ChatGPT Prompt Engineering Basics: 7 Patterns That Work
Good prompts are not magic words. They are clear instructions with the right context. These seven patterns work in ChatGPT, Claude and most other AI assistants, and you can start using them today.
1. Give it a role
Tell the assistant who to be. Example: "You are an experienced email copywriter for small online shops."
2. State the task clearly
Say exactly what you want done, in one or two sentences. Example: "Write three subject lines for a sale email that ends on Sunday."
3. Add context
The assistant cannot guess your situation. Include the audience, goal, tone and any facts it must use. Example: "The shop sells handmade candles. Customers are mostly women aged 25 to 40. Tone: warm and playful."
4. Set constraints and format
Ask for the shape you need: length, structure, language, reading level. Example: "Reply as a table with three columns, under 120 words."
5. Show an example
Paste one example of what good looks like and ask for more in that style. This single step improves results more than almost anything else.
6. Ask it to think step by step
For problems with several parts, ask for the steps before the answer. Example: "List the steps, then give your final recommendation."
7. Iterate and save templates
Treat the first answer as a draft. Reply with what to change ("shorter, more direct, remove the jargon"). When a prompt works, save it as a template and reuse it.
Check the answer
AI can sound confident and still be wrong. Verify facts, numbers and quotes before you rely on them.
Free course: ChatGPT & Prompt Engineering
Write prompts that work — templates and systems for writing, coding and research.
Start free →Frequently asked questions
Do these patterns work with Claude too?
Yes. The same principles work with ChatGPT, Claude and other assistants. Our Prompting Claude course covers Claude in detail.
What is prompt engineering?
It is the skill of writing clear instructions and context so an AI assistant gives you more useful, reliable results.
Is the prompt engineering course free?
Yes. ChatGPT & Prompt Engineering and Prompting Claude are both free, with no card required.