Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing Are em dashes really a sign of AI writing? 'Caretaker' vs. 'caregiver'
Jun 17, 2025
Dive into the intriguing debate: Are em dashes really indicators of AI writing? Explore the true origins of this myth and discover smarter ways to assess writing authenticity. Additionally, unravel the nuanced differences between 'caregiver' and 'caretaker,' enriched with historical context and practical examples. The episode also shares a delightful family language tale, showcasing how unique phrases can add charm to everyday communication. Perfect for anyone interested in language evolution and the quirks of writing!
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Em Dashes Not AI Markers
- The idea that em dashes signal AI writing lacks evidence and is based on misunderstanding and hype.
- Em dashes have been popular in human writing for a long time and are not unique to AI text.
Certain Words Frequent in AI Text
- Some words like "innovative" and "delve" appear more in AI-generated scientific papers.
- These words' presence alone doesn't prove AI use since humans also use them.
Avoid AI Detection Tools
- Avoid relying on AI detectors due to high false positive rates, especially for non-native and neurodiverse writers.
- These tools can unfairly harm writers and shouldn't be considered reliable.