Examples
Worked examples
- Is an instance
A researcher uses ChatGPT to improve fluency of a draft methods section that they wrote and verified
- Is an instance
An author uses Grammarly's generative suggestions to rephrase awkward sentences in a discussion section
Counter-examples
Looks similar, but isn't
- Not an instance
An author prompting an LLM to write a complete literature review from scratch (this is AI-generated content, not AI-assisted writing)
Editorial commentary
Distinguished from AI-generated content by the locus of intellectual contribution: in AI-assisted writing the substantive scholarly claims, evidence, and argumentation originate from the human author, while the AI functions as a writing aid analogous to a spell-checker or grammar tool of greater capability. Disclosure is typically required even when the AI’s role is limited to language polishing.
References
- ICMJE Recommendations (2023 update)
- COPE Position Statement on Authorship and AI Tools (2023)
- WAME Recommendations on Chatbots and Generative AI (2023)
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as AI-assisted writing?
AI-assisted writing is the use of a generative AI tool by a human author to draft, edit, paraphrase, summarise, or stylistically revise text, provided the human retains final editorial control and authorship responsibility. The substantive scholarly claims, evidence, and argumentation must still originate from the human author, not the AI.
How is AI-assisted writing different from AI-generated content?
In AI-assisted writing, the human author originates the scholarly claims, evidence, and argumentation, and the AI functions only as a writing aid comparable to a more capable spell-checker or grammar tool. Prompting an LLM to write a complete literature review from scratch falls outside this definition — that is AI-generated content, not AI-assisted writing.
Do authors need to disclose AI-assisted writing?
Yes. Disclosure is typically required even when the AI’s role is limited to language polishing, per ICMJE, COPE, and WAME guidance.
What are examples of AI-assisted writing?
Examples include a researcher using ChatGPT to improve the fluency of a methods section they wrote and verified themselves, and an author using Grammarly’s generative suggestions to rephrase awkward sentences in a discussion section.
Is AI-assisted writing known by any other names?
Yes — it is also referred to as LLM-assisted writing, AI writing assistance, or AI-aided writing.
Also known as
LLM-assisted writing · AI writing assistance · AI-aided writing
Machine-readable encodings
Use in your systems
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