Unlock Better AI Responses
This guide lists common shorthand prompt prefixes that can help you get better and faster results when using ChatGPT.
These aren’t official codes, but they work consistently because the model understands them based on its training data. Think of them as shortcuts that tap into the AI's knowledge of specific communication patterns and frameworks.
Essential Prompt Prefixes
The most useful and commonly used prefixes for everyday AI interactions
| Prefix | Description |
|---|---|
| ELI5: | Explain Like I'm 5 – breaks down complex topics into simple language. |
| TL;DR: | Too Long; Didn't Read – creates a concise summary of a longer input. |
| Jargonize: | Converts plain language into technical or field-specific language. |
| Humanize: | Makes a message sound more natural, warm, and conversational. |
| Feynman: | Uses the Feynman technique to teach a topic by simplifying and building understanding step-by-step. |
| Summarize: | Condenses content into a more digestible form. |
| Debate: | Frames pros vs cons or opposing arguments. |
| Explain: | Requests a detailed explanation. |
| Simplify: | Reduces complexity and removes jargon. |
| Translate to [tone/language]: | Adapts text to a specific voice, dialect, or language. |
| Pretend you are [persona]: | Adopts a specific role or voice for the answer. |
| Step-by-step: | Forces logical sequencing and clarity in instructions or reasoning. |
| Checklist: | Turns content into a list of actionable items. |
| Pros and Cons: | Creates a simple comparison of advantages and disadvantages. |
| In the style of [person/genre]: | Writes content mimicking a person or writing style. |
| Brainstorm: | Generates creative or strategic ideas. |
| Critique: | Gives constructive feedback and analysis. |
| Rewrite as [audience]: | Tailors language to a specific type of reader. |
| Make it persuasive: | Refines content to sound more convincing or compelling. |
| Compare: | Contrasts two or more ideas, tools, or approaches. |
| Roleplay: | Simulates an interaction or conversation. |
| Visualize: | Describes something vividly or structurally (e.g., scenes, layouts). |
| List: | Outputs content in a clear list format. |
| Teach me like a [profession]: | Uses analogies and language familiar to that role. |
| Explain with analogy: | Uses metaphor or analogy to simplify an idea. |
Example Usage
See how these prefixes work in practice with real-world examples
Basic Examples
- ELI5: What is blockchain?
- TL;DR: This 10-page article
- Jargonize: Our HR policy for legal review
- Humanize: This onboarding email
- Feynman: Entropy in physics
- Compare: PostgreSQL vs MongoDB
Combined Prefixes
You can mix and combine them for richer prompts:
- ELI5 and Humanize: How inflation works
- Jargonize and TL;DR: Legal disclaimer
- Checklist + Step-by-step: Launching a podcast
- Summarize then Simplify: Technical research paper
- Brainstorm then Critique: New product ideas
Advanced Prompt Prefixes
High-context frames for sophisticated analysis and strategic thinking
These are not official commands but work well because they represent clear mental models or analytical techniques that ChatGPT understands and can emulate.
| Prefix | Description |
|---|---|
| DIALECTIC: | Invokes a back-and-forth argument (e.g., thesis, antithesis, synthesis). Great for exploring tension between ideas. |
| LAYERED INSIGHT: | Generates structured insights in depth—e.g., surface insight, deeper implication, strategic meaning. |
| PRE-MORTEM: | Analyzes what could go wrong before executing a plan. Useful for strategy, planning, and risk mitigation. |
| 3-PASS ANALYSIS: | A structured reading or review approach: (1) quick skim, (2) deep read, (3) critical reflection. |
| NO AUTOPILOT: | Signals ChatGPT to slow down and reason deliberately rather than giving generic or default answers. |
| SYSTEMATIC BIAS CHECK: | Prompts a structured critique of assumptions, potential biases, and blind spots—great for ethics, DEI, and policy. |
Advanced Usage Examples
- DIALECTIC: Should governments subsidize AI research?
- PRE-MORTEM: A new AI startup aiming to disrupt legal tech.
- LAYERED INSIGHT: The future of personalized learning.
- 3-PASS ANALYSIS: This 12-page policy paper on climate adaptation.
- NO AUTOPILOT: Evaluate whether this business idea is viable.
- SYSTEMATIC BIAS CHECK: The hiring algorithm described below.
Pro Tips for Better Prompts
Get the most out of these prompt prefixes with these expert strategies
Combine Prefixes
Stack multiple prefixes for nuanced results, like "ELI5 then Jargonize" to understand then formalize.
Be Specific
Add context after the prefix: "Explain like I'm a marketing intern with no tech background."
Experiment
These prefixes work because they signal patterns. Try creating your own clear frameworks.
Iterate
If the first response isn't perfect, refine your prefix or add more context in a follow-up.