How to spot AI writing

It's not just em dashes — it's the rhythm

(Credit: aqua cloud)

For a time, the tell was apparently simple. You know, this little guy —

News spread quickly across social media. On LinkedIn, self-appointed gurus warned their connections not to use the em dash — it’s the big giveaway that writing has been drafted by a generative artificial intelligence chatbot, such as ChatGPT. Over on Bluesky, users were triumphantly declaring any post containing the manspreading hyphen¹ to be fraudulent.

As an em dash user of long standing, I was naturally concerned. I had picked up the habit several years ago from a colleague whose writing I admired, and learned to marvel at its sheer versatility. The em dash can make space for additional information or inserted ideas, mark a sudden break or interruption and emphasise a conclusion or summary — it truly is the Meryl Streep of punctuation.

For that reason, the existence of an em dash is no more conclusive evidence of AI involvement than generic or vague phrasing. Some people are just bad writers. Really, the biggest red flag is rhythm. And more and more, wherever I consume low-brow content — YouTube, podcasts — I find myself recoiling at the sheer brain-rotting frequency of ChatGPT cadence.

Here’s what to look out for:

1. The contrast rhythm

X, but Y. Examples include:

• The decision seemed simple, but its consequences were far-reaching.

• The policy promised change, but the reality was far more complex.

And the big ones, the red rag to a bull, if you will:

• It wasn’t just a reform — it was a transformation.

• They weren’t just sneakers — they were a signal.

2. The “not only… but also” rhythm

Similar but subtly different. Examples include:

• The law not only affected businesses but also influenced everyday citizens.

3. The triple list rhythm

AI did not invent the rule of three, but it sure as heck loves it. Examples include:

• The reform had economic, political and social consequences.

• The system requires patience, discipline and consistency.

4. The cause–effect rhythm

A little more subtle, but it’s action followed by explanation. Examples include:

• This shift reflects deeper changes in society.

• This policy demonstrates the government’s priorities.