Use four prompt parts

AI systems respond to the information you give them. A short request can work, but a clear request gives the system fewer gaps to guess about. These four parts help you make your intent visible.

Give it a goal

Say what you want done. Use a direct verb such as explain, compare, plan, rewrite, or quiz.

Add useful context

Share the audience, topic, and situation that matter. Leave out private details the task does not need.

Choose the format

Ask for a checklist, table, short paragraph, worked example, or another shape that is easy for you to use.

Set sensible limits

Set a length, reading level, deadline, or boundary. Ask the AI to say when it is unsure instead of filling a gap.

Good to remember: A better prompt can make an answer more relevant, but it cannot make every answer correct. You still need to check important claims.

See the difference

A vague prompt leaves the audience, depth, and format open. A stronger prompt makes those choices clear.

Vague prompt

Tell me about photosynthesis.

Clearer prompt

Explain photosynthesis to a Year 9 student who knows what a plant cell is. Use five short bullet points, then give one everyday analogy. Keep the answer under 180 words and flag anything the analogy oversimplifies.

The second prompt gives the AI a goal, audience, useful starting point, format, length, and a request to name a limitation. You can use the same pattern for study notes, planning, brainstorming, or rewriting.

Improve the answer with a follow-up

Your first prompt does not need to be perfect. Read the answer, notice what is missing, and make one clear adjustment. You might ask:

  • “Which parts of this answer are uncertain?”
  • “Explain the second point with a concrete example.”
  • “Rewrite this using plain language and shorter sentences.”
  • “List the claims I should verify with a reliable source.”
Do not paste secrets into a follow-up. Names, passwords, account details, unpublished work, and other people’s information are not useful context for most prompts. Read the AI privacy guide before sharing more.

Try this prompt checklist

Before you send a prompt, take ten seconds to check it.

  • Goal: Is the task clear?
  • Context: Did you include only the background the task needs?
  • Format: Did you explain how you want the answer organised?
  • Limits: Did you set a useful length, scope, or boundary?
  • Privacy: Did you remove personal or confidential information?
  • Checking: Do you know how you will verify important claims?

Source and further reading

Google Cloud’s official prompt design strategies cover clear instructions, relevant context, examples, and output formats. Product behaviour can change, so check current documentation for the AI tool you use.