Practical Tips Against AI Detectors

One AI pitted against another AI is a poetic dance of circuits and shadows.

One AI pitted against another AI is a poetic dance of circuits and shadows, each step a flicker of code, each turn a clash of unseen logic, weaving a tapestry of digital dreams and silent rivalries—Poetic Justice.

Here are some practical tips for those of you who, like me, experience the frustration of being flagged by AI detectors because of the way you think and write. This document is one AI pitted against another, attempting to help you adjust your writing to minimize the chances of it being flagged by AI detectors like QuillBot’s, based on common patterns these tools look for. These strategies stem from an AI with understanding of how AI detectors analyze text for traits associated with AI-generated content, such as predictable phrasing, repetitive structures, or overly polished prose.

Vary Sentence Structure and Length: AI detectors often flag text with uniform sentence lengths or repetitive syntactic patterns, as AI models tend to produce balanced, predictable sentences. Mix short, punchy sentences with longer, complex ones. For example, instead of writing three medium-length sentences in a row, try a short declarative sentence followed by a longer one with a subordinate clause.

Use Specific, Contextual Details: AI-generated text can lean generic or lack nuanced, personal details. Incorporate unique anecdotes, sensory descriptions, or context-specific references that reflect your individual perspective. For instance, in poetry, reference a specific memory or local landmark instead of broad terms like “the sky” or “love.”

Incorporate Imperfections and Idiosyncrasies: AI tools often produce overly polished text, so adding deliberate quirks can help. Use colloquialisms, contractions, or even a slight deviation from perfect grammar (where appropriate) to make your writing feel more human. For example, instead of “I am always seeking inspiration,” try “I’m forever chasing that next spark.”

Avoid Overused Phrases and Clichés: AI detectors may flag formulaic phrases that AI models frequently generate, like “at the end of the day” or “a journey of self-discovery.” Replace clichés with original metaphors or phrasing. For example, instead of “time heals all wounds,” you might write “each day stitches the hurt a little tighter.”

Introduce Emotional Nuance and Contradiction: AI-generated text can lack the emotional complexity humans naturally express. Show conflicting emotions or subtle shifts in tone to add depth. In a poem, you might juxtapose joy with a hint of melancholy within the same stanza, which AI detectors are less likely to associate with machine output.

Use Uncommon Vocabulary or Word Pairings: AI models often rely on high-frequency words and predictable collocations. Sprinkle in less common words or unexpected pairings to disrupt this pattern. For example, instead of “beautiful sunset,” try “saffron dusk.” Be cautious not to overdo it, as forced thesaurus use can feel unnatural.

Break Predictable Paragraph or Stanza Patterns: AI-generated text often follows a rigid structure, like three-sentence paragraphs or stanzas with identical line counts. Vary the number of lines in stanzas or sentences in paragraphs. For example, in poetry, alternate between couplets and tercets to create an organic flow.

Incorporate Cultural or Personal References: AI detectors may flag text that feels too universal or detached from specific cultural contexts. Reference niche cultural elements, personal experiences, or local slang that AI models are less likely to replicate authentically. For instance, mention a regional dish or a family tradition.

Revise for Human-Like Transitions: AI text can have abrupt or overly formulaic transitions (e.g., “Moreover,” “In conclusion”). Use conversational or context-specific transitions instead. In prose, try “That got me thinking about…” or in poetry, let imagery flow naturally between stanzas without explicit connectors.

Test and Edit with Awareness: If possible, run drafts through an AI detector yourself to see what triggers a flag, then revise accordingly. Focus on altering flagged sections by applying the above tips. For example, if a stanza is flagged, tweak its phrasing to include more personal or irregular elements.

Example Application (Poetry):
Original (Potentially Flagged as AI):
The moonlight glows upon the tranquil sea,
A silent whisper of eternity,
Its beauty calls to hearts that yearn for peace.

Revised (More Human-Like):
Moonlight spills across the restless tide,
Murmuring secrets Gran once swore she heard,
Its glow tugs at the ache I can’t quite name.

The revised version uses a personal reference (“Gran”), emotional nuance (“ache I can’t quite name”), and varied phrasing to feel more authentic.

Notes:
Balance is Key: Overcorrecting can make your writing feel forced or unnatural, so apply these tips subtly to preserve your voice.

Limitations of Detectors: AI detectors aren’t foolproof and can misjudge human work, especially creative writing like poetry, which may share traits with AI output (e.g., rhythmic patterns). These tips reduce risk but don’t guarantee a “pass.”

Ethical Consideration: If you’re submitting to a contest or platform, check their guidelines on AI detection to understand how they use these tools and whether they allow revisions post-flagging.