Home / Prompts

Ready-to-use AI prompts: copy, fill in the brackets, go

The slowest part of using a chatbot is staring at the empty box wondering what to type. So here are the prompts that earn their keep day to day, sorted by topic. Swap anything in square brackets, like [topic], for your own details and paste the rest as it is. They work in ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini alike.

89 prompts · Topics: Work and email / Students / YouTube, content and social / Saving money and side income / Coding / Writing and editing / Image generation

Work and email

A polite but firm follow-up

I haven't heard back from [person/company] about [topic] since my last email. Write a follow-up that's firm without being rude. Deadline: [date]. Five sentences max, and don't open with "I hope this finds you well".

Summarise a long thread

Read the email thread below. Give me three bullets: what's being asked, who it's expected from, and the deadline. Then tell me in one sentence whether I need to reply to anything.

[email thread]

Saying no nicely

[person] asked me to [request], but I can't because [reason]. Write a short reply that turns it down without hurting the relationship and, if possible, suggests an alternative. Tone: [formal / friendly].

Action items from meeting notes

Tidy up the messy meeting notes below. Output: decisions made, who does what by when (as a table), and open questions. Don't add anything that isn't in the notes.

[notes]

Meeting agenda

I'm running a [length]-minute meeting about [topic]. Attendees: [people/roles]. Goal: [decide / inform / brainstorm]. Draft a timed agenda and a three-sentence note I can send everyone beforehand.

Replying to a complaint

A customer wrote: [complaint]. The part that's genuinely our fault: [if any]. Write a reply that apologises without taking the blame for everything and offers a concrete fix. It shouldn't sound defensive or robotic.

Prepping for a pay conversation

I've been a [role] for [time]. What I've delivered lately: [achievements]. I'm about to talk salary with my manager. Give me three sentences to open the conversation, five likely objections, and a calm answer to each.

Tailor your CV to a job ad

Below are my CV and the job I want. List what the ad asks for that looks weak on my CV, then rewrite my experience bullets to line up with the ad. Don't invent experience I don't have.

CV: [text]
Job ad: [text]

Cover letter

I'm applying for [role] at [company]. Three things about me: [point 1], [point 2], [point 3]. Write a cover letter under 180 words that doesn't read like a template. Don't open with "I'm excited to apply".

Mock interview

I have an interview for [role] at [company]. Act as a real interviewer and ask me one question at a time. After each answer, tell me briefly what worked and what was missing, then move on. Start with the first question.

Spreadsheet formula

In Excel (or Google Sheets) I need to: [describe it]. My columns: [A: ..., B: ..., C: ...]. Give me the formula and explain what it does in two sentences.

Presentation outline

I'm giving a [length]-minute talk to [audience] about [topic]. My main point: [message]. Give me slide titles and 2–3 talking points per slide, no more than [number] slides in total.

LinkedIn announcement

I want to post on LinkedIn about [new job / certificate / project]. Details: [details]. Write 120 words that don't brag or oversell. No emoji storm, three hashtags at most.

Students

Explain it from scratch

Explain [topic] as if I've never heard of it. Start with an everyday comparison, then the proper definition, and finish with a common misconception. I'm a [year/level] student.

Quiz me

Ask me 10 questions about [topic], one at a time, not all at once. Tell me if each answer is right, and if not, briefly why. Make them get harder as we go.

Notes into a revision sheet

Turn the lecture notes below into something I can read the night before the exam: the 7 most important concepts in 1–2 sentences each, how they connect, and 3 questions likely to come up.

[notes]

Study plan

My [exam] is in [days] days and I can study [hours] hours a day. Weak spots: [topics]. Make a day-by-day plan with review days and one practice-test day. Keep it realistic; don't pack every day full.

Feedback on my essay

Read my essay below like a teacher would. Don't rewrite it. Point out logic gaps, weak arguments and unclear sentences, and hint at fixes by asking me questions.

[text]

Check my maths step by step

I solved this but I'm not sure: [problem]. My working: [working]. If I went wrong, show me which step, then walk through the right method. Don't give the answer up front.

Make flashcards

Make 20 question-and-answer flashcards on [topic]. Format: Question | Answer. Keep answers short and give it as plain text I can paste into Anki or Quizlet.

