Each of these patterns works in almost any situation — just swap in your details. You can type these, or try saying them out loud using Voice Mode on your phone.
1. “Explain this like I’m new to it.”
The Situation: You just found a technical term or a complex “PhD-level” explanation. The Ask: “Explain this to me like I’m a beginner so I can actually use it.”
Why it works: This is the ultimate “Complexity Killer” for difficult topics. It forces the AI to cut the jargon and get straight to the point.
2. “Give me 3 examples.”
The Situation: You have a general idea but need to see how it looks in the real world. The Ask: “I’m trying to [Your Goal]. Give me 3 different examples of how I could do this.”
Why it works: AI shines when you ask for variety. Seeing three different angles helps you pick the one that actually fits your life.
3. “Rewrite this to sound more ___.”
The Situation: You wrote a draft, but the tone feels off (too stiff, too mean, or too long). The Ask: “Rewrite this to sound more friendly and helpful. Keep it under two paragraphs.”
Why it works: Perfect for emails and messages. It’s like having an editor who never gets tired of your drafts.
4. “Summarize this in plain English.”
The Situation: You have a long email, a dense article, or a manual for a vintage radio. The Ask: “Summarize the main points of this text into five simple bullet points.”
Why it works: Drop in the text and get instant clarity. Great for when your brain is too fried to read a wall of text.
5. “Help me brainstorm ideas for ___.”
The Situation: You are starting a new project, like a cartoon character or a business name. The Ask: “Help me brainstorm 10 creative ideas for [Project]. Don’t be afraid to get weird.”
Why it works: AI is an incredible creativity booster. Use it to get past the “blank page” stage of any project.
6. “Turn this into a checklist.”
The Situation: You have a big goal (like smoking a turkey) but don’t know the order of operations. The Ask: “Turn this process into a step-by-step checklist I can follow right now.”
Why it works: AI is great at structure. It takes a vague goal and turns it into a manageable “Mission.”
7. “What questions should I ask about this?”
The Situation: You are making a big decision or starting a technical troubleshooting task. The Ask: “I am doing [Task]. What are the top 5 questions I should be asking that I haven’t thought of yet?”
Why it works: A powerful way to uncover things you might have missed. It helps you think deeper about a problem.
8. “Compare these two options.”
The Situation: You are stuck between two choices, like two different smokers or two web hosts. The Ask: “Compare [Option A] and [Option B]. Give me a simple pros and cons list for each.”
Why it works: Useful for making decisions without having to read dozens of separate review pages.
9. “Create a schedule for my day.”
The Situation: Your brain is fried and you have a list of chores, errands, and work. The Ask: “I have to do [List of Tasks]. Create a realistic schedule that includes breaks.”
Why it works: AI is a logistics expert. It can help you find time in a day that feels completely packed.
10. “What am I missing?”
The Situation: You’ve finished a plan or a script and want a second set of eyes. The Ask: “Here is my plan for [Project]. Look for any blind spots or things I might have forgotten.”
Why it works: A gentle way to catch mistakes before you hit “send” or “publish.”