I’ve Started Seeing ChatGPT’s Unique Language Style Everywhere I Look

The Surprising Ubiquity of a ChatGPT-Inspired Phrase in Modern Communication

In recent times, many of us have started to notice a particular linguistic pattern cropping up across various forms of content—whether in written essays, online comments, or spoken discussions. As a teacher, I’ve observed this pattern especially frequently in student submissions and digital media, and it’s now become almost impossible to ignore.

The structure in question often manifests as the phrase “that’s not X, it’s Y,” which has become a staple in argumentative writing and casual speech alike. Initially, I wondered whether artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT were influencing this trend, assuming perhaps that writers were using AI-generated scripts. However, I’ve come to realize that this rhetorical style predates such tools, although its pervasiveness now makes it impossible to overlook.

What’s fascinating is how this familiar phrasing—once a natural way to clarify distinctions—has now taken on a life of its own. Even in spontaneous speech, I catch myself hearing this construction more often, and it carries a certain echo of AI-generated dialogue, which can give the style an overly formal or mechanical feel. Little details, like the misuse or overuse of em dashes in written text, further accentuate this sensation—prompting me to wish for a bit more editing before content hits the public eye.

While I don’t feel anger towards those using these phrases, I must admit they now evoke a mild cringe. It’s a kind of stylistic fatigue—these expressions, once fresh and engaging, now seem tainted by their omnipresence. I understand that many people adopted this manner because it felt natural or effective before AI became commonplace. Still, now that it has become a habit, it can be hard to see these patterns without thinking of automation or digital influence.

It’s somewhat disappointing that such a common phrase can become a source of irritation, especially when it’s rooted in genuine communication. I recognize that language evolves, and patterns like these can serve as markers of current speech trends. But as someone invested in the authenticity of expression, I can’t help but notice—and sometimes react to—the way these phrases shape modern dialogue.

In conversations and online exchanges, users often playfully mimic AI-generated responses, and I find it amusing when these mimicry attempts highlight the very quirks of this style. However, the humor can wear thin after a while, especially as the same patterns circulate repeatedly. It’s a gentle reminder to mix things up—perhaps