7 Comments
User's avatar
Matt Boulton's avatar

I've heard it said that the overuse of "the rule of three" is a telltale sign of AI writing. (I've also been told that em dashes—which I think offer a better visual break than commas and slow the reader down when I like—also betray AI in one's writing.) But I've used these freely for years, where appropriate. They're great tools!

Ask Jackie Chiles: "It's outrageous, egregious, preposterous!" Or about O Henry candy bars: "It's got chocolate, peanuts, nougat... It's delicious, scrumptious, outstanding!"

Great post, Robert. Yet another thing I'm going to consider this fall in my lectures.

But that you didn't include Jackie in your iconic trios is, "Lewd, solacious, outrageous!"

Expand full comment
Robert Begley's avatar

Thank you @Matt. I agree that sometimes there is overuse and one can tell when AI serves as a substitite for independent thinking and writing (but not yet speaking). Happy you found it helpful, and I need to look up more Jackie Chiles material. :)

Expand full comment
Matt Boulton's avatar

Oh, not a Seinfeld guy? Never too late with streaming!

Yes, speaking is a different art than writing.

Expand full comment
Robert Begley's avatar

Now I get it. He's the fictionalized Johnny Cochran. Hilarious.

I also neglected to say that our Declaration of Independence ends with the Rule of Three: "We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor." What a document!

Expand full comment
Matt Boulton's avatar

You've got it. Of course, you chose really well for your iconic trios. Imagine you had to leave out the end of the Declaration! I think Jackie was a fair omission.

Although I know you're in for showmanship, and you would get a crowd's attention with: Shakespeare, Lincoln, Chiles.

Expand full comment
Robert Begley's avatar

Actually Matt, in comedy, those final three names would be an example of misdirect. :)

Expand full comment
Matt Boulton's avatar

Sounds like a fun move! Thanks for the clarity.

Expand full comment