Superficial Analysis: The Trailing “-ing” Clause
After stating a fact, AI drafts bolt on a participle clause that explains the obvious: “Sales rose 40%, highlighting the team's commitment to excellence.” The clause sounds analytical but adds no information a reader couldn't infer.
Why AI writes it: Models are rewarded for sounding complete and interpretive. The trailing clause is a low-risk way to append significance to any fact — which makes it generic by construction.
See it flagged live
Before & after
Before
Sales rose 40% in Q3, underscoring the importance of the new pricing model.
After
Sales rose 40% in Q3. The new pricing model drove most of the gain.
Before
The team shipped weekly, reflecting a deep commitment to iteration.
After
The team shipped weekly.
How to fix it
- 1Delete the clause. The fact was doing the work already.
- 2If the significance is real, give it its own sentence with a concrete consequence.
- 3Hunt for “, highlighting / underscoring / showcasing / demonstrating” and cut on sight.
Related patterns
Frequently asked questions
▸Are mid-sentence “-ing” clauses also flagged?
No. Appositives like “The intern, demonstrating a knack for timing, pushed to prod on Friday” are normal English; SlopTrim only flags the trailing clause that closes a sentence with canned significance.