A prompt isn''t magic. It''s a sentence with context, a goal and a format. Below are 10 ready-to-use prompts — copy, fill in the brackets, send.
Most people write prompts too short. "Write an email" instead of "Write an email to a client apologising for a delay, polite but direct, no over-explaining, sign: Anna Smith." The difference in quality is enormous.
What makes a prompt work
A good prompt has three ingredients:
- Context — who you are, the situation, who the output is for.
- Goal — exactly what should be produced. "Write an email" isn''t enough.
- Format — bullet list? Single paragraph? Three options? Say it outright.
After any reply you can say "Rewrite it — shorter / more formal / more specific". ChatGPT doesn''t take offence. You can iterate forever.
10 ready-to-use prompts
1. Explain this invoice
I have an invoice and I don''t understand some of the line items. Explain what each of the following means in plain language, no accounting jargon. Items: [paste line items]. At the end, tell me: does anything on this invoice look suspicious or need clarification from the vendor?
2. Prep me for a doctor appointment
I have an appointment in [X days] with a [specialist]. My issue: [describe symptoms — when they started, what eases / worsens them]. Give me: 1) questions to ask the doctor, 2) what to bring to the appointment, 3) what health info I should have on hand.
3. Marketplace listing (eBay / Vinted / Facebook)
Write a listing to sell [item]. Product: [name, brand, model]. Condition: [description]. Specs: [size, colour, year bought]. Price: [$amount]. The listing should be honest, specific, and appealing. Pre-empt common buyer questions. Max 150 words.
4. Rewrite a message professionally
I wrote the message below in a rush and it sounds too [chaotic / sharp / careless]. Rewrite it to sound professional and polite, keeping exactly the same meaning. Recipient: [boss / client / agency]. My draft: [paste]
5. Review this job offer
Read this job posting and evaluate it critically. Tell me: 1) are the terms fair for someone with [X years] in [industry], 2) what info is missing (potential red flags), 3) what to ask at the interview, 4) anything that looks off. Posting: [paste]
6. Birthday toast (2 minutes)
Write a birthday toast for [name]. Who I am to them: [friend / colleague / parent]. Their age: [X]. Tone: [warm / humorous / a mix]. Length: about 2 minutes (250–300 words). I want to reference: [trait / shared story]. End with a toast.
7. Questions before buying a flat
I''m planning to buy a [new-build / resale] flat. Specs: [size, floor, year built, area]. Give me a list of questions for: 1) the seller / developer, 2) the building manager / HOA, 3) things to look for during the viewing. At the end: 5 most common mistakes buyers make.
8. Decline politely, without guilt
I need to decline [person] on [what they''re asking]. My reason: [real reason, or "I''d rather not share"]. Write a reply that: is polite and clear, doesn''t over-apologise, closes the topic without damaging the relationship. Format: [text / email / WhatsApp]
9. Sample Google reviews for my business
I run a [type of business] in [city]. Write 5 sample Google reviews a happy customer might leave. Each one: varied in tone and length, specific (mentions [service/product]), natural — not marketing-speak. I''ll use them as a template when asking clients for reviews.
10. Formal letter to an agency
Write a formal letter to [agency / institution]. Matter: [brief]. What I want: [decision / refund / clarification]. Basis: [regulation if you know it — or "I don''t know, propose the relevant one"]. My details: [name, address, case number]. Tone: formal, firm, respectful. No emotion.
Get more out of every prompt
Worth saying after a reply:
- "Rewrite it — more formal"
- "Shorter this time"
- "Give me 3 different versions"
- "Add a concrete example"
Not worth saying:
- "Do it again" (no direction)
- "Better" (too vague)
- "Different" (in which direction?)
These are 10 of the 52 prompts in the ebook. ChatGPT Basics contains 52 tested prompts with commentary on each, a chapter on prompt anatomy, a 7-day programme, and a printable cheat sheet.