How to write a good AI prompt, in plain language
A prompt is just the message you send an AI assistant. Vague messages get generic answers; a few extra sentences of context get answers that fit your situation. Here is a simple way to write one.
Updated . General information for everyday use, not professional advice.
The five parts
- Context: who you are and what the situation is.
- Task: the one thing you want done.
- Format: how you want the answer (a list, an email, three options).
- Constraints: length, tone, things to avoid.
- Check: ask it to tell you what it is unsure about or has assumed.
You will not need all five every time. Context and task alone fix most weak prompts.
Before and after
Before: "Give me dinner ideas." The answer will be generic, because the assistant knows nothing about you.
I cook for two adults on weeknights. We have about 30 minutes, a small budget, and one of us does not eat pork. Suggest 5 dinners using mostly pantry staples, and say which ones reheat well for lunch.
Let the assistant ask you questions
When you are not sure what to include, say so:
I want help with [your goal]. Before you answer, ask me up to 5 questions that would help you give a better answer.
Treat the first answer as a draft
The best results come from a short back-and-forth. Try "shorter", "more casual", "give me three versions", or "what would you change if the reader were my boss?" Each one costs a few seconds and often improves the result more than a long first prompt.