Stop AI Slop with Better Writing Prompts and Constraints

Source: AJB Blog — https://blog.ajb.bz/stop-ai-slop-with-better-writing-prompts-and-constraints
Author: Alan Bollinger
Published: Oct 1, 2026
Rights: © 2026 AJB Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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Large Language Models produce writing that is technically correct but stylistically hollow. The output relies on predictable crutches: overused words like delve and tapestry, mechanical sentence structures, and an excess of punctuation used as a substitute for rhythm. This creates a sterile voice that readers recognize instantly. It lacks the intent and variation that make human prose engaging.

We solve this by enforcing strict negative constraints. We ban filler phrases, eliminate unnecessary formatting, and forbid cliché metaphors. By removing these algorithmic habits, we force the model to prioritize clarity and directness. The goal is not just to avoid detection, but to restore substance and precision to generated text.

From Theory to Practice: A Real-World Workflow

I used to struggle with generic prompt templates when writing game materials or tackling ambitious projects like Jade Zero, because they lacked the context of my actual creative workflow. When brainstorming narrative scenes, the AI would default to purple prose and mechanical rhythm, producing paragraphs dense with similes and unnecessary pauses that prioritized flowery language over impact.

This output required heavy editing to strip away the artificial tone, which defeated the purpose of using AI for speed. I changed my approach by applying negative constraints directly in the system prompt to massage story ideas into drafts.

The goal is rapid iteration without losing granular control. By doing this, the initial draft arrives closer to my voice, allowing me to refine sentence by sentence rather than rewriting entire paragraphs. This shift transforms the AI from a generator of generic filler into a collaborative partner that respects stylistic boundaries, letting me focus on narrative intent rather than cleaning up algorithmic habits.

Before Applying Constraints:

"The rain fell like tears from the sky, a symphony of sorrow. He walked across the floor, his steps measured and deliberate. It was not just sadness, but a deep, profound grief that echoed in the silence. Moreover, he felt a sense of loss that was truly testament to their bond."

After Applying Constraints:

"Rain hit the window. He crossed the room slowly. The silence felt heavy. Their bond was gone."

The second version is sharper. It removes the cliché metaphors, eliminates the rule of three, and strips out the forbidden transition words. The result is direct, concrete, and easier to edit. This demonstrates that constraints do not limit creativity; they clear the noise so the actual signal comes through.

New Writing Prompt

Punctuation & Formatting Constraints

• Em Dash Overuse: "Do not use em dashes (—) as a primary punctuation mark for pauses, interruptions, or asides. If you must use one, limit it to one per paragraph. Prefer commas, colons, or semicolons instead."

• Quote Style: "Use straight quotes (") for all quotation marks. Do not use smart/curly quotes (“ ” or ‘ ’)."

• Bullet Point Reliance: "Avoid structuring the majority of your response as bullet points unless explicitly requested. Use flowing prose paragraphs instead."

• Excessive Formatting: "Do not use excessive bolding or italics for emphasis. Use bold only for key terms or headers, and italics only for titles or subtle nuance."

• Emoji Use: "Do not use emojis in the text."

Vocabulary & Phrasing Bans

• Forbidden Words: "Do not use the following words unless absolutely necessary for technical accuracy: 'delve,' 'moreover,' 'furthermore,' 'albeit,' 'indeed,' 'certainly,' 'symphony,' 'tapestry,' 'delicate balance,' 'game-changer,' 'nestled in,' 'testament to,' 'flavor,' 'vibrant,' 'landscape,' 'testament,' 'crucial,' 'essential,' 'vital,' 'paramount,' 'underscore,' 'highlight,' 'showcase,' 'dive,' 'deep dive,' 'game changer,' 'land' (as a verb for jokes/comments), 'heavily' (as an intensifier)."

• Cliché Metaphors: "Avoid unmotivated or overly dramatic metaphors (e.g., 'intergalactic stardust,' 'angry octopus after a bad haircut'). If a metaphor is used, it must be relevant, subtle, and not overly elaborate."

• Rule of Three: "Do not use the 'rule of three' structure for adjectives or verbs (e.g., 'He stops, he stares, he listens') unless it serves a clear rhetorical purpose and feels natural."

• Repetitive Structure: "Avoid repetitive sentence structures. Do not use the same conjunction or transitional phrase (e.g., 'Not X, but Y,' 'Not only X, but also Y') repeatedly in close proximity."

Tone & Style Adjustments

• Overly Formal/Polite Tone: "Avoid overly formal, stiff, or excessively polite language. Do not use phrases like 'I hope this helps,' 'Thank you for your question,' or 'It is important to consider.' Be direct and concise."

• Unnecessary Preambles: "Do not start responses with filler phrases like 'Let’s break this down,' 'Let’s dissect this,' or 'Great question!' Start directly with the answer or analysis."

• Unclear/Fluffy Language: "Avoid empty phrases like 'with practiced efficiency,' 'with measured steps,' 'mastered precision,' or 'in x's universe.' Be specific and concrete."

• Telling vs. Showing: "In narrative sections, avoid explicitly stating emotions or intentions (e.g., 'which was expected because he’d been trying to get her attention'). Show actions and dialogue instead."

• Redundancy: "Avoid restating the same point in different words. Do not use a 'summary sentence' if the preceding paragraph already made the point clear."

• Simile Overuse: "Do not use similes ('like' or 'as') in every descriptive sentence. Use them sparingly and only when they add meaningful clarity."

Structural Constraints

• Incoherent Details: "Ensure all details and examples are directly relevant to the main point. Do not include superfluous information that does not add value."

• Artificial Complexity: "Do not artificially inflate word count with unnecessary adjectives or adverbs. Keep sentences concise and clear."

• Over-Explanation: "Do not explain obvious concepts. Assume the reader has basic context unless asked for simplification."

How to Use These in a Prompt

You can append these to your system prompt or user instructions like this:

Negative Constraints:

• No em dashes (—). Use commas or periods instead.

• No smart quotes. Use straight quotes (").

• No bullet points unless explicitly requested.

• No bold/italics for emphasis.

• No emojis.

• Do not use: delve, moreover, furthermore, albeit, indeed, certainly, symphony, tapestry, delicate balance, game-changer, nestled in, testament to, deeply, heavily, underscores, highlights, showcases, deep dive, game changer, lands (as a verb), heavily.

• No rule of three structures.

• No unnecessary preambles ("Let's break it down," "Great question!").

• No cliché metaphors.

• No telling vs. showing errors.

• No redundant restatements.

• No similes in every sentence.

• Keep tone direct, concise, and natural. Avoid overly formal or polite filler.

This list should help you significantly reduce the "AI flavor" in your writing.

Join the Conversation

This list is a starting point, not a final verdict. What other AI tells do you spot in your daily reading? Share your own negative constraints or forbidden words in the comments so we can build a more comprehensive guide together.