In Part I, we evaluated how well Large Language Models (LLMs) like OpenAI's GPT, Claude, and Google Gemini could produce text perceived as human-written. Now, in Part II, we shift our focus to testing various rephrasing services. Our aim is to see if these tools can transform AI-generated text into content that feels authentically human to readers.
Using the same original text about self-motivation, we applied 13 different rephrasing tools to see how effectively they could add a human touch. We then asked our nine participants to evaluate each rephrased text, indicating whether they believed it was written by a human or an AI, and to explain their reasoning.
Let's dive into the results from these rephrasing services.
Please note that we use continuous numbering throughout Part I and II, so the number of the first service in Part II starts with 4 and not 1.
Part 2: Tests with Rephrase Services
4 — Quillbot
Result
The Influence of Self-Inspiration
The engine that propels both professional and personal development is self-motivation. Even when obstacles appear, it's the inner drive that keeps you going. Establishing specific goals is the first step in developing self-motivation. To save yourself from becoming overwhelmed, visualize your success and divide your goals into doable steps.
Celebrate your little victories because they give you confidence and momentum. Be surrounded by positive things, such as motivational podcasts, books, and inspiring individuals. Keep in mind that setbacks are a necessary part of the trip; rather than viewing them as failures, view them as teaching moments.
Even when motivation wanes, maintain consistency and exercise self-discipline. In the end, self-motivation is about acting now rather than waiting for the ideal opportunity. Have faith in your abilities to achieve and let your willpower guide you to your goals.
Score: 0 out of 9
What humans say
- The format used seems to be too robotic to me.
- The sentences don't flow as well as a human user would make them to be. Also feels like it's listing items.
- The sentences are too pointed and without any human emotion.
- The inner voice seems kind of robotic and isn't something that I can imagine a person saying out loud.
- The three paragraphs basically restate the same thing several times and do not really add context or information.
- It says the same thing but in different ways. It isn't "logical" in that sense, and the flow between the two or three ideas isn't fluid.
- I think this text was written by AI because it describes self-motivation well. It does not sound like a person wrote this about self-motivation.
- It just starts right off on the topic which doesn't seem to me how a person does this.
- It lacks a human element. It sounds too clean and emotionless.
5 — Grammarly
Result
The Strength of Internal Drive
Internal drive is the energy that propels both personal and professional advancement. It's the intrinsic force that maintains your momentum, especially when obstacles present themselves. Nurturing internal drive begins with establishing specific goals. Envision your achievements and divide your aims into smaller, achievable tasks to prevent feeling overwhelmed.
Acknowledge minor achievements—they create momentum and enhance self-esteem. Surround yourself with uplifting influences: motivational individuals, encouraging literature, or inspiring podcasts. Keep in mind that obstacles are part of the process; view them as opportunities for growth, rather than defeats.
Cultivate self-control and remain steady, even when your internal drive diminishes. In the end, internal drive isn't about waiting for an ideal time—it's about taking steps today. Have faith in your capability to achieve success, and allow your resolve to lead you toward your aspirations.
Score: 4 out of 9
What humans say
- There is not much of a human touch to this and it seems computer generated.
- I feel the sentences don't flow very well. It feels like something that was listed and I don't think the paragraph breaks would be done by a human.
- There is more natural flow from sentence to sentence.
- The organization level of the paragraphs is extreme, and is beyond the expectations of any human writer.
- Unlike text #1, for this one each paragraph builds on the previous one, and adds more information. It helps build credence to the idea of self-motivation as something that builds confidence.
- A lot of the sentences can be broken into two clauses, and the most important clause comes second. AI would write the first sentence as "Self-motivation is the..." but a human would use a suspensive sentence structure. The human does this on quite a few of the sentences.
- It does not sound like someone wrote this information about the influence of self-inspiration.
- Seems too perfunctory for me... to be what a person wrote.
- It sounds very similar to the last passage. It is too clean and lacks emotion.