Simplify a paper

Rewrite the academic text below so a final-year school student could follow it. Separate headings for the main claim, the method and the result. Explain jargon in brackets the first time it appears.

[text]

Narrow down a dissertation topic

I study [subject] and want to write a term paper/dissertation on [broad topic]. Break it into 5 narrow research questions that can be done in one term. Say why each is interesting and what kind of data it would need.

Language conversation practice

Have a conversation with me in [language] at [level: A2/B1/B2] about [topic]. At the end of each of my messages, briefly correct my mistakes, then keep the conversation going. You start.

Vocabulary list

Give me the 25 most useful [language] words for [topic], each with its English meaning, an example sentence, and how it differs from a word it's often confused with.

Essay skeleton

I'm writing an essay titled "[title]". Give me the main ideas for the introduction, body and conclusion, plus one example I could use in each paragraph. Don't write the essay for me, just the skeleton.

The Feynman technique

I'm going to explain [topic] in my own words. You play a curious 12-year-old: ask "why?" wherever it doesn't make sense and catch the gaps I leave. When you're ready, say "Go on then".

YouTube, content and social

Find video ideas

I run a YouTube channel about [topic] for [audience]. Give me 15 video ideas this audience would actually search for, each with the question in the viewer's head in one sentence. Skip the "10 tips" lists everyone makes.

Title options

My video is about [topic]. Suggest 10 titles that make people curious without lying, under 60 characters. Mix questions, numbers and outcome-led titles.

Shorts script

Write a 45-second vertical video script about [topic]. A line in the first two seconds that stops the scroll, one clear point in the middle, and a question at the end that gets comments. List on-screen text separately.

Long video script

I'm filming a [minutes]-minute video on [topic]. Outline the opening hook, the sections, the points for each, and the close. Write it the way I'd talk; don't start with "Hey guys".

Description and chapters

From the transcript below, write a YouTube description: two lines that work as a search snippet, then timestamped chapters (use the transcript times), then 3 relevant search phrases.

[transcript]

Instagram caption

Write an Instagram caption for this post: [what the post is about]. A first line that stops the scroll, 3–4 short paragraphs, a question at the end. Hashtags on a separate line, five at most.

One piece, ten pieces

Split the article/video below across platforms: 3 X posts, 1 LinkedIn post, 2 Instagram carousels (slide by slide), 1 newsletter intro. Each should make sense on its own.

[content]

X thread

Write a 7-post X thread about [topic]. The first post should be worth reading on its own. Keep each under 260 characters. The last one is a short recap; no "like and follow".

Replying to comments

My video got these comments: [comments]. Write a short, friendly reply to each in the channel's voice. With the negative ones, don't argue, but don't cave either.

Thumbnail text

My video title is [title]. Suggest 10 thumbnail texts of 3–4 words that don't repeat the title, each with one sentence on what the image should show.

Weekly content calendar

Plan a week of content in the [topic] niche for [platforms], [number] posts a day. Table: day, platform, format, topic, opening line. No repeated topics.

Voice-over script

Make the text below ready to be read aloud: shorter sentences, commas where a breath goes, numbers written out, tricky words simplified. Don't change the meaning.

[text]

Brand collaboration email

I have a [platform] account with [follower count] followers in the [niche] space. I'm pitching a collaboration to [brand]. Write a short email that doesn't invent numbers and says concretely what's in it for them.

Saving money and side income

Monthly budget

My monthly take-home pay is [amount]. Fixed costs: [rent, bills etc.]. Variable spending roughly: [groceries, transport etc.]. Split what's left into needs, wants and savings, and show me 5 places I could cut.

Subscription clean-out

My subscriptions: [list with monthly costs]. Which should I cancel, share, or switch to yearly? Ask me how often I use each before you decide.

Analyse a bank statement

Below is last month's card statement. Group the spending into categories, total them, and name the 3 areas where the most money leaks out, with one concrete fix for each.

[statement]

Meal plan and shopping list

We're [number] people with a weekly grocery budget of [amount]. Plan 7 dinners that share ingredients and give me the shopping list. Already in the cupboard: [ingredients].

