10 ChatGPT Prompts Anyone Can Use Today
A go-to guide for first-time users with real examples like writing a polite email, summarizing a news article, or planning a weekend.
If you’re brand new to ChatGPT, welcome – you’re exactly who this article is for. You’ve probably heard people talk about AI or large language models, but maybe it all felt a bit … technical. That ends here. Whether you’re writing emails, planning a weekend getaway, or just looking for faster answers, this guide will show you how to use ChatGPT today – without needing to be tech savvy.
This article is part of the ChatGPT for Beginners section of the AI Knowledge Base created by Google Keith – a resource made for real people who want real help. Everything below is practical, copy-and-paste ready, and explained in a way that makes sense, no jargon included.
Let’s get started with ten simple prompts that anyone can use – even if this is your first time opening ChatGPT.
Write a polite email asking for a day off
Why it matters: Writing professionally can be intimidating, especially when the stakes feel personal. This prompt helps you get it right with confidence.
Try this prompt: Write a polite email asking my manager for Friday off to attend a family event.
You’ll get a complete draft that sounds respectful, clear, and professional. You can adjust it for tone – casual or formal – or ask ChatGPT to add details like the date or reason.
Make my text sound more professional
Why it matters: Sometimes we know what we want to say, but the wording just doesn’t sound polished.
Try this prompt: Edit this to sound more professional: “Hey, just checking in on that thing we talked about.”
ChatGPT will instantly refine your message. This is perfect for emails, LinkedIn messages, or even feedback forms. You’ll sound confident, not robotic.
Plan a weekend in \[your city or destination]
Why it matters: Trip planning can be stressful. This prompt takes the pressure off and gives you options, fast.
Try this prompt: Plan a simple weekend in Nashville with food, music, and outdoor activities.
Whether you’re staying local or heading out of town, ChatGPT builds flexible, realistic itineraries. You can add preferences like no hiking or kid-friendly.
Make a packing list for a 3-day trip
Why it matters: Packing is one of those things we always think we can handle … until we forget toothpaste.
Try this prompt: Make a packing list for a 3-day trip to a warm city, including clothes, toiletries, and extras.
ChatGPT gives you a checklist you can print or keep on your phone. It’s quick peace of mind, and you can update it by season or destination.
Summarize this article in 3 bullet points
Why it matters: You don’t always have time to read a full article or report. ChatGPT can give you the short version.
Try this prompt: Summarize this article in 3 simple bullet points: \[paste article text or link]
Great for students, professionals, or anyone trying to stay informed without getting bogged down. You can ask for simpler language, key facts, or just a TL;DR version.
Explain this like I’m 12
Why it matters: Life is full of complex topics – inflation, climate change, insurance policies. This prompt makes those easier to grasp.
Try this prompt: Explain inflation like I’m 12 years old.
ChatGPT will simplify the idea using everyday language and relatable examples. It’s great for personal understanding or teaching others.
Give me 5 dinner ideas using chicken and rice
Why it matters: Deciding what to cook every night can be draining. This prompt helps you work with what you have.
Try this prompt: Give me 5 easy dinner ideas using chicken, rice, and whatever veggies I have in the fridge.
You’ll get a mix of recipes with short instructions, saving you time and decision fatigue. Ask for vegetarian swaps, budget-friendly meals, or kid-approved dishes.
Help me write a birthday message
Why it matters: You want it to sound thoughtful, but you’re not always sure what to say. ChatGPT has your back.
Try this prompt: Write a heartfelt birthday message for my sister who loves dogs and books.
ChatGPT will craft something personal and warm. You can tell it to make the message funny, poetic, or short enough to fit in a card.
Make a to-do list for cleaning my apartment
Why it matters: Organizing chores into a list helps make things manageable – especially when you’re overwhelmed.
Try this prompt: Create a simple checklist for cleaning my 1-bedroom apartment, room by room.
You’ll get a step-by-step breakdown that feels doable, not exhausting. You can even add things like include reminders to take breaks or make it into a weekend plan.
Remind me how to write a check
Why it matters: Some things we only do once in a while – and it’s okay to forget. ChatGPT makes it easy to get a refresher.
Try this prompt: How do I fill out a check properly, step by step?
The answer is clear, step-by-step, and comes without judgment. You can also ask follow-ups like Where do I write the amount in words? or What’s the memo line for?
Bonus Tips for First-Time ChatGPT Users
Now that you’ve seen how easy and useful these prompts are, here are a few bonus tips to help you get the most out of ChatGPT.
Use clear instructions
ChatGPT works best when your prompt is specific. You don’t need perfect grammar, just be clear about what you want.
Ask follow-up questions
You can keep the conversation going. If the first answer isn’t quite right, ask it to change the tone, expand, or shorten the reply.
Save your favorite prompts
Copy and paste your most-used prompts into a note or document so you don’t forget them. Or better yet, save your chat history if you’re logged in.
Where to Go Next
This article is part of the ChatGPT for Beginners section in the AI Knowledge Base by Google Keith. If these examples helped you, there’s much more waiting:
- Learn how to switch between GPT-3.5 and GPT-4.
- Get step-by-step walkthroughs of ChatGPT’s most useful features.
- Explore curated beginner paths for writing, productivity, education, and more.
Your journey into AI doesn’t need to feel confusing or overwhelming. It just needs a good starting point – and now you’ve got one.
Ready to go further? Head back to the ChatGPT for Beginners hub and try something new.