6 — Hemingway
Result
Clear goals fuel self-motivation, driving personal and professional growth. Visualize success, but break objectives into manageable steps. Small wins build momentum and confidence. Embrace positivity through inspiring people, books, and podcasts.
Setbacks are learning opportunities, not failures. Self-discipline and consistency matter when motivation dips. Don't wait for the perfect moment—act now. Trust your abilities and let determination guide you.
Surround yourself with inspiration. Celebrate progress, no matter how small. Treat challenges as chances to grow. Stay disciplined when enthusiasm wanes. Take action today, not tomorrow. Your inner drive is the key to realizing your dreams.
Score: 1 out of 9
What humans say
- The format used in some sentences showed me this was robotic.
- It feels very robotic in the sentences. Not a lot of emotion.
- It's too short and to the point with no emotionality.
- The ideas make sense and I can visualize this being written by a person and not a machine.
- These are just random self-motivational sentences put together into paragraphs. They do not flow with each other.
- Small sentences make me think this is AI breaking down further an earlier iteration.
- I think AI wrote this information.
- It doesn't seem to have any human warmth. Just goes right into the answer.
- It is very sterile, without any feeling or emotion.
7 — Writesonic
Result
The Art of Inner Drive
Inner drive is the catalyst that propels personal and career advancement. It's the internal force that sustains progress, particularly during difficult times. Building inner drive begins with establishing defined objectives. Map out your desired outcome and divide your goals into achievable tasks to maintain clarity and focus.
Acknowledge minor achievements—they create positive momentum and strengthen self-belief. Immerse yourself in inspiration: supportive individuals, enlightening literature, or growth-focused podcasts. Understand that obstacles are natural stepping stones; view them as opportunities for growth, not roadblocks.
Maintain discipline and routine, even when enthusiasm fluctuates. Remember, inner drive isn't about perfect timing—it's about initiating change now. Believe in your capabilities, and let your resolve illuminate your path forward.
Score: 2 out of 9
What humans say
- Don't like the way the sentences were formed as too technical.
- The sentence structure feels very robotic, as if it's listing points.
- Simple and to the point with no verve or added highlighting words/phrases.
- There seems to be an internal voice with the writing, so this is something that a human was involved with.
- This is well written, as each sentence builds upon the previous one; it is not a random collection of motivational phrases.
- This is a dull, dry, almost dictionary approach to explaining something.
- I think it was.
- It's just too polished and mechanical right out of the gate for me to think a person did that.
- It's very sterile and clean. It lacks emotion and feeling.
8 — DeepL Write
Result
The Power of Self-Motivation
Self-motivation is the fuel that drives personal and professional growth. It's the inner drive that keeps you moving forward, even when challenges arise. Cultivating self-motivation starts with setting clear goals. Visualize your success and break your goals down into manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Celebrate small wins—they build momentum and confidence. Surround yourself with positivity: inspiring people, uplifting books, or even motivational podcasts. Remember that setbacks are part of the journey; treat them as learning experiences, not failures.
Practice self-discipline and stay consistent, even when motivation wanes. Ultimately, self-motivation isn't about waiting for the perfect moment—it's about taking action today. Believe in your ability to succeed and let your determination guide you towards your dreams.
Score: 1 out of 9
What humans say
- The sentences are very robotic and mundane.
- The jump between sentences feels awkward between the 1st and 2nd line.
- Basic level writing with no spice to it—dull and staid.
- The writing is a little bit too good, so I'm going to assume it was written by a machine.
- This is the same as text #3? It is well written as it first defines what self-motivation is, and then gives step-by-step instructions on how to utilize it.
- Short sentences with no personality suggest AI.
- I do think it was written by AI.
- Similarly to many I think are AI, this just seems like a collection of stuff that's all related... but it doesn't seem to me like a person would write things exactly that way.
- It is very sterile and too clean. It lacks emotion or personal experience.
9 — PrePostSEO Rewriter
Result
The Power of Spontaneity
Self-motivation is the fuel that fuels personal and professional growth. This inner drive will keep you going, even when challenges arise. Building motivation starts with setting clear goals. Think about your success and break your goals down into manageable chunks so you don't feel overwhelmed.
