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AI Models Mimic Clichés, Echoing Poor Writing Habits

Wall Street Journal US Business •
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Large language models, much like uninspired human writers, exhibit a tendency to rely heavily on clichés. George Orwell's 1946 essay, "Politics and the English Language," warned against such linguistic shortcuts, particularly the overuse of metaphors and similes commonly found in print. This essay suggests that AI's reliance on these tired phrases mirrors the habits of some authors and academics.

Orwell argued that the struggle against "bad English" is not a trivial pursuit and extends beyond professional writers. He identified ready-made phrases and buzzwords as tools that can disengage readers, leading to passive and uninspired prose. The article implies that AI's output can suffer from this same lack of originality, making it sound formulaic.

This tendency towards cliché in AI-generated text raises questions about the authenticity and impact of language produced by these models. While AI offers powerful communication tools, its susceptibility to linguistic shortcuts suggests a continued need for human editorial oversight to ensure clarity and originality in written content. The fight for clear language persists.