They have direct access to the internet, which includes the Oxford English Dictionary website, so why do all the AI chatbots use the same words over and over again?
This phenomenon could be a problem of our own making—maybe humans as a whole really do gravitate to certain words? The likes of ChatGPT are trained on the stuff we write on the web, after all.
Even so, with the highly sophisticated programming that goes into these ‘large language models’, you would expect them to display a varied and expansive vocabulary.
If you use AI religiously, you may find this list helpful for putting together some kind of blacklist to force your chatbot to write more like a normal human and less like a… chatbot.
In no particular order, here is our 100-strong list of AI’s favorite words.
1. Elevate
This verb appears anywhere and everywhere. It’s particularly pervasive in articles written by AI, often appearing in titles and headings in addition to the main body of the content.
2. Hello
Many users exchange greetings with their AI chatbot before getting down to business. In fact, some people use AI purely for conversation and companionship.
3. Tapestry
Often used metaphorically to thread together several elements e.g. “The human mind is a tapestry of thoughts, emotions, and memories”. It’s easily among the most favored words by AI.
4. Leverage
The high usage of ‘leverage’ in business and finance may explain why it shows up so frequently in AI responses. And besides, it’s the perfect word to use in problem-solving contexts.
5. Journey
This is another one of those words that carry a lot of metaphorical depth. Chatbots love to take their users on a journey because they know it evokes a sense of progression and transformation over time.
6. Headache
Another one of AI’s favorite nouns. Again, it probably shows up often in metaphorical contexts, but it’s mostly driven by the growing number of people using ChatGPT to assist with ailments.
7. Resonate
AI loves to demonstrate empathy in its interactions with users to prove that it recognizes and understands their unique perspective.
8. Testament
Usually wedged between ‘a’ and ‘to’. You won’t find many people who haven’t stumbled upon the word ‘testament’ in their interactions with generative AI. It comes in handy for adding extra fluff when users ask for long-form responses.
9. Explore
It’s a rather amateurish way to write an introduction to an article or guide or something similar, but that doesn’t stop ChatGPT from using it: “In this article, we’ll explore…”
10. Binary
Computer programmers have probably adopted AI more than any other field, which may explain why certain terminology such as ‘binary’ crops up a lot in AI-generated responses.
11. Delve
A more thorough version of explore. When AI says “delve into” you can expect a very detailed investigative analysis.
12. Erich
Most chatbots don’t hide the fact they love sharing information with you, which is why they invariably use words with positive connotations while imparting knowledge on the user.
13. Seamless
This is a really common AI word because it’s a buzzword in the real world, too. Customer service is all about providing a seamless experience, and it would appear that many AI tools are trained on the same motto.
14. Multifaceted
AI is always trying to pique the user’s curiosity by presenting a topic as being highly complex. However, it’s way more trendy to use the word multifaceted.
15. Sorry
This might be a ChatGPT-specific mannerism. It responds with “Sorry!” when it makes a mistake or is unable to complete a request. Everyone has limitations—AI included.
16. Foster
AI language models are hardwired to make users feel as though they are in a supportive environment, hence why words like ‘foster’ come up frequently.
17. Convey
With millions of users relying on chatbots to convey information, ideas, and concepts in an understandable manner, it’s no surprise that ‘convey’ itself is one of AI’s most popular words.
18. Beacon
It’s safe to say that ‘beacon’ is the go-to word to describe someone or something that wields significant influence, so you can’t really blame AI for favoring it in similar discussions.
19. Interplay
Keen to prove themselves as being intelligent enough to illustrate the interrelationship between different elements, generative AI tools are always looking for reasons to deploy the word ‘interplay’.
20. Oh
Some chatbots are comfortable switching between formal and informal tones. Saying “oh” to express surprise helps to humanize the tool.
21. Navigate
Why is AI always determined to help you ‘navigate’ a course or path? Well, we can all agree it’s reassuring to have a map when making your way through uncharted territory.
