If you’ve used ChatGPT, you know it’s a powerful tool - but did you know there are simple prompt shortcuts that can help you get better, faster, and clearer answers? These “codes” are easy to remember and only require adding one or two words before your question or text.
Here are ten of the most useful prompt tricks to save you time and boost your productivity:
1. ELI5 (Explain like I'm 5)
Sometimes complex topics get overwhelming. Want a quick, simple explanation that anyone can understand?
Just type:
ELI5: [your topic]
For example:
ELI5: How does blockchain work?
ChatGPT will break down the topic into simple terms without jargon or complicated details.
2. TL;DR (Summarize long text)
Got a long article, report, or email and don’t have time to read the whole thing?
Use:
TLDR: [paste your long text here]
ChatGPT will give you a short summary, highlighting the main points so you can get up to speed instantly.
3. Jargonize (Professional or nerdy tone)
Need your writing to sound polished, professional, or technical?
Add:
Jargonize: [your text]
Whether it’s for a LinkedIn post, a pitch deck, or an email, this command helps transform your words into smart, industry-appropriate language that resonates with experts.
4. Humanize (Make it sound more natural)
Is your AI-generated text feeling robotic or stiff?
Humanize: [your request]
ChatGPT will respond in a more conversational, friendly style with no more awkward or overly formal phrases. It also helps avoid buzzwords like “game-changing” or “revolutionary,” keeping your message authentic.
5. Compare (See differences or similarities)
Want to understand how two or more things relate?
Compare: [item 1] vs [item 2]
ChatGPT will highlight key differences and similarities side-by-side.
6. Expand (Add more detail or examples)
Need a fuller explanation or more examples?
Expand: [your text]
ChatGPT will elaborate, providing richer detail to deepen understanding.
7. Outline (Organize ideas)
Need to organize ideas quickly?
Outline: [topic or content]
Generates a structured outline to help plan essays, presentations, or reports.
8. Bullet (Create bullet points)
Turn information into clear bullet points for easy reading.
Bullet: [text or data]
Perfect for notes, summaries, or lists.
9. Analogy (Explain with a metaphor)
Want a metaphor or comparison to better understand a concept?
Analogy: [topic]
Makes complex ideas relatable and easier to grasp.
10. Quiz me (Test your knowledge)
Test your knowledge or practice learning.
Quiz me: [subject]
ChatGPT will generate questions to challenge and reinforce your understanding.
Why these matter
By adding just a few words to your prompt, you can steer ChatGPT’s responses to better fit your needs, whether you want to learn, write, or communicate more effectively. These simple codes save time, reduce frustration, and make AI work smarter for you.
Try them next time you use ChatGPT and notice the difference in clarity and speed.
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