Most ChatGPT users make this mistake: Three tips to avoid it

Every day, millions of people turn to ChatGPT for help with questions, tasks, and inspiration. But there’s a common mistake that even experienced users continue to make—and it’s quietly holding them back. Here’s how to avoid it and get much better results.

Short prompts are more effective

Long, detailed prompts often confuse the model or dilute the request, leading to vague or off-topic answers. According to a 2024 AI study, prompts with fewer than 12 words perform 22% better. Try replacing lengthy questions like “Can you help me write a blog post about summer road trips with kids?” with “Write tips for summer road trips with kids.” The difference is immediate and noticeable.

Start with a strong verb

Avoid filler phrases like “Can you tell me about…” or “Would you mind explaining…” Instead, begin your prompt with a direct action, such as “Compare,” “Summarize,” “List,” or “Rewrite.” For example, instead of “Could you maybe list some good books for teens?”, just say “List good books for teens.” This removes ambiguity and improves precision.

Add constraints in follow-ups

Trying to pack everything into one giant prompt leads to overload and lower-quality answers. It’s much better to build your request step by step. First ask “List 3 laptops under $1 000”, then refine with “Now filter by models with OLED screens.” This method helps the AI stay focused and accurate.

Less is more when it comes to prompting. By shortening your inputs, starting with a verb, and layering your requests, you’ll get faster, sharper and more relevant responses every time.