Common Prompting Mistakes (and Fixes)

Quick fixes for the most common reasons AI answers are generic, wrong, or unhelpful.

Mistake: too vague

If your prompt could apply to anyone, you’ll get an answer for everyone. Add your situation and constraints.

• Add audience, goal, deadline, and what you’ve tried.
• Ask for a specific format (steps, checklist, table).

Mistake: asking for ‘the best’ without criteria

“Best” depends on what you value: speed, cost, quality, risk, or simplicity.

• Define your criteria.
• Ask for a trade-off table.
• Request a recommendation + reasoning.

Mistake: one-shot answers

Treat prompting like a conversation. The first answer is a draft. Ask for alternatives, critique, and revisions.

• “Give 3 options, then recommend one.”
• “Improve the answer for beginners.”
• “Now shorten it to 100 words.”

Explore more: prompt lists · prompt of the day.