AI Detection

AI Detection

Why Your Essay Got Flagged by Turnitin

Why Your Essay Got Flagged by Turnitin

Why Your Essay Got Flagged by Turnitin

Jun 7, 2025

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3

min read

Getting flagged by Turnitin for AI-generated content can be frustrating, especially if you didn’t think your writing was that robotic. Whether you used ChatGPT, another AI tool, or just wrote in a way that mimicked machine patterns, Turnitin’s AI detection can cause major stress for students.

But why does this happen—and more importantly, how can you fix it?

Turnitin's AI Detection in 2025

Turnitin now uses AI detectors to analyze writing style, sentence patterns, and phrasing. It doesn’t just look for copy-pasted text. It scans for things like:

  • Repetitive sentence structure

  • Lack of variation in word choice

  • Unnatural transitions

  • High burstiness (predictable phrasing)

  • Low perplexity (robotic rhythm)

Even if your content is original, writing that resembles typical AI output can still raise red flags.

Common Reasons You Got Flagged

  1. You Used ChatGPT Without Editing
    Copying and pasting raw output from ChatGPT or similar tools is one of the fastest ways to get flagged. Even if the content is good, the structure and tone are easy for detectors to catch.

  2. You Paraphrased Too Much
    Tools like QuillBot and generic rewriters often over-paraphrase. The result sounds off—too formal, robotic, or inconsistent—and gets flagged.

  3. Your Writing Style Changed Suddenly
    If you combined AI-generated paragraphs with your own writing, Turnitin may detect a sudden shift in style, which raises suspicion.

  4. Your Content Is Too Perfect
    Ironically, writing with no spelling errors, no contractions, and clean formatting can also look suspicious. Humans make small mistakes and have quirks—AI doesn’t.

How to Fix It

  1. Use a Humanizing Tool
    Instead of generic paraphrasers, use an AI humanizer like Realtouch AI. It rewrites content to mimic natural sentence flow, adding subtle human imperfections that fool detectors.

  2. Edit the AI Output Manually
    Add personal touches. Break up perfect paragraphs. Use contractions, examples, or casual phrasing. The more it sounds like you, the better.

  3. Mix in Real Experiences
    AI can’t replicate your personal stories or unique thoughts. Sprinkle in a quick anecdote or reflection to make the content feel human.

  4. Run a Detection Test Before Submitting
    Use tools like GPTZero, Turnitin preview (if your school offers it), or Realtouch AI’s detection test feature to see if your content is at risk.

The Safer Approach

If you rely on AI for help with writing, that’s fine—just don’t submit the raw output. Detectors in 2025 are more advanced than ever. The best way to stay safe is to rewrite your work through a trusted humanizer or thoroughly edit it yourself.

Try Realtouch AI Today

Avoid the stress of being flagged by Turnitin. Humanize your AI content before submitting it. Visit realtouchai.com and protect your work today.

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