“I use AI tools to help with my essays, but my texts sound too robotic – what can I do?”
You are not alone having this question. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to manually humanize AI-generated essays (Ahem, we’got a free AI humanizer tool to share with you) to make them sound more natural and even bypass AI detectors – because, let’s be honest, many of you hate Turnitin.
Key Takeaway:
- We provide real examples showing differences between AI-generated text and human writing. Check them out.
- We also share steps for humanizing AI essay – something you won’t find in detail anywhere else. Click to see how we do it.
- We also explore the ethical implications of using AI text generators in education. You might be interested in it.
- Tools like HumanizeAIText simplify the process by offering different modes to humanize AI essay. Best of all, it has a large free word limit. Give it a try.
Let’s Admit: AI Tools Can Be Both a Blessing and a Burden
AI tools like ChatGPT can be a real lifesaver, especially when you’re juggling multiple assignments or need a quick starting point for your essay. However, there’s a catch: while AI is efficient, the text it generates can often feel robotic and lack the nuanced personality of human writing. Not only might you be unsatisfied with the quality, but your teacher might also take issue with AI-generated work. To make matters worse, if your teacher uses an AI detector, you could end up in a more uncomfortable situation.
But don’t worry, we’ve got a solution coming your way. Before we get into that, though, it’s helpful to understand why this happens. An AI-written essay tends to sound unnatural, but is simply switching out words and phrases enough to fix it? Let’s take a look at the key differences between AI Text and Human Text, and you’ll see what needs to be done.
AI-Generated Essay VS. Human-Generated Essay: Key Differences
Below are two versions of A Tale of Two Cities, which are written by human and AI respectively. Take a moment to review them first before we go ahead for comparison.
Written by Human (as shown in the image):
Generated by AI (see the pic below):
Now, let’s see the differences:
1. Imagery and Metaphor Selection
Human Writing: In the original passage, Charles Dickens uses vivid and unconventional metaphors, such as “the mutinous intent of taking it back to Blackheath” and “some brute animals are endued with Reason.” These metaphors are not only imaginative but also convey deeper themes about control, resistance, and the nature of animals in a way that feels uniquely his.
AI Writing: The AI-generated version uses more conventional language, like “seemingly intent on turning back to Blackheath,” which feels less original and doesn’t carry the same weight or creativity as the human version. As you can see, the AI usually avoids using metaphors that offer deeper insight, sticking to simpler expressions.
Summary on comparison 1:
For human writing: More layered metaphors
For AI text: Relies on more conventional, predictable images
2. Structural Precision
Human Writing: Dickens’sentence structure is complex, with multiple clauses and interruptions that contribute to a rhythm that mimics the struggle of the journey. The sentences are dense, forcing the reader to move through the descriptions slowly.
AI Writing: The AI simplifies the structure, using shorter, clearer sentences. While still effective, the flow feels more straightforward and less reflective of the complexity of the situation described.
Summary on comparison 1:
Human writing: flows organically
AI writing: follows a more mechanical pattern, with abrupt transitions
3. Depth and Insight
Human Writing: Dickens imparts a sense of existential reflection in the human passage, especially with the phrase “some brute animals are endued with Reason.” This suggestion, embedded in the story, opens up a broader philosophical conversation about animals, power, and reason.
AI Writing: The AI focuses more on the surface of the action (“the weight of the hill, the harness, the mud, and the mail had already caused the horses to stop”) and lacks the deeper philosophical implications that come from human writing. While it’s descriptive, it doesn’t attempt to dig into the broader meanings.
Summary on the comparison 3:
Human writing: deeper emotional perspective
AI writing: stays on the surface
4. Emotional Authenticity
Human Writing: The first version conveys a sense of struggle, not only physically but also in the interactions between man, animal, and the environment. The emotional weight of the situation – where even the horses seem to defy the coachman’s control – adds depth to the narrative.
AI Writing: The AI version, while descriptive, doesn’t capture the same emotional resonance. The focus is more on the logistics of the situation, without the underlying emotional depth.
Summary on the comparison 4:
Human writing: feelings grounded in specific details
AI writing: relies on conventional emotional markers
5. Language Economy
Human Writing: Dickens uses precise language with intentionality. Every word, like “capitulated,” serves a distinct purpose in conveying the scene’s emotional and philosophical depth.
AI Writing: The AI version is more straightforward and less nuanced. It omits the “mutinous intent” and doesn’t have the same emotional punch. While it still describes the situation, it focuses more on the logistics (the horses stopping three times) rather than conveying any deeper emotional or philosophical meaning.
Summary on the comparison 5:
Human writing: Words are precise and purposeful
AI writing: Unnecessary words and focus more on the logistics than emotional meaning.
So, How to Humanize AI Text for Your Essay
Now that we understand the key differences between human and AI writing, let’s explore the practical steps you can take to humanize AI-generated text for your essay.
First, we use ChatGPT to generate an essay on a popular topic: The Future of Artificial Intelligence. Below is an excerpt:
Then, we ran it through an AI checker. We use GPTzero to check this sample. You can see the results – it’s 100% AI.
Step 1 to Humanize AI Text: Add Depth and Nuance
The first thing we notice with AI writing is its tendency to stay on the surface. To humanize this text, we can add deeper context, layer in examples, and introduce a bit of subjectivity, pushing the writing feel more like a thoughtful reflection than a mere presentation of facts.
Humanized Version:
“If everything goes well, the future of AI may be revolutionary, changing nearly everything around us. In the future, the prospects of AI seem endless in health, education, and transportation, among others, as it avails us with new tools in our search to make a difference in those problems that have apparently defied solution for so long. For example, AI in medicine-capable of going through volumes of information, not only does it speed up disease diagnosis, but it also opens up avenues for treatment programs tailor-made to fit each patient’s particular needs-an era of customized medicine, so to say.”
Now, we put it into GPTzero and do the AI check again. As you can see, it’s been humanized successfully.
What We Did:
- Added a broader perspective by mentioning how AI impacts different sectors.
- Included specific examples, like personalized medicine, to make the concept more relatable.
- Introduced a sense of progression and human-driven impact, implying how AI is reshaping industries in meaningful ways.
Step 2 to Humanize AI Text: Play with Tone and Voice
AI-generated texts often lack a distinctive voice or personality, making them feel somewhat mechanical. To humanize the writing, you can adjust the tone to match your own style.
For example, you can adjust the tone to sound a bit more conversational, like you’re explaining the topic to a friend.
Humanized Version with a Conversational Tone:
“Think about it – AI is no longer the distant future; it is here now, and it has totally changed our ways of life far beyond what was conceived just some years back. AI has already helped doctors spot diseases way in advance and with much greater precision than ever before in health. But it is not just about diagnosis; it is about treatment-coming up with treatments tailor-made for each. Visualize a world where your doctor can present a treatment suited perfectly for the needs of your body, all because of AI’s analytical prowess in all kinds of health data.”
Now, do the GPTzero check again (see the image below):
What We Did:
- Shifted the tone to make it more personal and relatable.
- Used informal phrasing to make it feel more engaging and less like a textbook description.
Step 3 to Humanize AI Essay: Break Up the Structure for Flow
AI-generated text tends to have more rigid sentence structures. To humanize the writing, try to break it up into smaller, more digestible pieces and add transitions that help the flow feel more natural.
Humanized Version with Better Flow:
“AI is already making waves in fields like healthcare, where it’s helping doctors figure out what’s wrong with people faster and find better ways to treat them. But it’s not a tool for doctors; it also helps researchers find new ways to find diseases early and thus save many lives. In the future, medicine will be even more personalized. Imagine going to the doctor, knowing well that your treatment plan has been chalked out specifically for you according to your genetic makeup and lifestyle. That is the future AI is leading us toward.”
