diff --git a/skills/avoid-ai-writing/SKILL.md b/skills/avoid-ai-writing/SKILL.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..1ebf0b6b --- /dev/null +++ b/skills/avoid-ai-writing/SKILL.md @@ -0,0 +1,44 @@ +--- +name: avoid-ai-writing +description: "Audit and rewrite content to remove 21 categories of AI writing patterns with a 43-entry replacement table" +risk: none +source: https://github.com/conorbronsdon/avoid-ai-writing +date_added: "2026-03-06" +--- + +# Avoid AI Writing — Audit & Rewrite + +Detects and fixes AI writing patterns ("AI-isms") that make text sound machine-generated. Covers 21 pattern categories with a 43-entry word/phrase replacement table that maps each flagged term to a specific, plainer alternative. + +## When to Use This Skill + +- When asked to "remove AI-isms," "clean up AI writing," or "make this sound less like AI" +- After drafting content with AI and before publishing +- When editing any text that sounds like it was generated rather than written +- When auditing documentation, blog posts, marketing copy, or internal communications for AI tells + +## What It Detects + +**21 pattern categories:** formatting issues (em dashes, bold overuse, emoji headers, bullet-heavy sections), sentence structure problems (hedging, hollow intensifiers, rule of three), word/phrase replacements (43 entries like leverage→use, utilize→use, robust→reliable), template phrases, transition phrases, structural issues, significance inflation, copula avoidance, synonym cycling, vague attributions, filler phrases, generic conclusions, chatbot artifacts, notability name-dropping, superficial -ing analyses, promotional language, formulaic challenges, false ranges, inline-header lists, title case headings, and cutoff disclaimers. + +## Example + +**Prompt:** +``` +Audit this for AI writing patterns: + +"In today's rapidly evolving AI landscape, developers are embarking on a pivotal journey to leverage cutting-edge tools that streamline their workflows. Moreover, these robust solutions serve as a testament to the industry's commitment to fostering seamless experiences." +``` + +**Output:** The skill returns four sections: +1. **Issues found** — every AI-ism quoted (landscape, embarking, pivotal, leverage, cutting-edge, streamline, robust, serves as, testament to, fostering, seamless, Moreover, In today's rapidly evolving...) +2. **Rewritten version** — "Developers are starting to use newer AI tools to simplify their work. These tools are reliable, and they're making development less painful." +3. **What changed** — summary of edits +4. **Second-pass audit** — re-reads the rewrite to catch any surviving tells + +## Limitations + +- Does not detect AI-generated code, only prose +- Pattern matching is guideline-based, not absolute — some flagged words are fine in context +- The replacement table suggests alternatives but the best choice depends on context +- Cannot verify factual claims or find real citations to replace vague attributions