How to Write a Good AI Prompt (With Examples)

Why the way you ask matters

AI tools don't know your situation unless you tell them. Ask a vague question and you'll get a generic answer written for nobody in particular. Give it a bit of context and it can write something that fits you. The good news is that you don't need special words or technical tricks. Clear, ordinary language works best.

The simple formula: Who, What, How

Most good prompts answer three questions:

1. Who is this for, and what's the situation? (“An email to my landlord, who has ignored two earlier requests.”)
2. What do you want? (“Ask them to fix the heating by Friday.”)
3. How should it look? Length, tone, format, things to avoid. (“Polite but firm, under 120 words, no threats.”)

You don't need all three every time, but adding even one makes a big difference.

Before and after

Seven habits that improve any prompt

1. Give context

Mention who you are or who the audience is: “I'm a beginner,” “this is for my 10-year-old,” “my boss prefers short updates.”

2. Say the format you want

Bullet points, a numbered list, a table, a short paragraph, three options. If you want something printable, say so.

3. Set limits

Word counts, a time budget, a price range, or “no jargon.” Limits keep answers focused.

4. Ask for options

“Give me three versions” lets you pick and mix rather than accept the first try.

5. Paste in the material

If you want something summarized or rewritten, include the text (with personal details removed). Don't make it guess.

6. Let it ask you questions

For bigger tasks, invite it to ask what it needs to know first. This is one of the most useful tricks there is.

7. Follow up

Treat it as a conversation. “Shorter,” “warmer,” “explain the second point,” and “that's wrong, the meeting is Tuesday” all work.

Templates you can copy

Fill in the [brackets] and paste these into any AI tool.

I need help with [task]. Context: [who it's for, the situation]. What I want: [goal]. Please make it [length, tone, format]. Avoid [anything you don't want].

I want help with [bigger task, e.g. planning my parents' 50th anniversary party]. Before you answer, ask me up to 5 questions about what you need to know. Ask them one at a time.

Explain [topic] to me. I'm an intelligent adult but new to this. Give a one-paragraph overview, the 3 most important ideas, and one everyday example. Define any jargon you use.

Here is my draft [email / letter / post]. Make it [clearer / shorter / friendlier / more professional]. Keep all the facts the same and don't add anything I didn't say.

[paste draft]

I'm deciding between [option A] and [option B]. What matters most to me: [priorities]. List pros and cons for each, questions I should answer first, and what I might regret in a year. Don't decide for me.

Common mistakes (and easy fixes)

• Too vague: “Tell me about retirement.” Fix: say what you actually want to know and for whom.
• Too much at once: five unrelated questions in one prompt. Fix: one task per prompt, or start new chats for new topics.
• Accepting the first answer: Fix: follow up and refine. The second answer is often much better.
• Trusting facts blindly: Fix: ask “What should I double-check?” and verify important details with an official source.
• Oversharing: Fix: replace names and numbers with placeholders. See what not to share.

A handy follow-up toolkit

Keep these short phrases in mind. They work in every AI tool:

• “Make it shorter / simpler / warmer.”
• “Put that in a table.”
• “Give me three more options.”
• “What did you assume that I should check?”
• “Explain it like I'm new to this.”
• “Turn this into a checklist I can print.”

Real-life examples, start to finish

A doctor visit. Instead of “questions for my doctor,” try: “I'm seeing my doctor next week about knee pain when I climb stairs. It started a month ago. Help me list five questions, most important first, and remind me what details to mention.” Notice it includes who, what, and the format.

A family gathering. Instead of “plan a party,” try: “Help me plan a casual Sunday lunch for twelve family members, including two vegetarians and three young kids. I want to cook ahead and spend time with guests. Give me a menu and a two-day prep timeline.”

A purchase. Instead of “best vacuum,” try: “I'm choosing a vacuum for a small home with a dog and mostly hard floors. Explain which features matter and which are marketing, and give me questions to ask in the store.” Then check current models and prices yourself, since AI may not have up-to-date product details.

Practice in two minutes

Take something you need to do today, like an email, a meal or a decision. Write a prompt using Who, What, How. Then follow up once. That's the whole skill. The more you use it, the more natural it becomes.

Want 30 ready-made examples? Start with the free prompts page, read our beginner's guide, or see 10 everyday uses for inspiration.

General information only, not medical, legal, or financial advice. AI tools and their features change often; check the official site for current details.