Celebrate small victories—they build momentum and build confidence. Change yourself for the better: inspiring people, an inspiring book, or an inspiring story. Remember that failure is part of the journey. Think of it as a learning experience, not a failure.
Be strong in yourself, be persistent, even when motivation fades. Finally, success is not about waiting for the perfect moment, but about taking action today. Trust in your ability to succeed and let your determination lead you to your dreams.
Score: 4 out of 9
What humans say
- There is not much human touch with this and it feels robotic.
- For the topic of spontaneity, it feels very emotionless.
- I think it spells out its case sequentially and ends with a summary which AI rarely does.
- The text reads rather well and seems to contain an internal voice, so this is something I believe a person wrote.
- This is similar to one of the earlier texts. There is a grammatical error "An" instead of "an" in the middle of a sentence.
- Some odd grammar errors a human isn't likely to make. "Change yourself for the better: inspiring people, An inspiring book or an inspiring story." Repeating words, wrong letter capitalized.
- I do think it was written by AI because of the way it talks. A person cannot come up with something this good.
- This is similar in words and tone to some of the ones I thought were AI, but it's less dense with the advice and shorter—so my guess is a person wrote this.
- It feels very sterile and too clean. It lacks emotion or feeling.
10 — Paraphrasing Tool
Result
The Power of Self-Motivation
Self-motivation is the driving force behind personal and professional growth. Even when challenges arise, your inner strength keeps you going. Developing self-motivation starts with setting clear goals. Visualize your success and break down your goals into manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Celebrate small victories—they build momentum and boost confidence. Surround yourself with positivity: inspiring people, inspiring books, or even motivational podcasts. Remember that the backhand is part of the trip. It is not a failure, but a learning experience.
Practice self-discipline and keep your motivation declining, keeping consistent. Ultimately, self-motivation is not about waiting for the perfect moment, but about taking action today. Believe in your ability to succeed and let your determination guide you toward your dreams.
Score: 2 out of 9
What humans say
- This is something that has some human touch to it that gives me a connection.
- The sentence about the "backhand" feels out of place. I get what it means, but it seems odd to phrase this sentence that way.
- Short and to the point but has details and words that AI probably would not use.
- I don't think a person would write like this, so I'm going to pick AI for the origin.
- It suddenly introduces an unfamiliar word ("backhand") without defining it.
- "Declining" is the wrong word a human isn't likely to misuse: "keep your motivation declining, keeping consistent."
- Self-motivation is the driving force behind a lot of things, and I do think AI wrote this instead of a human.
- Seems too pro forma and just a laundry list of tips... which to me feels like AI composed it.
- It sounds very similar to the last one. It has no personal experience, feeling, or emotion. It's quite sterile.
11 — Scribbr
Result
The Strength of Introspection
The engine that propels both professional and personal development is self-motivation. Even when obstacles appear, it's the inner drive that keeps you going. Establishing specific goals is the first step in developing self-motivation. To keep yourself from becoming overwhelmed, visualize your success and divide your goals into doable steps. Celebrate your little victories because they give you confidence and momentum. Be surrounded by positive things, such as motivational podcasts, books, and inspiring people. Remind yourself that setbacks are a necessary part of the journey and should be viewed as teaching moments rather than failures. Even when motivation wanes, maintain consistency and exercise self-discipline. In the end, self-motivation is about acting now rather than waiting for the ideal opportunity. Have faith in your ability to achieve and allow your willpower to lead you to your goals.
Score: 5 out of 9
What humans say
- The format used to write this makes this seem like it is human and not AI.
- It has the feeling of a person running on and on. Not quite the right way to write a paragraph but it has a human feel to it.
- It's a paragraph that looks like a run-on and should be divided up some.
- The writing style seems believable and contains an internal voice, so it is likely human-derived.
- As the passage is not parsed into paragraphs, it is difficult to read, though the content itself flows correctly and is very similar to one of the earlier texts evaluated.
- A variety of vocabulary and sentence structures make me think this is human.