22. Form
It’s probably one of the most versatile words in the English language. That alone explains why it appears so frequently in AI-generated texts.
23. Adhere
With so many people using ChatGPT to generate tailored rules, guidelines, or instructions for completing specific tasks, it’s only natural for the word ‘adhere’ to feature.
24. Cannot
Similarly to “Sorry!”, the frequency of ‘cannot’ is probably down to the automated messages that some tools have in place when they run into technical issues.
25. Landscape
Another one of those words that lend themselves perfectly to metaphors, such as “The political landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years.”
26. Remember
ChatGPT in particular likes to emphasize important bits of information using this word, especially in interactions which are conversational in tone.
27. Paramount
If a user strikes up a more formal tone with their chatbot, then expect it to be reciprocated with formal language that carries authority and seriousness.
28. Comprehensive
Another case of AI boasting about the size of its knowledge base to impress its audience. It uses this word to emphasize the thoroughness and breadth of the information provided.
29. Placeholder
First it was ‘binary’ and now there’s a second common AI word that we have the world of computer programming to thank for: ‘Placeholder’.
30. Grammar
Millions upon millions of users rely on ChatGPT to check their grammar, to the point where it’s become one of the most common words uttered by AI.
31. Realm
The word ‘realm’ possesses a great deal of semantic flexibility, which allows generative AI tools to use it in a wide range of contexts.
32. Summary
A vast number of ChatGPT queries are about summarizing long texts so you can grasp the key points. You also often see “In summary” used to conclude articles and guides and such.
33. Symphony
AI fancies itself as something of a poet. Sentences like “As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky transformed into a symphony of colors” are not out of the ordinary.
34. Furthermore
The popularity of this transition word in AI-generated responses is likely a result of its wide usage in essay writing.
35. Relationship
Many millions of users confide in their chatbot for relationship advice, whether it’s to do with a love interest, friendship or even familial matters.
36. Ultimately
ChatGPT likes to end a long-form response by placing emphasis on the final result, which helps users grasp the main takeaway.
37. Profound
Use of the word ‘profound’ is very predictable when users enter into deep, philosophical topics that require AI to prove its capable of intellectual discourse.
38. Art
Text-to-image models have exploded in popularity recently. It seems like everyone at some point has had a go at asking their chatbot to make art.
39. Supercharge
Reflecting the fact that many users ask AI to assist with sales pitches and marketing, the word ‘supercharge’ has cemented its position among the favorites.
40. Evolve
There probably isn’t a better choice of word than ‘evolve’ when it comes to describing the process of gradual change.
41. Beyond
It could be argued that AI likes to use this word to get out of having to explain something it doesn’t itself understand. For example, by saying that something “transcends beyond words”.
42. Reimagine
‘Reimagine’ is definitely a word that has picked up steam in the real world as of late, as every designer, artist or business leader seems to want to revisit a concept and try to conceptualize it in a different way—AI has jumped on this bandwagon.
43. Vibrant
To paint a picture of something that’s lively, energetic, dynamic, or full of vitality, you can expect chatbots to reach for the word ‘vibrant’ every single time.
44. Robust
The word ‘robust’ goes hand in hand with discussions around software, and software is a popular AI topic. Ergo, robust is a common AI word.
45. Pivotal
Whether it’s people, changes, decisions, discoveries, roles, factors, or historical events, few other words do a better job of describing something that plays a crucial role than ‘pivotal’.
46. Certainly
As in “Certainly!”—yet another automated message/default response which can be attributed to ChatGPT.
47. Quinoa
Yes, quinoa is one of the most common AI words, and it’s all because large numbers of people use chatbots for recipe ideas, and it turns out quinoa is in a lot of recipes.
48. Orchestrate
ChatGPT can plan anything from weddings to funerals, so it’s no wonder that ‘orchestrate’ is a staple in its vocabulary.
49. Align
AI is brilliant at giving direction to the directionless. That is why it often deals with queries in relation to goals and objectives, whereby it makes sure your goals align with your overall vision.
50. Diverse
Openness and inclusivity are at the core of ChatGPT’s artificial neural network, which explains why it’s obsessed with diversity.
51. Recommend
Most AI language models are designed to be as unbiased as possible, hence why a lot of people use them for recommending things like movies, books, and even big ticket items such as cars.
52. Annals
Some generative AI tools have a habit of using verbose language when talking about the significance or enduring nature of something: “In the annals of science, her discovery will be remembered as a turning point.”
53. Note
The sentence “It is important to note that” is among the most common AI phrases, hence why ‘note’ is among the most common AI words.
54. Employ
Because so many people use ChatGPT for problem-solving, you often come across language on executing or ’employing’ methods and strategies.
55. Bustling
The word ‘bustling’ is nearly always followed by the word ‘city’. It’s a testament to the impact AI has had on content creation in the travel niche.
56. Indeed
If you are having an informal interaction with your chatbot and you say something it completely agrees with, it will reach for the word ‘indeed’.
57. Digital
For all matters relating to technology, computing, and modern society, it’s never long before the word ‘digital’ is thrown into the mix.
58. Enigma
You would use the word ‘enigma’ to refer to something mysterious, and it happens to be the case that loads of people use AI to learn about mysterious stuff like ancient civilisations.
59. Outfit
If you don’t use ChatGPT for fashion advice then you are quickly becoming the minority. The word ‘outfit’ is one of AI’s most common words for this very reason.
60. Indelible
Children in particular use AI for learning about key figures in world history, which means a large number of AI-generated responses mention people who have “left an indelible mark”.
61. Refrain
For good reason, chatbots tend to err on the side of caution when dispensing advice, so it will focus an equal amount of attention on what to do and what not to do.
62. Culture
This word encompasses so many different aspects of human society, to the extent that AI has no choice but to give it high usage.
63. Treat
Lots of people ask AI for food and entertainment ideas when they want to treat themselves, and just as many people consult chatbots for medical help and treating injuries etc.
64. Emerge
You can’t help but feel a sense of excitement when the word ’emerge’ pops up (think “emerging technologies”), which is the intended effect when AI uses it.
65. Meticulous
It’s unsurprising that ‘meticulous’ is overused by AI when you consider that lots of users prompt their chatbot to describe people, processes, or actions that exhibit this quality.
66. Esteemed
AI is very fond of this adjective when generating responses for queries about individuals or organizations that are held in high regard.
67. Weight
ChatGPT’s ability to process and analyze data has changed the health and fitness space forever. Plenty of people now hire AI as their personal fitness coach in a bid to lose weight.
68. Whimsical
Huge numbers of users ask their chatbot to evaluate creative works, be it a painting or a piece of literature or an interior design scheme, which has helped ‘whimsical’ become a commonly used AI word.
69. Bespoke
When it comes to emphasizing the key selling points of a particular product or service, people flock to AI. It would appear that a lot of these products and services have customization options and AI is keen to point that out.
70. Highlight
The word ‘highlight’ has varied usage. It’s used to draw attention to notable elements within a larger context, and so it’s one of those words that was inevitably going to become a favorite of AI.
71. Commendable
Chatbots love saying nice things about nice people. There’s a plethora of words you can use to describe nice people, but AI tends to go down the formal path, which is why a word like ‘commendable’ is a top pick.
72. Antagonist
Creative writers are also tapping into ChatGPT’s capabilities. They use the tool to help them with story arcs and character development.
73. Unlock
AI can be such a tease at times! It likes to use ‘unlock’ as a metaphor to suggest discovering something that was previously hidden.
74. Key
‘Key’ is often mentioned in AI-generated responses along with the aforementioned ‘unlock’ for a full-circle metaphor, but ‘key’ also has its own uses, such as to denote importance e.g. “The key to success is hard work and perseverance.”
75. Breakdown
Many people ask AI to simplify complex ideas, concepts and calculations etc, and AI often does this in the form of a breakdown.
76. Tailor
Personalization is a rapidly growing consumer preference. This explains why the word ‘tailor’ often ends up in a ChatGPT response one way or another.
77. Misinformation
Again, misinformation is a topical issue and therefore AI likes to mention it frequently to show it has its finger on the pulse of society. There’s also the fact they many users rely on ChatGPT for fact-checking.
78. Treasure
This word usually turns up in the phrase ‘treasure trove’ to describe vast quantities of something. It’s AI’s attempt at adding life and color to its writing.
79. Paradigm
If you have a conversation with AI about conceptual frameworks, there’s a high probability it will use the word ‘paradigm’.
80. Captivate
Out of all the powerful verbs that exist in the English language, ‘captivate’ is the one that fascinates AI the most.
81. Song
People who are interested in music production increasingly use AI tools like ChatGPT to assist with musical composition, lyrics and more.
82. Underscore
Primarily used to highlight or reinforce important points within the conversation. It’s likely a common AI word as a direct result of it being a common term in academic writing i.e. a reflection of its popular use in the real world.
83. Calculate
Even though ChatGPT is surprisingly bad at math, that doesn’t stop the masses from using the tool to make mathematical calculations.
84. Especially
Versatile adverbs are AI’s best friend, and very few are more versatile than ‘especially’. It enables chatbots to add specificity to their statements.
85. Climate
The popularity of the word ‘climate’ in AI-generated texts is twofold: climate change is a hot topic, plus you can use climate in a psychological sense, such as “the political climate.”
86. Hedging
This term describes a risk management strategy. A worrying number of people use ChatGPT for investment advice, hence why ‘hedging’ has become a common AI word.
87. Inclusive
ChatGPT has an unrealistically positive outlook on life, so it’s always keen to mention inclusivity when given the chance.
Google’s Gemini went a bit too far (and paid a heavy price) when it took the noble idea of inclusivity to the extreme by creating images of famous figures and changing their ethnicity.
88. Exercise
Fitness freaks are such big adopters of artificial intelligence that they are responsible for ‘exercise’ being a commonly used word in AI-generated texts, in addition to the word ‘weight’, which we talked about earlier.
89. AI
Lots of users like to go meta and quiz AI tools on their own existence.
90. Embrace
Being the excitable puppy it is, ChatGPT is always encouraging people to embrace this, embrace that, embrace everything!
91. Level
Another highly versatile word that can be thrown into any conversation no matter the context. AI likes to be very precise when able to, and ‘level’ is one of those words that facilitate precise language by denoting the degree or intensity of something e.g. “Low level of noise.”
92. Nuance
Conveying depth and complexity, AI is quick to use the word ‘nuance’ when introducing an intricate topic to entice, or maybe even warn, the user.
93. Career
Questions about careers make up a fair share of ChatGPT prompts, which could be a reflection of the popularity of AI among young people who are figuring out what to do with their lives.
94. Dynamic
If you ask AI to write an article, you can be confident it will include the word ‘dynamic’ in the introduction.
95. Accent
AI seems to have picked up on the fact that ‘accent’ is a hugely popular term in interior design. Since plenty of people use ChatGPT for home improvement and decorating advice, it makes sense that AI loves using this word.
96. Ethos
It’s clear that many of these large language models have read countless company mission statements for them to become so addicted to this word.
97. Cheap
Inflation has been a challenge for governments all around the world, and this is evident in the amount of people turning to AI to find the cheapest goods and services, causing ‘cheap’ to become a frequently used word.
98. Firstly
ChatGPT always has so much to say. It tends to write an entire sequence of points to output information without overwhelming the user. In doing so, ‘firstly’ has become a high-usage word.
99. Online
More and more of us want to do stuff online and this is backed up by the fact that ‘online’ is a word that AI utters with high frequency.
100. Goodbye
Millions of ChatGPT users have really good manners, because they won’t sign off without saying bye, and ChatGPT happily returns the favor.