Side income from my skills

I'm good at: [skills]. I can spare [hours] hours a week and have almost no money to start with. Give me 7 side-income ideas using these skills, with how to find the first customer and what to do in week one. Don't make up earnings figures.

Freelance proposal

I'm bidding on this job on [platform]: [job post]. My relevant experience: [experience]. Write a 120-word proposal that shows I actually read the post and doesn't sound templated, ending with a question for the client.

Setting my rates

I offer [service]. One job takes me about [hours] hours. Walk me through what I need to factor into my price as questions and answers, then weigh up hourly versus per-project pricing for my situation.

Second-hand listing

I'm selling [item]. Condition: [condition], used for [time], flaws: [flaws]. Write an honest listing title and description with the words buyers search for. I'll set the price myself.

Haggling message

[seller] quoted me [amount] for [item/service]. Write a polite but firm haggling message in two versions: one straight to the point, one that asks for an extra instead (free delivery, added service, etc.).

Paying off debt

My debts: [card/loan, balance, interest rate]. I can put [amount] a month towards them. Compare the avalanche and snowball methods with my numbers and tell me which to start with. Show the maths step by step so I can check it.

Savings goal

I want to save [amount] for [goal] within [months] months. Work out how much to set aside each month and suggest 5 habits that make it easier. No investment advice; just the saving routine.

Etsy / shop product description

I sell handmade [product]. Material: [material], size: [size], who it suits: [audience]. Write a searchable product title, a short description that tells a little story, and 10 tags.

Coding

Explain the error

I'm getting this error:
[error message]

Relevant code:
[code]

Explain the cause in plain words first, then give me the fixed code and point out the lines you changed.

Walk me through this code

Explain the code below as if I'm new to [language]. What each block does, why it might be written this way, and anything that looks risky.

[code]

Code review

Review this code like an experienced teammate. In order of importance: bugs, security issues, performance, readability. Point to the line and suggest a fix for each. Put matters of taste last.

[code]

Write tests

Write unit tests for the function below using [test library]. Cover normal cases, edge values and bad input. Test names should say what they check.

[code]

Refactor

Make this code more readable without changing what it does. Split long functions, fix names, remove duplication. List the changes first, then give the code.

[code]

SQL query

My tables: [table names and columns]. I need to find: [what you want]. Write the query for [PostgreSQL/MySQL/SQLite], explain it, and if part of it could be slow on a big table, say which index would help.

Regex

I need a regular expression that matches: [examples]. It must not match: [examples]. Write it for [language], explain it piece by piece and test it against my examples.

A small script

Write a [Python/Bash/PowerShell] script for [operating system] that automates: [task]. Put usage instructions at the top, make errors readable, and ask for confirmation before deleting anything.

Project skeleton

I want to build an app that [does what] with [technology]. Walk me through the folder layout, the packages I need, and what goes in which file for a first working version, in order. No unnecessary libraries.

Commit message

Write a commit message for the diff below: first line under 50 characters in the imperative, then 2–3 lines on why it changed.

[diff]

Documentation

Write a README section for this module: what it's for, how to install it, the simplest usage example, configuration options. Don't describe features that aren't in the code.

[code]

Port to another language

Translate the [source language] code below into [target language]. Write it the way that language is normally written, not line for line, and flag anywhere the behaviour might change.

[code]

Architecture decision

For [project] I'm torn between [option A] and [option B]. Team: [size and experience], expected load: [load]. Compare them on maintenance, learning curve, cost and scaling, and ask me about anything that's still unclear.

Writing and editing

Strip out the AI feel

Edit the text below so it reads like a person wrote it: cut the stock openers, the "in conclusion" endings, the filler adjectives and the habit of making every paragraph the same length. Keep the facts.

[text]

Make it shorter

Cut this text to half its length without losing meaning. Drop repetition and filler, and lead with the most important point.

[text]

Spelling and punctuation

Fix the spelling, punctuation and grammar in the text below. Leave my style alone. At the end, list the changes briefly.

[text]

Change the tone

Rewrite this in a [formal / casual / funny / corporate] tone for [audience]. Keep it roughly the same length.

