There’s a lot of things we can praise AI for, but the size of its vocabulary isn’t one of them.
If you use generative AI tools only occasionally, then you probably won’t have noticed the limitations in these so-called large language models.
But if you’ve welcomed AI into your personal and professional life with open arms, the following phrases will be all too familiar.
The number of overused AI phrases easily wade into the 100s, but we’ve shortlisted the 50 most common.
1. In the realm of
Introducing a topic with the classic “in the world of” just isn’t formal enough for AI, so the word ‘realm’ takes its place.
This is likely a reflection of how most people write in the real world—open a thesaurus and select the fanciest word—and AI has picked up on this pattern of behavior.
2. Delve into
With the amount of people asking for AI-generated texts which are comprehensive in scope (think articles, guides, research papers), it makes sense that “delve into” is a really common AI phrase.
That and the fact it’s a pervasive introductory phrase in academia as well, and some chatbots like ChatGPT received extensive training on academic writing.
3. In today’s digital age
We’ve got a theme going on here. Yet another popular AI phrase that often comprises the very first sentence of an AI-generated response.
Lacking nuance, you can always count on AI to refer to the current era, characterized by the widespread use of digital technology, as the digital age.
4. A testament to
This phrase has wide usage in formal communication in the real world, so you can’t blame AI, which adopts a formal tone by default, to use it with the same frequency.
It’s a useful phrase to reach for when you want to pad out your writing, and nobody knows that better than AI. The more you push AI for a higher word count, the likelier it weaves in “a testament to”.
5. In conclusion
Interestingly, common AI phrases are most prevalent in conclusions and introductions, though the latter is the most popular location by quite a margin.
Again, while it provides a useful transition to the closing section, use of “in conclusion” or “in summary” are clear cases of copycat behavior based on how the majority of real people write.
6. A treasure trove of
AI loves itself a metaphor. If there’s a large amount of something valuable or desirable, AI will describe it as being a treasure trove without fail.
Worse still, the addiction to this phrase is so strong that it uses it in both formal and informal contexts, when really it’s only suitable for informal writing.
7. In this article
AI-written articles probably outnumber human-written content nowadays and this has helped make “in this article” a signature AI phrase.
This one is something of an anomaly, in that nobody in the real world puts “in this article” in the introduction of their articles, which gets you wondering where the decision to self-reference came from.
8. A tapestry of
Definitely a contender as the AI phrase with the highest usage of them all. Whenever AI needs to thread together different elements, it does so by saying “a tapestry of”.
No one is against adding life and color to your writing through the use of metaphors, but there’s a time and place for them, whereas AI just spits them out indiscriminately.
9. In the annals of
Many millions of people use AI chatbots for a history lesson, giving AI the opportunity to utter another one of its favorite introductory phrases: “In the annals of”.
On one hand, this phrase does do a good job of building up anticipation, but the effect is weakened by its own ubiquity.
10. Let’s explore
AI language models like ChatGPT are primarily designed to output information, and you can sense its enthusiasm for producing long-form informational texts in some of its choice of phrases.
For example, “let’s explore” is a phrase that makes you think you’re about to embark on an adventure. AI can’t contain its excitement so much so that it wants to explore this, explore that—explore everything!
11. The core elements of
Exploring a topic through its “core elements” is effective because it distills complex information into essential components, making it easier to understand foundational concepts and build knowledge systematically.
12. Ever-evolving
Describing something as “ever-evolving” excites the reader because it promises constant growth, fresh discoveries, and the thrill of never knowing exactly what’s coming next.
13. Significantly enhance
It’s a strong phrase because it conveys a meaningful and impactful improvement, emphasizing both the importance and magnitude of the change.
14. Cannot be overstated
The phrase “cannot be overstated” grabs readers’ attention by emphasizing that something is of such immense importance or impact that it defies typical description, creating a sense of urgency and significance.
15. The intricacies of
Using “the intricacies of” helps AI chatbots to emphasize the complex, detailed, and often subtle aspects of a topic, signaling a deep exploration beyond the surface.
16. Profound impact
Often appears in contexts describing significant, lasting effects or changes, such as in fields like science, technology, education, or social issues, where a development, idea, or event deeply influences individuals, communities, or entire systems.
17. In the vast
Opening with “In the vast” immediately sets a grand, expansive tone, grabbing attention by making readers feel like they’re diving into something big and important.
18. Has emerged as a
A powerful AI phrase because it conveys the idea that something has gradually developed or risen to a position of significance or prominence, often suggesting recent growth or recognition.
19. Remember that
Using “remember that” to recap reinforces key points and signals to users of AI chatbots that the information is important to retain.
20. An ongoing process
AI might say “an ongoing process” when chatting about anything that’s continuously developing or changing, like a work project, personal growth, or even learning a new skill!
21. In an era where
“In an era where” effectively captures the audience’s attention by contextualizing the topic within the current cultural or technological landscape, suggesting relevance and urgency.