- I do because of how it is written.
- Too dense for me to think a person wrote it.
- These are all very similar. No emotion or feeling. Too clean.
12 — LanguageTool
Result
The Power of Self-Motivation
The fuel that drives personal and professional growth is self-motivation. Even when challenges arise, it is the inner push that keeps you moving forward. Setting clear goals is the first step to cultivating self-motivation. Break your objectives into manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Small wins build momentum and boost confidence. Hang out with people who make you feel good, read upbeat books, or listen to motivational podcasts. Treat setbacks as learning experiences, not failures, because they are part of the journey.
Stay consistent and practice self-discipline even when motivation is low. Self-motivation is not about waiting for the perfect moment, but about taking action today. Trust in your ability to succeed and allow your determination to guide you toward your dreams.
Score: 4 out of 9
What humans say
- The way it is written will show you that this has a human connection to it, and you can feel it in some of the sentences.
- Sentence flow feels a bit awkward.
- Gives basic information and ideas but with no real heft to it.
- I don't sense much of an internal voice here, so I imagine an AI wrote this.
- It is well written, but writing style seems human. I am unsure as to whether an AI would use "hang out."
- It's difficult to tell, but maybe casual phrases like "hang out" are choices a human is more likely to make whereas AI would be more formal.
- I do because of how it was written.
- I feel like this feels more personal, like a warm breathing being thought it.
- Another that is nearly the same as many of the others. No emotion or feeling. Lacks personality.
13 — ZeroGPT
Result
The Strength of Personal Drive
Motivation from within drives growth in both personal and professional aspects. It is the internal drive that propels you to continue moving ahead, even in the face of obstacles. The process of developing self-motivation begins with establishing specific objectives. Imagine your achievements and divide your goals into smaller tasks to prevent feeling stressed.
Acknowledge small victories—they help progress and increase self-assurance. Immerse yourself in positivity by surrounding yourself with inspiring individuals, uplifting literature, or motivational podcasts. Keep in mind that obstacles are a natural part of the process; view them as opportunities to grow, not as defeats.
Maintain self-control and remain steadfast, even when motivation decreases. In the end, self-motivation is not about anticipating the ideal moment—it's about acting today. Have confidence in your capability to achieve success, and allow your drive to lead you towards your aspirations.
Score: 3 out of 9
What humans say
- There seems to be no human touch and a very robotic way of writing this.
- The way the paragraphs are broken up feels off.
- I feel that the paragraph is using phrasing that seems that only a human can come up with.
- While it is possible that a human wrote this, odds are that a machine did instead.
- This may be the best one out of all of the texts so far; it is well written with a definition at the beginning and then step-by-step instructions.
- It's a stiff attempt at being personable.
- I do because of how it was written.
- Feels more human if only because, for me, when it's broken up into smaller paragraphs that is more personal and feels like there's an understanding that another person would consume the message more readily when it's written in that format.
- These all sound very similar. They lack personality and feeling. Too clean.
14 — Editpad
Result
Harnessing the Strength Within Oneself to Stay Driven and Motivated
Self-motivation acts as the driving force behind both personal and professional development. It is the internal drive that propels you onward, guiding you through obstacles that may come your way. The journey towards self-motivation commences by establishing defined objectives. Envision your achievements and divide your goals into smaller tasks to prevent feeling stressed.
Acknowledge small victories as they help gain momentum and enhance self-assurance. Immerse yourself in positivity by being surrounded by inspiring individuals, uplifting literature, or even motivational podcasts. Keep in mind that setbacks are simply part of the journey—view them as valuable learning opportunities rather than failures.
Cultivate self-discipline and maintain consistency, especially during moments of dwindling motivation. In the end, self-motivation is not about waiting for the perfect moment, but rather about taking action today. Have faith in your capabilities to achieve success, and allow your determination to lead you towards your aspirations.
Score: 3 out of 9
What humans say
- There is a touch to this that shows a human connection and someone telling you about an experience.
- The way the paragraphs are broken up feels off.
- It's too direct and pointed with no human flair.
