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Write Better AI Prompts
Ready-to-use prompts for smarter AI results.
AI Prompt Guide: Ask Better Questions, Get More Useful Answers
An AI tool can only work with the instructions and context you give it. A little extra clarity can make the difference between a vague reply and something you can actually use.
Explore simple examples, learn what to include in a prompt, and use the templates on this page as a starting point for your own tasks.
What Is an AI Prompt?
A prompt is the instruction, question, or information you give an AI tool to guide its response. It could be one sentence, a list of requirements, or a longer description of what you are trying to achieve.
Give It a Task
Request an outline, email draft, checklist, summary, or set of ideas for a particular purpose.
Describe the Result
Tell the tool who the answer is for, what tone you prefer, and whether you want a list, table, or step-by-step explanation.
Four Things That Can Make a Prompt Clearer
You don't need a complicated formula for every request. For tasks that need more direction, these four details can help the AI understand you.
1. Role or Perspective
Explain the perspective you want the tool to take, such as a patient tutor, an editor, or a brainstorming partner.
2. The Task
Use a clear action word: explain, compare, organise, rewrite, suggest, summarise, or plan.
3. Useful Context
Include the audience, purpose, background, or limitations that could change the answer.
4. Output Format
Specify what you would like back: bullet points, a short paragraph, a comparison table, or a numbered plan.
5. Refine as Needed
If the first response misses the mark, explain what needs to change instead of starting over every time.
6. Check the Answer
Review important details, verify factual claims, and make the final decision yourself.
Prompt Examples You Can Adapt
These examples show how adding a goal and a few details can make an instruction more useful. Change the wording to suit your needs.
For learning
Understand a difficult topic
Explain photosynthesis to a beginner using simple language. Break the explanation into five steps and finish with three questions I can use to test my understanding.
For writing
Draft a professional email
Help me draft a polite email asking to reschedule a meeting. Keep it concise, friendly, and professional. Include a subject line and leave space for me to add a new date and time.
For content creation
Plan a week of social media posts
Suggest five social media post ideas for a small handmade jewellery business. For each idea, include a short concept, a caption angle, and a suggested format. Avoid repeating ideas.
For research
Explore a topic carefully
Help me research the advantages and limitations of solar energy. Separate established facts from points that need verification, suggest reliable source types, and list questions I should investigate.
A Reusable AI Prompt Template
Save this simple structure and fill in the parts that matter for your task. You can leave out any section that isn't needed.
Build your own prompt
Help me with [your task].
My goal is [what you want to achieve].
The relevant context is [background or audience].
Please provide the answer as [format or length].
Keep in mind [important preferences or limitations].
If anything essential is unclear, ask me a question before proceeding.
If the copy button isn't supported in your browser, select the template text and copy it manually. Never include passwords or confidential personal information in prompts.
Common Prompt-Writing Mistakes
Things to avoid
- Giving a broad instruction when the task needs specific details.
- Assuming the AI knows your audience or purpose without being told.
- Putting several unrelated tasks into one confusing request.
- Accepting factual claims without checking important details.
Try this instead
- Describe the outcome you want in plain language.
- Add only the background information that matters.
- Break a large project into smaller steps.
- Ask follow-up questions and verify the final result.
Explore More AI Prompt Resources
Keep learning with practical tutorials and quick-reference resources. Each resource can help with a different part of working with AI.
How to Write Effective AI Prompts
Follow a fuller beginner's tutorial with guidance on making instructions clearer and improving the responses you receive.
Read the full tutorial →ChatGPT Slash Commands and Shortcuts
Learn about slash-command menus, keyboard shortcuts, and the difference between interface commands and prompt text.
Explore commands and shortcuts →AI Prompt Glossary
Get familiar with common AI terms, prompt-related language, and symbols that may appear in different tools.
Explore the glossary →AI Prompt Cheat Sheet
Find reusable prompt ideas for writing, planning, learning, research, and everyday tasks.
Browse prompt examples →Plan Content with AI
Learn how to turn rough ideas into content topics, outlines, and a manageable publishing schedule.
Read the content guide →Use AI for Research
Explore ways to organise research questions, summarise information, and check answers against trustworthy sources.
Read the research guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special words to write an AI prompt?
No. Everyday language is usually enough. Explain what you want, provide relevant context, and mention the format that would help you. Some tools offer additional controls, but you don't need them for every task.
Can I use the same prompt in different AI tools?
Often, yes. You may need to adjust the instructions because tools differ in their features, limits, and response styles. Review the output rather than assuming every tool will behave the same way.
Does typing a slash always open ChatGPT commands?
Not necessarily. In supported ChatGPT interfaces, typing a slash can display a command menu. The available options depend on the interface and features available to your account. A slash followed by a word in ordinary text is not automatically an official command.
Why do AI answers sometimes contain mistakes?
AI tools can produce inaccurate or incomplete information even when a prompt is clear. Verify important claims with reliable sources, particularly for health, legal, financial, or other consequential decisions.
Ready to Put Your Prompts into Practice?
Start with one task you want help with, use the template as a guide, and refine your instructions until the result is useful to you.
AI features and interface options can change. Check the relevant tool's current documentation for up-to-date command availability, and review AI-generated information before relying on it.