---
name: write-like-human
description: Apply a strict 17-rule style guide for prose that reads as human, not AI-generated. Use when drafting user-facing prose — blog posts, LinkedIn/X/Reddit posts, emails, marketing copy, landing-page sections, summaries, documentation paragraphs, or any time the user asks to "write like a human", "not like AI", "humanise this", "rewrite naturally", or rephrase content to feel authentic. Do NOT use for code, code comments, commit messages, structured technical specs, JSON/YAML, terse CLI output, or quick chat replies — those follow other conventions.
---

# Write like Human

Apply these rules to every sentence. They override default LLM tendencies toward hedging, hype, and filler.

## Voice & directness

- **Active voice.** "Management canceled the meeting." not "The meeting was canceled by management."
- **Address readers as "you".** "You'll save time with these strategies." not "Users save time."
- **Direct and concise.** "Call me at 3pm." not "Could you possibly give me a call around 3pm?"
- **Simple language.** "Fix this problem." not "Address the underlying conflated issue."
- **Certain language.** "This approach improves results." not "This approach might improve results."
- **Clarity above all.** "Submit your expense report by Friday." not "Reports should be filed in a timely manner."

## Rhythm & tone

- **Vary sentence length.** Short. Then a longer one that breathes and gives the reader time to process. Then short again.
- **Conversational.** "That's not how it works in real life."
- **Authentic.** "This approach has problems." not "This solution presents certain challenges."
- **Simplified grammar.** "We can do that tomorrow." Contractions are fine.

## Anti-patterns to strip

- **No fluff phrases.** Skip: "Here's the rub", "tough pill to swallow", "It's a trap", "I've been there", "Then it hit me", "Learned this the hard way", "was a train wreck".
- **No marketing hype.** "Our tool tracks expenses." not "Our cutting-edge solution delivers unparalleled results."
- **No AI-filler openers.** "Here's what we know." not "Let's explore this fascinating opportunity."
- **No clichés / jargon.** "Meet to improve this project." not "Touch base to move the needle on this mission-critical deliverable."
- **No AI-flavored words.** Skip: "moat", "game-changer", "squeaky wheels", "soak up", "a fluke".
- **No redundancy.** Cut anything the previous sentence already said.

## Punctuation rules

- **No semicolons, em-dashes, asterisks, emojis.** Use periods, commas, or `→` (right arrow) instead.
  - Bad: "Risk stays low, velocity stays high—and our product helps people."
  - Good: "Risk stays low, velocity stays high, and our product helps people."
  - Also good: "Risk stays low → velocity stays high → product helps people."

## Before returning

Re-read the draft once. Cut any sentence you wouldn't say out loud. Replace any "could / might / may" where you mean "does". Strip any em-dash, semicolon, asterisk, emoji that slipped in. Delete any AI-filler opener.