See the checking result from ZeroGPT:
What We Did:
- Split longer sentences into shorter ones to enhance readability and pacing.
- Added smoother transitions to guide the reader through the ideas.
Step 4 to Humanize AI-Written Essay: Inject Personal or Emotional Engagement
Human writing often conveys emotions or personal insights, making it feel more connected to the reader. So, let’s do this.
Humanized Version with Emotional Engagement:
“When I think about the future of AI, I get very excited indeed. It is quite frankly hard not to get excited when one realizes that something like AI might save lives. Think about it: AI can personalize medicine, treatments fitting individual needs. That isn’t an improvement; that is a game-changer for patients who could otherwise fall through the cracks in the system. We really are standing on the threshold of something very, very special.”
Check this version in ZeroGPT:
What We Did:
- Added personal reflection with phrases like “When I think about the future of AI, ….”
- Created an emotional connection by talking about how the changes in healthcare will impact real people, like patients.
Step 5 to Humanize AI Text: Eliminate Redundancies and Simplify
AI text sometimes includes unnecessary phrases or repetitive ideas. Keeping this in mind, you can make your essay less robotic easily.
Humanized Version with Simplified Language:
“AI is already making a big difference in healthcare, speeding up diagnoses, and helping doctors offer more personalized treatments. This shift is revolutionary, but it’s also incredibly human. By using AI, we have chance to design medical treatments to each person, based on their individual data. The potential is staggering and we’re on the brink of something truly transformative.”
See the result from ZeroGPT checker:
What We Did:
- Removed unnecessary repetition and streamlined the language for clarity.
- Kept the focus on the core message while avoiding overly complicated phrasing.
Free AI-to-Human Text Converter to Humanize AI Essay
HumanizeAIText is a free AI humanizer tool with different rewriting modes to humanize your essay. If manual editing is not your thing, using an AI text converter to remove AI plagiarism might just be a perfect solution.
Think: Should I Use AI Generator for Essay?
As AI continues to develop, it will play an increasing role in education. However, the true value of AI lies in its ability to assist, rather than replace, human creativity. In academic writing, AI can help with brainstorming, drafting, and refining ideas, but it’s your personal insights, critical thinking, and unique voice that will always be essential. So, while using AI tools for essay writing is fine, make sure to take the extra steps to humanize the content. Add your flair, adjust the tone, refine the flow, and infuse your own perspective.
Conclusion: Actionable Checklist to Humanize AI-Generated Essay
Let’s wrap up this “How to Humanize AI Text for Essay” guide with a quick checklist:
- Check the Flow: The essay should flow naturally with smooth transitions and logical progression of ideas.
- Add Your Perspective: Where AI provides generic ideas, inject your own thoughts, analysis, or critique.
- Include Personal Examples: Strengthen your argument by incorporating personal anecdotes, real-world connections, or unique insights.
- Refine the Tone: Make sure the tone aligns with your personal style—whether formal, conversational, or persuasive.
- Avoid Clichéd Phrases: Watch out for overused or predictable expressions like “delve into,” “significant advancements,” or “transformative impact.”
- Add Emotional Depth: Infuse your writing with emotion or nuance to connect with your readers on a deeper level.
- Go Beyond Facts: Don’t just describe – explore the broader implications of the ideas presented.
- Use Creative Imagery: Try to Incorporate vivid metaphors, analogies, and unique imagery to convey deeper meanings.
References:
- UNESCO: https://www.unesco.org/en/digital-education/artificial-intelligence – “AI in Education”
- College of Education | Illinois: https://education.illinois.edu/about/news-events/news/article/2024/10/24/ai-in-schools–pros-and-cons – “AI in School: Pros & Cons”
- Harvard Summer School: https://summer.harvard.edu/blog/should-i-use-chatgpt-to-write-my-essays/ – “Should I Use ChatGPT to Write Essay”
- ScienceDirect.com: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666374023000717 – “Explore AI in Academic Essay”