- I do not sense much originality in this work, so I feel that an AI is behind it.
- This one seems like random motivational phrases put together into paragraphs.
- Details like "dwindling motivation" show care that a human might bring.
- I do because of how it was written.
- Feels human because it's broken down differently than some of the ones I suspected are AI-derived.
- The word choices, in some instances—"commences" being an example—are not words humans typically use. It also feels sterile and lacks emotion.
15 — Rewrite Guru
Result
The Strength of Internal Drive
Internal drive serves as the catalyst for personal and professional advancement. It is the innate urge that propels you onward, even amidst obstacles. Nurturing internal drive commences with establishing clear objectives. Envision your triumph and divide your aims into achievable steps to prevent feeling inundated.
Acknowledge minor achievements—they generate momentum and enhance self-assurance. Immerse yourself in positivity: motivational individuals, encouraging literature, or perhaps inspiring podcasts. Keep in mind that obstacles are integral to the journey; consider them as opportunities for learning, not as defeats.
Cultivate self-discipline and maintain consistency, even when your drive diminishes. Ultimately, internal drive isn't centered on awaiting the ideal moment—it's about taking initiative now. Believe in your potential to succeed, and allow your resolve to steer you towards your aspirations.
Score: 2 out of 9
What humans say
- This is not something that is written with a human touch.
- The way the paragraphs are broken up feels off.
- Each sentence is just a repeat of the previous but with different words.
- There is a bit of an internal voice in these paragraphs, so I would believe if a human actually wrote them.
- "Envision your triumph" and "divide your aims" although grammatically correct, do not appear as natural phrases that a human writer would use.
- It's dry and technical, like a computer.
- I do because of how it sounds.
- This style has a warmer touch that I am guessing came from a person.
- It lacks emotion, feeling, and personality. It sounds like AI created it.
16 — WriteHuman
Result
The Potential of Self Motivation
As the saying goes, "Where there is a will, there is a way," self-motivation is an integral tool for success in personal and professional life. It is the inner self that moves you regardless of the challenges one has to face. One can develop this quality by first defining one's objectives clearly. Picture your aim and divide it into smaller fragments so that it's easier to tackle.
Do not forget to celebrate quick wins as they create positive energy. Eliminate negativity around you which is either caused by people, books, or even podcasts: seek positive influence such as inspirational authors. Setbacks need to be anticipated when on the journey. These should be looked at from the perspective of education and not failure.
Work on yourself and make sure to be persistent even when you are not inspired to do so. When all's been said and done do not confuse self-motivation with instilling action to wait for a better day. Have faith in yourself and allow your sheer willpower to take you places toward your goals.
Score: 7 out of 9
What humans say
- There is a touch that you can feel coming from this that has human experience from it.
- The level of detail feels more human-based.
- Use of quotations in the paragraph seems a little more human to me.
- This is understandable and I can see how a person wrote this rather than a machine.
- Incorrect spelling: "shear willpower."
- Unique approach to the subject AI isn't likely to conjure.
- I do because of how it sounds.
- Haha, that "as the saying goes" just feels personal to me, which makes me assume a person wrote it.
- Some of it seems like it is trying to be human, but it makes it sound more like AI. It lacks feeling and personality.
Summary
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Wrap-Up
This experiment provided valuable insights into how rephrasing tools affect the perception of AI-generated text. Interestingly, OpenAI and Claude scored highly, with participants often perceiving their outputs as human-written, even though some might personally find their text less human-like. Conversely, Google Gemini, which is often praised in blogs for its writing capabilities, was not perceived as producing human-like text by our participants—a surprising outcome.
We also observed that some rephrasing services were more effective than others in making AI-generated text feel authentic.
While this example provides helpful insights, analyzing just one text sample is limited. I recommend experimenting with several pieces of your own writing and exploring different approaches to determine what works best for your specific needs.
To further our understanding, we are conducting a second experiment with the top-performing tools from this experiment. This will help us determine if the majority of participants—including the one who was previously absent—will consistently perceive their outputs as human-generated.
Stay tuned!
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