From “From” to “To”: The AI Writing Pattern You Need to Break 

It seems that you no longer need to be a careful reader to realize, after just a few sentences, that a text is AI-generated. Certain writing patterns have become so common in AI texts that many articles we come across look similar or even identical.

One of the typical patterns we have in mind is the ‘from-to’ prepositional phrase structure.

Such phrases are welcome in the text, but only in moderation.

When they dominate a sentence, the flow can feel awkward, and the text becomes harder to read. Moreover, their constant repetition shifts the reader’s focus onto them, pushing the main message into the background

It’s important to keep these phrases in check to ensure your writing feels more natural and human.

What Are Prepositional Phrases?

Prepositional phrases start with a preposition like “on,” “after,” or “from,” followed by a noun or pronoun, sometimes with extra details (modifiers). These phrases explain relationships like time, place, manner, or direction. For example:

• “on the table” describes location.
• “after the meeting” shows time.

In descriptive writing, prepositional phrases add richness. Take, for instance: “From samba rhythms and colorful parades to elaborate costumes and electrifying street parties, the festival in Rio de Janeiro bursts with life.” 

This “from-to” form is particularly useful in descriptive sentences as it effortlessly conveys a sense of range or transition. It’s a valuable tool for painting vivid pictures because it allows a writer to connect two ends of a spectrum or highlight contrasts in just a few words. 

Versatile structure can bring a rhythm to sentences while illustrating diversity or progression in any narrative. .

Excessive Use of ‘From-to’ Form in AI Texts

When used well, “from-to” phrase helps descriptions feel complete and engaging. On the other hand, as with other similar forms, relying on it too much can make descriptions sound monotonous and uninspired. This happens because the repetitive structure draws attention to itself instead of the content.

Once or twice in an article, “from-to” form can work well. But when sentences like the following appear multiple times in a text about, for example, a tourist destination, the overall quality of the text declines:

• “From ancient ruins to lively city squares, this country promises unforgettable experiences for all.”
• “From innovative startups to established corporations, the city attracts businesses of all kinds.”
• “From ancient temples to modern skyscrapers, this destination blends the old and new seamlessly.”

The “from-to” structure appears frequently in AI-generated texts because it’s a simple way to describe transitions or variety. AI models lean on on such patterns since they fit well in many types of writing. However, this consistent use results in repetitive, generic content.

How to Eliminate Overuse of ‘From-to’

Replace with a Simple List

A simple list is an efficient way to cut down on the repetitive “from-to” construction, and express the same ideas simultaneously. Lists help create smoother sentences that aren’t overloaded with prepositions

For example:

• Original: “From beaches and bars to quiet villages and towns, this country has something for everyone.”
  Revised: “This country offers a mix of beaches, bars, villages, and towns for everyone.”

• Original: “From technology and science to health and arts, the festival explores it all.”
  Revised: “The festival covers technology, science, health, and arts.”

• Original: “From calm mornings to stormy evenings, the lake paints many moods.”
  Revised: “The lake paints its moods with calm mornings, stormy evenings, and everything in between.”

Switching to a list keeps it clean, eliminates redundancy, and enables flexibility in description.

Use a More Direct Contrast

Rewriting “from-to” phrases as direct contrasts can make descriptions sharper. This tip works particularly well when comparing two extremes or contrasting ideas. 

For instance:

• Original: “From cliffside views to urban centers and historical landmarks, this island has it all.”
  Revised: “Cliffside views contrast perfectly with urban centers and historical landmarks on this island.”

• Original: “From harsh winters to mild summers, the region offers a unique climate.”
  Revised: “Harsh winters and mild summers give the region its unique climate.”

• Original: “From quiet contemplation to lively debate, the art workshop inspires people in many ways.”
  Revised: “Quiet contemplation and lively debate both find a place in the art workshop, inspiring everyone.”

This approach is great for injecting variety into your writing, especially for showing opposites or comparisons.

Use a Colon for Emphasis

A colon is also a simple solution to avoid “from-to” phrases when introducing a list or emphasizing contrasts. The colon creates a pause, draws attention to what follows and makes the sentence more engaging.

Examples include:

• Original: “From centuries-old temples to sleek modern architecture, the city merges the past with the present.”
  Revised: “The city merges past and present: centuries-old temples alongside sleek modern architecture.”

• Original: “From challenges faced in childhood to accomplishments earned in adulthood, the biography is inspiring.”
  Revised: “The biography tells an inspiring story: childhood challenges and adult accomplishments.”

• Original: “From markets and street food vendors to fine dining establishments and wineries, this city is a food lover’s dream.”
  Revised: “This city is a food lover’s dream: markets, street food, fine dining, and wineries all shine here.”

Using a colon breaks up the pattern and conveys a similar rhythm in a fresher, smoother way.

Make It More Conversational

For a more approachable, friendly tone, you can reformat “from-to” phrases into conversational sentences. This technique feels more casual and better involves the reader. 

Here are a few rephrased examples:

• Original: “From vineyards and orchards to breweries and distilleries, the region has something special for everyone.”
  Revised: “The region has it all – vineyards, orchards, breweries, and distilleries that make it special.”

• Original: “From intense summer heat to crisp winter mornings, this area has a unique charm.”
  Revised: “This area’s charm comes through in both its intense summer heat and crisp winter mornings.”

• Original: “From ancient myths to modern traditions, the festival is steeped in culture.”
  Revised: “The festival brims with culture, blending ancient myths with modern traditions.”

With more relaxed and conversational language, it’s easier to relate to the descriptions and keep them attractive.

Summary

The techniques shared help simplify descriptions and cut down on redundancy. Writers can use options like lists, contrasts, colons, or casual wording to avoid overuse of “from-to” phrases, typical for AI writing.

To recap, here’s a summary of the main strategies: