Plain Words for Any AI
You don't need to be a technology person to get a clear answer. Type any of these short phrases into an AI model, along with your question or pasted text, and it will answer more plainly. Use the Copy button, or just type the words yourself.
Eight phrases that work
"Give me the bottom line up front."
(BLUF) The answer comes first, the explanation second.
"Give me the short version."
One or two sentences instead of a page.
"Keep it simple."
Plain words, no jargon.
"Who, what, when, where, and why?"
Makes sure nothing important is left out.
"What is the one thing you want me to do?"
Finds the ask in a long letter or report.
"Put this on one page."
Everything important, on a single page.
"Explain it in 30 seconds."
If it can't be said simply, it isn't clear yet.
"Say this in plain language."
So anyone can understand it on the first read.
Where do these work?
In any AI you can type to: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Meta AI, and Grok all understand them. They're ordinary words, so they keep working even when the company swaps the engine underneath. Curious who builds each one? See Who's Behind Your AI?
One habit to keep: these phrases change how the AI answers, not
what it sees. Everything you type still goes to the company that runs it.
If you wouldn't put it on a postcard, don't put it in a prompt.
Pass it on
Share this page with anyone who is just getting started — a neighbor, a church member, a grandparent. It prints on one page with ⌘+P (Mac) or Ctrl+P (Windows). We're all in this together.