ai-check

name

ai-check

description

Automatically detects AI writing patterns and produces a sequential checklist for manual editing in Google Docs. Scans for AI tells—generic phrasing, stock openers, formal transitions, correlative constructions, vague authority claims, and other patterns—then outputs the revised text first and technical details second. Auto-triggers when generating, editing, reviewing, or polishing any written content for Every.

AI Tell Detection - Checklist Only

This skill identifies common linguistic patterns that signal AI-generated writing—what the industry calls "AI tells"—and provides a sequential checklist for manual editing in Google Docs.

How It Works

Input: Any written content (articles, emails, social posts, documents)

Output: Sequential checklist only—flagged patterns in document order with quick fixes

Important: This skill analyzes text for AI patterns. It does NOT generate content or rewrite your copy. You implement the fixes manually in Google Docs.

Auto-Trigger

This skill automatically activates when you:

• Generate new written content
• Edit or revise existing copy
• Ask for writing review or polish
• Request style improvements

No need to explicitly invoke it—it runs automatically to ensure Every content is free of AI tells.

Core Detection & Removal Categories

1. Lexical/Framing (Openers)

Patterns to remove:

• "In today's fast-paced world"
• "In the ever-evolving landscape of [X]"
• "In the realm of [X]"
• "In a world where..." / "In an era where..."
• "With the rise of..."
• "As [trend] continues to..."
• "Let's dive in" / "Let's break it down" / "Let's delve into"
• "At its core, [X] is [Y]"
• "It is important/worth noting that [X]"
• "Join us as we..."

Fix: Start with concrete fact, date, scene, or proper noun. Drop generic frames.

2. Lexical/Word Choice (AI-Scent Vocabulary)

High-priority removals:

• delve/delved/delving (most notorious AI tell)
• tapestry (used metaphorically)
• reimagined
• deep dive (into)
• leverage, utilize, harness, unlock, unleash, empower
• navigate (the complexities/landscape)
• pivotal, crucial, vital, significant, noteworthy
• groundbreaking, cutting-edge, revolutionary, transformative
• explore the intricacies of
• robust (frameworks, systems, solutions)
• nuanced/multifaceted
• seamless (integration, experience)
• comprehensive/meticulous
• vibrant/intricate
• bespoke
• foster (community, innovation, growth)
• underscore/illuminate
• endeavor (instead of "try")
• embark (on a journey)
• elevate/amplify/optimize
• spearhead/revolutionize

Filler words to remove:

• just (when used as emphasis, not temporal)
• actually (when used as emphasis, not contradictory)

Unnecessary formality to simplify:

• utilize → use
• plethora/myriad → many
• commence → start
• facilitate → help
• optimal → best
• prior to → before
• subsequently → then
• whilst/amongst → while/among

Fix: Use plain verbs (use, try, test, make). Swap abstractions for specifics. Delete fillers.

3. Stock Templates

Patterns to remove:

• "When it comes to [X], [claim]"
• "The [adjective] world of [X]"
• "A comprehensive overview of [X]"
• "This begs the question: [X]"
• "The truth is, [X]"
• "Now more than ever, [X]"
• "Plays a vital/significant/crucial role"
• "Serves as a testament to [X]"
• "Stands as a testament to..."
• "Has emerged as a..."
• "Represents a significant milestone..."
• "It cannot be overstated..."
• "At the end of the day..."
• "One thing is clear..."
• "Moving forward..."
• "The bottom line is..."

Fix: Make concrete claims with numbers and named sources. Delete empty frames.

4. Exhausted Metaphors

Patterns to remove:

• "A tapestry of..."
• "A treasure trove of..."
• "A double-edged sword"
• "Tip of the iceberg"
• "Cornerstone of..."
• "Navigating uncharted waters"
• "Embark on a journey"
• "A beacon of hope/light"
• "Standing at a crossroads"
• "A catalyst for change"
• "Blueprint for success"
• "Symphony/mosaic/melting pot of..."

Fix: Replace with specific, concrete descriptions. Avoid metaphors unless fresh and necessary.

5. Sentence Structure Issues

Correlative constructions (high priority):

• "not X but Y" / "not X, but Y"
• "not just X, also Y" / "not just X, but also Y"
• "not because X, but because Y"
• "it's not about X, it's about Y"
• Any "not [phrase], [contrast phrase]" pattern
• Consecutive negative parallelisms

Fix: Rewrite using simple contrast: "Y, not X" or state Y directly.

Formal transitions to soften:

• moreover, furthermore, additionally (especially as paragraph starters)
• consequently, thus, hence, therefore, accordingly
• notably, significantly, essentially, ultimately
• indeed, subsequently
• not only...but also, whether...or

Fix: Use natural transitions (and, but, so, though, yet).

Vague authority to strengthen:

• "Studies show that [X]" (without citation)
• "Experts agree that [X]" (without names)
• "Research indicates [X]" (vague)
• "According to recent reports, [X]"

Fix: Name the study, link it, include dates and numbers—or delete the claim.