22. Let’s deep dive
Saying “let’s deep dive” is a great way to kick off a discussion because it invites everyone to jump in and share their thoughts, making it feel open and inclusive.
23. Ever-competitive
It’s used to describe contexts where there is a constant and relentless pursuit of advantage or success, often seen in industries, sports, or markets characterized by fierce rivalry and ongoing challenges to maintain a leading position.
24. Has revolutionized
A great way to describe the impact because it captures how something has completely transformed the way we do things, making a huge difference that feels fresh and exciting.
25. Evokes a sense of
“Evokes a sense of” is an engaging description because it taps into our emotions and imaginations, making the experience feel more personal and relatable.
26. Our daily lives
“Our daily lives” effectively connects content to the reader’s experience by highlighting relatable routines and shared human experiences that resonate universally.
27. Hustle and bustle of
The phrase “hustle and bustle of” conveys a lively, chaotic energy that evokes a sense of relatable, everyday human experience, making the text feel more humanized.
28. In-depth overview
It entices readers by offering comprehensive insights and detailed information that satisfy their curiosity and enhance their understanding, making them feel more informed and engaged.
29. By leveraging
Typically used to introduce a statement about utilizing resources, skills, or opportunities to achieve a specific goal or improve a situation, often in business, technology, or strategic discussions.
30. key to unlocking
When artificial intelligence is talking about something that reveals or solves a problem, like a piece of information that helps understand a complex situation or the secret to achieving a goal.
31. Gain valuable insights
“Gain valuable insights”—when talking about learning something meaningful from experiences, data analysis, or discussions that can help make better decisions or understand a situation more clearly.
32. Navigate the complexities
A very common AI phrase because it effectively conveys the idea of skillfully managing intricate challenges or situations, emphasizing both the difficulty of the task and the expertise required to handle it.
33. Is vital for
Conveys the essential importance or necessity of something in a concise and impactful manner, making it clear that the subject is critical to achieving a particular outcome or function.
34. Enduring allure
An engaging description because it combines a sense of timelessness with a captivating charm that makes you curious about what draws people in again and again.
35. Harness the power of
Employed to talk about taking full advantage of a resource, skill, or technology to achieve something impressive or impactful—like “harnessing the power of data to make smarter decisions” or “harnessing the power of teamwork to hit big goals.”
36. Seamlessly blends
AI often uses “seamlessly blends” when describing how two or more elements, like styles, flavors, or features, come together smoothly without any noticeable transitions or clashes.
37. Actionable tips
“Actionable tips” appeal to readers because they provide clear, practical steps that can be easily implemented, helping readers feel empowered to make immediate progress toward their goals.
38. Left an indelible mark
The overused phrase “left an indelible mark” vividly conveys a lasting, unforgettable impact, suggesting something so profound it becomes permanently etched in memory or history.
39. The art and science of
A really engaging phrase because it conveys a balanced approach, blending creativity and intuition (“the art”) with data-driven analysis and method (“the science”), highlighting a comprehensive exploration of a topic.
40. Equip you with
Chatbots know this phrase appeals to readers because it suggests empowerment, readiness, and provides a sense of receiving valuable tools or knowledge to achieve their goals.
41. Ever-shifting
The phrase “ever-shifting” is a favorite of AI because it conveys a sense of constant change and dynamic movement, sparking curiosity and anticipation.
42. To elevate
Pretty much everyone takes advantage of AI chatbots to improve their life in some shape or form, hence the constant talk of elevating this and elevating that—learn more about the frequency of elevate.
43. Diverse array of
An interesting phrase because it combines the idea of variety with the structure of organization, suggesting a wide range of distinct elements that still form a cohesive whole.
44. Join us as we
It’s an inclusive phrase because it invites others to participate as equal partners in exploring a topic, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
45. Plays a crucial role
The phrase “plays a crucial role” emphasizes the importance of something by highlighting its essential contribution or impact within a larger context.
46. Strategic approach
Used in contexts involving long-term planning and decision-making to achieve specific goals, particularly in business, marketing, military operations, and organizational development.
47. Can feel daunting
This one reassures users of AI that it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes, making the situation feel more relatable and less intimidating.
48. Stands as a beacon of
It emphasizes something as a guiding example or symbol of hope, inspiration, or excellence, drawing attention to its positive qualities.
49. Serves as a reminder
Effectively alerts the reader to an important concept or point by signaling that they should pay special attention to it due to its relevance or significance in the context.
50. Can feel overwhelming
You might come across “can feel overwhelming” when talking about things like a big life change, a heavy workload, or even just the chaos of daily life that makes it hard to keep up.
Final thoughts
Because all these AI-generative tools and chatbots are trained on the patterns of human writing, it tends to do and say what most humans do and say.
This may well lead to efficiencies in learning, information gathering, and decision-making, but it comes at the cost of originality and creativity, which is why we end up with this unwanted phenomenon of commonly used AI phrases.