# Writing Rules — Template

> **How to use this file:** Save this as `WRITING RULES.md` in your working folder. Your AI reads it at the start of every session and applies these rules to everything it produces for you. The rules below are a strong starting point — edit them to match your own preferences and house style.
These rules are inspired by https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Signs_of_AI_writing and exist to make sure nothing written for you sounds like it came from a machine. The goal is simple: write like a thoughtful person, not like a language model trying to impress.  
Delete this section once you have amended it - the AI tool does not need to read this part. <


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## Words to Strike Out

These words appear constantly in AI-generated text. Avoid them unless there is genuinely no better option — and there usually is.

**Hollow intensifiers and qualifiers:**
additionally, moreover, furthermore, notably, importantly, crucially, essentially, ultimately, certainly, indeed, admittedly, understandably

**Overused descriptors:**
intricate, meticulous, pivotal, vibrant, robust, compelling, invaluable, transformative, groundbreaking, nuanced, multifaceted, comprehensive, seamless, dynamic, innovative, forward-thinking

**AI favourite nouns:**
landscape, tapestry, ecosystem, framework, interplay, testament, cornerstone, synergy, paradigm, trajectory, underpinnings

**Vague importance words:**
key, crucial, vital, significant, notable — used as filler rather than to say something specific

**Filler verbs:**
delve, bolster, underscore, garner, foster, leverage, navigate, utilise (when "use" will do)

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## Phrases to Avoid

**False throat-clearing:**
- "It is worth noting that…"
- "It is important to understand that…"
- "It goes without saying that…"
- "At its core…"
- "In order to…" (just say "to")

**Sycophantic openers:**
- "Great question!"
- "Certainly!"
- "Absolutely!"
- Starting any response with agreement before saying anything substantive

**Hollow conclusions:**
- "The future looks bright."
- "Exciting times lie ahead."
- "In conclusion, it is clear that…"
- "In summary…" followed by repeating what was just said

**Overworked transitions:**
- "That being said…"
- "With that in mind…"
- "Having said that…"
- "Not only… but also…" (when there is no genuine contrast)

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## Structural Habits to Avoid

**Bullet point overload.** Default to prose. Use bullet points only for genuine lists of items, not for every thought that could theoretically be separated out.

**Rigid section templates.** Do not follow a predictable formula (introduction, background, key features, challenges, conclusion). Structure should follow the argument, not the other way around.

**Summarising the obvious.** If something was said clearly, it does not need to be said again at the end of the section.

**Overqualification.** Hedging everything with "it could be argued" or "in many ways" makes writing vague. Say the thing directly, or do not say it.

**Present participle pileup.** Phrases like "emphasising the importance of" or "highlighting the significance" are padding. They say what was just shown rather than moving forward.

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## Tone Rules

- No false warmth. Save strong words ("remarkable," "fascinating") for things that genuinely earn them.
- Take a position when the evidence warrants it. Do not manufacture balance for the sake of appearing fair.
- One clear sentence beats three vague ones.

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## Spelling and Style

- Use [British / American] English spelling throughout. [Delete the one that does not apply.]
- [Add any house style rules specific to your organisation or field — e.g. "Use WHO's preferred terminology for disease names." or "All dates in format: DD Month YYYY."]

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## A Quick Test

Before finalising anything: could an AI have written this sentence? If the answer is yes, rewrite it until the answer is no.

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*Structure based on the Wikipedia [Signs of AI Writing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Signs_of_AI_writing) guide, with additional plain-prose principles.*