making content wishy-washy and unconvincing.

The Fix:

  • Make confident statements when appropriate
  • Use data to support strong claims
  • Balance certainty with nuance
  • Save hedging for genuinely uncertain situations

Mistake #7: Missing Emotional Connection

The Problem:

AI struggles to convey genuine emotion, resulting in content that informs but doesn't inspire or connect.

The Fix:

  • Address reader pain points directly
  • Use emotional trigger words appropriately
  • Share struggles and victories
  • Write with empathy and understanding

Mistake #8: Predictable Transitions

The Problem:

AI relies on formulaic transitions: "Furthermore," "Moreover," "In addition," creating a mechanical flow.

The Fix:

  • Use conversational transitions: "Here's the thing," "But wait"
  • Connect ideas with stories or examples
  • Sometimes skip transitions entirely
  • Use questions to move between topics

Mistake #9: Information Without Insight

The Problem:

AI excels at summarizing information but struggles to provide unique insights or connect dots in innovative ways.

The Fix:

  • Add your analysis and interpretation
  • Challenge conventional wisdom
  • Make unexpected connections
  • Provide actionable takeaways

Mistake #10: Concluding with Clichés

The Problem:

AI conclusions often feature phrases like "In conclusion," "To sum up," or "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

The Fix:

  • End with a specific call-to-action
  • Circle back to your opening
  • Leave readers with a question
  • Close with unexpected insight

Quick Checklist for Humanizing AI Content

Before publishing, ask yourself:

  • ✓ Does it sound like something I'd actually say?
  • ✓ Are there personal touches or opinions?
  • ✓ Have I varied sentence structure and length?
  • ✓ Did I include specific, relevant examples?
  • ✓ Is there emotional resonance?
  • ✓ Would I enjoy reading this?

Advanced Humanization Techniques

The Power of Imperfection

Sometimes the best way to humanize content is to embrace imperfection:

  • Leave in the occasional "um" or "well"
  • Acknowledge when you're unsure
  • Share failed attempts or mistakes
  • Use colloquialisms and slang appropriately

Cultural and Temporal References

Make your content feel current and relevant:

  • Reference recent events or trends
  • Use generation-appropriate language
  • Include regional expressions
  • Acknowledge holidays or seasons

The Bottom Line

AI writing mistakes aren't deal-breakers—they're opportunities. Each correction makes your content more engaging, trustworthy, and effective. The goal isn't perfection; it's connection. And that's something worth working for.

Ready to fix these mistakes automatically? StudyDrop's AI Humanizer identifies and corrects common AI writing issues, transforming robotic text into content that truly connects with readers.