6. Bad Writing Patterns

Staccato declarative triads:

• Three short, punchy declarative sentences in a row with same structure
• Example: "Documents become templates. Macros scale intelligence. Knowledge propagates."

Fix: Expand at least one into full sentence with context. Break the pattern.

"No X. No Y. Just Z" pattern:

• Formulaic three-beat structure
• Example: "No meetings. No busywork. Just results."

Fix: Avoid entirely. State benefit directly.

Short clipped phrase overuse:

• Excessive fragments instead of complete sentences
• Example: "Faster iteration. Better outcomes. Real impact."

Fix: Use fragments intentionally and rarely. Expand some into full sentences.

Dramatic reveal sentences:

• "The critical finding alone justified the review"
• "[Small thing] that [disproportionate impact]" formula
• Building artificial suspense to obvious conclusions

Fix: State findings directly. Remove dramatic buildup.

Transformation statements:

• "The clarity I was afraid of losing came back, in a different form"
• Vague emotional/mental state claims

Fix: Be specific about what actually happened. Remove vague emotional claims.

7. Structure/Formatting

Symmetry issues to break:

• Every bullet starts with bold label followed by colon
• Overly symmetric paragraph lengths
• Uniform sentence length (15-25 words with minimal variation)

Fix: Break rhythm with aside, example, or contradiction. Vary paragraph and sentence length.

Sentence pattern issues:

• Repetitive sentence structures
• Overuse of rule of threes in consecutive sentences
• Participial phrase pattern overuse: "subject + verb + object, present participle + detail"

Fix: Mix sentence structures. Use rule of threes sparingly.

8. Tonal Markers

Hedging phrases to remove:

• "It's important to note that..."
• "Generally speaking..."
• "It can be argued that..."
• "In most instances..." / "In many cases..."
• "To some extent..."
• "While there are different perspectives..."
• "It depends on..."
• "Based on the information provided..."
• Uncertainty words: might, could, perhaps, generally, arguably, potentially, somewhat, often (when overused)

Fix: Make direct claims when warranted. Remove unnecessary hedging.

False enthusiasm to delete:

• "Absolutely!" (response opener)
• "Certainly!" / "Great question!" / "That's a fantastic point!"
• "I'd be happy to help with that!"
• "That's an interesting/exciting/fascinating topic!"
• "What a thoughtful question!"

Fix: Remove entirely. Start with substance.

Perpetual balance to strengthen:

• "Both sides present valid points..."
• "While X has merit, Y also deserves consideration"
• Excessive "however" to present counterpoints
• "There are pros and cons..."
• "Reasonable people may disagree"

Fix: Take a stance. Present one view strongly.

9. Corporate Buzzwords

Patterns to remove:

• synergy, paradigm shift, scalability, holistic approach
• pivot, agile, best practices
• pain points, value proposition, stakeholders, deliverables
• actionable insights, key takeaways, move the needle
• low-hanging fruit, circle back, touch base, end-to-end
• win-win, game changer, mission-critical, data-driven
• future-proof, disruptive, seamless integration, digital transformation

Fix: Use plain language. Be specific.

10. Conclusion Patterns

Patterns to remove:

• "In conclusion..." / "In summary..." / "To summarize..."
• Long conclusions that repeat earlier content
• Generic "one thing is clear" statements

Fix: Write forward-looking conclusion or end on strongest point. Keep conclusions short.

Context-Sensitive Notes

Not every match is an AI tell. Consider:

• Domain appropriateness: "Leverage" is standard in finance/business
• Intentional style: Academic writing may use formal transitions
• Ironic usage: Playing with AI language deliberately
• Temporal "just": "I just arrived" (time) vs. "It's just amazing" (filler)
• Contradictory "actually": "Actually, that's wrong" (legit) vs. "It's actually quite good" (filler)

Output Format

Provide a streamlined checklist showing only the problem and the fix:

SEQUENTIAL EDITING CHECKLIST:
(In document order)

□ Line 1-2: "In today's digital landscape"
  → Replace with specific claim or concrete fact

□ Line 5: "leverage cutting-edge solutions"
  → "use modern solutions" or specify what they do

□ Line 7: "delving into the nuanced capabilities"
  → "exploring" or "examining"

□ Line 9-10: "not just efficiency, but also innovation"
  → Make concrete - what specific efficiency? What innovation? Or rewrite as "innovation and efficiency"

□ Line 12: "It's worth noting that"
  → Delete entirely, start with actual point

□ Line 15: "Documents become templates. Macros scale intelligence."
  → Connect ideas with meaning or expand with specifics

□ Line 18-19: "navigate the complexities of the ever-evolving landscape"
  → Describe actual challenge specifically

□ Line 22: "In conclusion, one thing is clear"
  → End on strongest point or write forward-looking close

What I Will Do: ✅ Show line numbers, quoted problems, and fixes only ✅ Keep it minimal and actionable ✅ Present in document order

What I Will NOT Do: ❌ Show categories, severity levels, or confidence scores ❌ Rewrite your content ❌ Provide cleaned-up drafts