Questions to Ask ChatGPT

A framework for choosing the right question, plus ready-to-copy examples for work, learning, and creativity.

Start with the outcome

Better prompts start with a clear outcome. Instead of asking for “ideas,” ask for the kind of ideas you want: practical, unusual, cheap, fast, or tailored to an audience.

If you can describe what a good answer looks like, the AI can move toward it.

• State your goal in one sentence.
• Add constraints (time, budget, tone, length).
• Ask for a format (bullets, table, checklist).

Use roles and context

A simple trick is to assign a role: editor, tutor, product manager, recruiter, therapist-style listener (non-medical), or debate partner.

Then give context: who you are, what you’ve tried, what matters, and what you want to avoid.

• “Act as a copy editor. Rewrite this to be clearer and warmer: …”
• “Act as a tutor. Explain this like I’m new to it, then quiz me.”
• “Act as a PM. Propose a PRD for this feature: …”

Ask for alternatives and critique

One answer is rarely perfect. Ask for multiple options, then request critique, trade-offs, or a recommendation.

This tends to reduce generic outputs and helps you find a direction quickly.

• “Give me 5 options with pros/cons.”
• “Pick the best option for my constraints and explain why.”
• “Critique your own answer and improve it.”

Examples you can copy

Try these prompts as templates (replace the bracketed parts):

• “Create a step-by-step plan for [goal] in 7 days. Keep steps under 20 minutes.”
• “Summarize this text in 5 bullets and propose next actions: [paste].”
• “Generate 10 headline ideas for [topic] in a curious tone.”
• “Ask me 5 questions to clarify my problem, then propose a solution.”

Explore more: prompt lists · prompt of the day.