How AI English and human English differ – and how to decide when to use artificial language

A linguist explains what makes human English human, and why you shouldn’t overdo it with large language models.

By: Laura Aull, University of Michigan, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 20, 2026

Words: 1,217

Last Updated: 19 hours, 13 minutes ago

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By Laura Aull, University of Michigan

Suspicion and affection. Apprehension and excitement. Most people have mixed feelings about AI English, whether or not they always recognize it. When reading text generated by AI, people feel it sounds off, or fake. When reading English by a human, people are more likely to feel it has a characteristic voice or a personal touch.

What exactly makes English sound human, or sound like AI? And does it …

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