AI-Assisted Academic Writing in Non-Native Researchers

From Language to Argument

Abstract

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in academic writing, especially by non-native researchers. AI helps non-native researchers to improve grammar, fluency, and overall readability, and reduce the burden of writing in English. However, its influence on the quality of argumentation has not been well discussed. This review argues that AI improves language but weakens argumentation through two mechanisms: linguistic smoothing and the rapid spread of formulaic vocabulary and expressions. Better English does not necessarily produce clearer arguments. Similar expressions are observed repeatedly, leading to more uniform writing. Recent trends in academic writing further amplify this problem. Clear and direct claims are now more strongly expected, and authors are required to control the strength of their statements. Non-native researchers often struggle to apply emphasis at the word, sentence, and contextual levels when editing AI-generated English. This review discusses the potential risks of AI-assisted writing, including a loss of emphasis, excessive verbosity, and “AI-like” uniformity. AI should not be used to generate arguments, but to evaluate them as an external reader. The careful and critical use of AI is essential to maintain the quality and integrity of academic writing.