Home › Getting started › How to Use ChatGPT as a Beginner: Ask AI These 3 Things

How to Use ChatGPT as a Beginner: Ask AI These 3 Things

When this happens

Everyone around you seems to be using AI, so you installed the ChatGPT app. Now you're staring at an empty chat box with no idea what to ask. You don't need a clever question to get started. Ask the AI what it can help with and how to ask it well, and it will show you how to use it in your own life.

Watch the video

Ask like this

I'm new to AI. Tell me just three things: 1) Five everyday ways you can help me 2) How to ask good questions, in 3 short lines 3) Then ask me one question to find what I'd use you for most.

The answer we got

Example AI chat
YouI'm new to AI. Tell me just three things: 1) Five everyday ways you can help me 2) How to ask good questions, in 3 short lines 3) Then ask me one question to find what I'd use you for most.
AIWelcome! Here's an easy way to start. 1) Everyday things I can help with · Polish a text or email: just say "make this more polite." · Plan meals: tell me what's in your fridge and I'll suggest dishes. · Summarize: I can shrink a long notice or article to three lines. · Plan ahead: shopping lists, weekend outings, to-do lists. · Explain things simply: I'll put confusing terms or news into plain words. 2) How to ask good questions · Start with the situation (who it's for, where you'll use it). · Say what format you want (3 lines, a table, a friendly tone). · Not quite right? Just say "shorter" or "simpler." 3) A question for you What's one task in your day that feels the most tedious or takes the longest? Tell me, and we'll start by making that one easier.

Tips for better results

  1. Answer question 3 however you like

    When the AI asks you something back, the conversation has started. Don't overthink it. Reply briefly with whatever comes to mind, and it will suggest next steps for that task.

    Deciding what to make for dinner every night is the worst. Help me plan dinners for the week.
  2. Too complicated? Say "simpler"

    If the answer has words you don't know, just ask again. You can ask as many times as you need.

    Explain your last answer again so a 10-year-old could follow it.
  3. Keep personal info out

    Don't type ID numbers, card numbers, passwords or other people's contact details into an AI chat. If you need to, replace them with something like "XXX" before you ask.

    Make this text more polite. (I replaced the name with XXX.)

Today's checklist

FAQ

Can I ask ChatGPT anything?

Yes. Type the way you'd talk to a person. AI answers can be wrong, though, so double-check anything important, like health, money or legal questions, with an official source or a professional.

Does this prompt work in other AI chats?

Yes. It isn't a special command for one service, just plain everyday language, so you'll get a similar answer in ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini.

Why is the answer a little different every time?

That's normal. AI rewords its answers even for the same question. If you don't like one, just ask it to "try again."

More in this category

🌱 Getting startedChatGPT Free: 5 Things to Try with AI TodayFive things to try today on the free plan🌱 Getting startedHow to Use Gemini: Snap a Photo and Ask AIHard to describe? Snap a photo and ask

‹ All Getting started guides

AI answers can vary by service and version. Double-check anything important before you use it.

Works in ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini.