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Giving Instructions
Instructions tell the AI exactly what to do. Clear, specific instructions produce the best results. Vague instructions leave the AI guessing.
8 min•By Priygop Team•Updated 2026
How to Write Clear Instructions
- Use action verbs: write, explain, summarize, translate, compare, list, create, fix, improve
- Be specific about the task: 'summarize in 3 bullet points' not just 'summarize'
- One instruction at a time for complex tasks - break them into steps
- Tell the AI what NOT to do when relevant: 'do not use technical jargon', 'do not make it longer than 100 words'
- Specify the starting point: 'Start with a definition', 'Begin with an example'
Tip
Tip
If the AI's first response is not what you wanted, do not start over. Ask the AI to modify its response. For example: 'That is too technical. Explain it again using simpler language and an everyday example.' Iterating on a prompt is faster and often more effective than rewriting from scratch.
Diagram
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Deep Learning ⊂ Machine Learning ⊂ Artificial Intelligence
Key Takeaways
- Instructions tell the AI exactly what to do.
- Use action verbs: write, explain, summarize, translate, compare, list, create, fix, improve
- Be specific about the task: 'summarize in 3 bullet points' not just 'summarize'
- One instruction at a time for complex tasks - break them into steps