An expert may spend several hours identifying language inaccuracies in a document that artificial intelligence can analyse in a matter of minutes. However, speed alone does not guarantee quality, especially when it comes to legal, audit or financial texts.
In practice, AI can significantly reduce the time required for an initial review of a text, especially when identifying repetitions, analysing structure, and detecting obvious language errors.
Practical applications of AI in editing
AI does not create professional content independently. It operates based on existing information and statistical patterns in texts and therefore cannot be held accountable for the accuracy of conclusions or a document’s compliance with industry and professional requirements. In our practice, the use of Microsoft Copilot and specialised editing agents has helped reduce the time required for the initial review of documents, allowing editors to focus on verifying terminology and content. A multi-layered review model is applied, in which AI is used only as supporting tool, while final approval is provided by a subject-matter expert.
AI is particularly useful for routine tasks:
- Identifying repetitions with AI. The model can quickly detect duplicated words, phrases and entire sections of text.
- Initial language review. This helps identify most obvious grammar and punctuation errors before professional editing begins.
- Analysing the logic and structure of a text. AI can quickly review the logical structure of a document and identify gaps in reasoning, duplication of content, or key messages that require further development.
- Adapting content for different audiences. It helps quickly adapt the same content for different audiences without losing key messages.
- Preparing editorial comments. The automatic generation of explanations and recommendations for revisions reduces the time required for review and approval of changes and enhances the transparency of the editorial process.
The best results are achieved when AI is used not as a replacement for an editor, but as a support tool at specific stages of the process. This approach significantly reduces the time spent on technical editing while maintaining the necessary level of professional accuracy.
Risks of using AI
Despite its clear advantages, the use of AI in editing involves certain risks. Modern models may generate stylistically polished wording that nonetheless distorts meaning, misinterprets professional terminology or includes inaccurate references to sources, standards or regulatory requirements. In particular, AI may rely on secondary information resources rather than primary sources, the reliability and currency of which are not always verified. Extra care is needed when editing legal, financial, audit and technical texts, where even minor wording changes can affect a document’s meaning, the interpretation of requirements, or the validity of conclusions. In addition, automated tools may suggest revisions that conflict with established professional terminology or specialised regulatory requirements. For this reason, AI-generated outputs should be treated as supporting recommendations, and their accuracy should always be verified against official sources and professional standards, which remain the foundation of high-quality editing.
Particular focus should also be paid to confidentiality and data protection when using AI. Generative models can significantly simplify work with texts; however, their use must comply with a company’s internal policies and information security requirements. Documents containing commercially sensitive information, personal data or internal documents should be processed only within corporate environments and services approved by the organisation. This approach allows companies to combine the benefits of modern technology with an appropriate level of information protection.