[text]

Blog post outline

I'm writing a post on "[topic]". Find 6 questions a reader has in mind when searching for this, turn them into subheadings, and list the points to cover under each. Also suggest 3 different opening lines.

Opening paragraph

My piece is about [topic], for [audience]. Write a 60-word opening that starts with a concrete situation the reader has been in. Avoid "in today's world" and "as technology evolves".

Translation that sounds natural

Translate the text below into [language], not word for word but the way a native speaker would write it. Swap idioms for local equivalents and note anything culture-specific.

[text]

Steelman the other side

I'm arguing that [idea]. Write the 5 strongest objections a smart opponent would raise, then briefly suggest how I could answer each.

Story ideas

Give me 5 ideas for a short [genre] story set in [setting]. For each: what the main character wants, what's in the way, and an unexpected turn. Nothing that's a copy of a well-known film.

Fix stiff dialogue

The dialogue below feels stiff. Give each character their own way of speaking, with half-finished sentences and interruptions like real people. Don't change the plot.

[dialogue]

Speech

I'm giving a [length]-minute speech at [event] to [audience]. What I want to get across: [main idea]. Write it to be spoken, with short sentences, opening with a personal anecdote. Leave a placeholder [anecdote] where it goes.

Headline ideas

Suggest 10 headlines for the piece below: 3 plain and informative, 3 questions, 2 with a number, 2 a bit bold. No clickbait.

[text]

Congratulations or condolence note

I need to write to [person] about [occasion: birthday, wedding, loss etc.]. Our relationship: [relationship]. Suggest 3 short, heartfelt messages that avoid clichés.

Image generation

Turn an idea into an image prompt

Turn this idea into a detailed prompt for an image generator: [idea]. Spell out subject, setting, lighting, camera angle, colour palette and style separately.

Product photo

Product photo of [product] on [surface], soft natural window light from the left, shallow depth of field, neutral background in [colour], clean commercial style, high detail, no text.

Portrait style

Portrait of [description: age, look, clothing], [setting], golden hour light, 85mm lens look, natural skin texture, candid expression, muted film colors.

Blog cover image

Editorial illustration for an article about [topic], flat shapes with subtle paper texture, limited palette of [colours], plenty of empty space on the [left/right] for a headline, no text in the image.

Logo ideas

Describe 6 logo ideas for a brand called [name] in [industry]. For each, suggest a symbol, a typeface style and colours; then turn the one I pick into a prompt for an image generator.

Thumbnail background

YouTube thumbnail background for a video about [topic], dramatic lighting, one clear focal object: [object], high contrast, bold colors, empty area on the right for large text, 16:9.

Interior idea

Interior photo of a [room type] in [style] style, [colours], natural light, realistic materials, wide angle, magazine look, uncluttered.

Children's book illustration

Children's book illustration of [scene], soft watercolor style, warm colors, friendly round characters, simple background, gentle and calm mood.

Social media background

Minimal square background for an Instagram quote post, [colour] tones, subtle grain texture, a small abstract shape in one corner, lots of empty space in the center, no text.

Keep a consistent style

Describe the attached image: style, colours, lighting, composition. Then write a prompt in the same style but about [new subject], so the rest of the series stays consistent.

Negative prompt

I'm generating [image type] with [tool] but keep getting [problem: mangled hands, stray text, blur etc.]. Suggest a suitable negative prompt for this tool and what to change in my prompt. My prompt: [prompt]

Images for a deck

I need 6 images in one consistent style for a presentation on [topic]. The slide topics are: [topics]. Write 6 prompts that all share the same style description.

A few habits for bending a prompt to fit

Give more context than feels necessary. Not "write an email" but who it's for, why, and in what tone. That alone does most of the work.
Say what you don't want. "No bullet points", "under 200 words", "skip the generic opener" tighten the result straight away.
Treat the first answer as a draft. "Shorter", "warmer", "drop the second paragraph" is faster than starting over.
Show an example. Pasting a piece you like and saying "write it like this" beats describing a style at length.
Check numbers, dates and names. These tools can sound just as sure of themselves when they're wrong.
Don't paste passwords, ID numbers or client data into a chat. Swap in made-up names if you need to.

Which AI tool fits me?. Not sure which assistant suits you? Take the short quiz first, then try these prompts there.