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This tiny prompt change makes ChatGPT way more useful — here’s how
I write about AI for a living — here's my top 5 ChatGPT prompt tips
The #1 mistake people make when using ChatGPT — and how to fix it
I test ChatGPT for a living — 5 game-changing prompts to try next
I wasn’t sold on ChatGPT — until I tried these 5 prompts
Level up your ChatGPT use with these 6 practical and creative prompts
5 mind-blowing ChatGPT prompts you’ll wish you knew sooner
The ‘3-word rule’ that makes ChatGPT give expert-level responses
Amanda Caswell
27 May 2025
Add three words, get better results
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(Image credit: Shutterstock)
ChatGPT can do a lot. It can be used to write essays, summarize meetings and even act as your therapist in a pinch.
But if you’re still struggling to get personalized responses that go beyond the bland or overly basic, the problem might not be the AI. It could be your prompt.
That’s where the “3-word rule” comes in — a super-simple prompt tweak that can take your chatbot from surface-level answers to something that feels custom, thoughtful and expert-level.
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This tiny prompt change makes ChatGPT way more useful — here’s how
I write about AI for a living — here's my top 5 ChatGPT prompt tips
The #1 mistake people make when using ChatGPT — and how to fix it
What is the 3-word rule?
(Image credit: Petar Chernaev / Getty Images)
No, the three little words are not “I love you” — but it doesn’t hurt to be polite.
The concept is simple: Add a short, three-word directive to your prompt that tells ChatGPT how to respond. These three words can instantly shape the tone, voice and depth of the output. You’re not rewriting your whole question. You’re just giving the AI a lens through which to answer.
Here are a few examples that work surprisingly well:
“Like a lawyer” — for structured, detailed and logical responses
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“Be a teacher” — for simplified, clear and educational explanations
“Act like Hemingway” — for punchy, minimalist writing with impact
It’s kind of like casting the AI in a role, and then you're directing the performance with the specifics in your prompts.
Why it works
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
ChatGPT has been trained on a massive variety of writing styles and professional voices. When you give it a short cue — something like“like a professor" — it taps into that persona and shifts its tone accordingly.
That one tweak can turn a vague summary into something polished, insightful and audience-appropriate.
The 3-word rule is especially helpful when:
You want a response tailored to a specific audience
You need a certain tone, like persuasive or technical
You’re trying to avoid generic, shallow replies
It’s a lightweight form of prompt engineering that makes a big difference; no jargon or prompt-hacking required.
Prompts to try
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
Need a few starter ideas? These formats work across writing, research, translation and even creative tasks:
“Summarize this article like a journalist”
“Explain dark matter like a professor”
“Give feedback like a mentor”
“Write a poem like a songwriter”
“Translate this message like a diplomat”
You can swap in almost any role or voice that fits your needs: CEO, therapist, designer, coach, teenager or just about anyone else. The more specific, the better.
Each tweak helps ChatGPT interpret your request through a more useful lens, and the difference in quality is often immediate.
Final thoughts
The 3-word rule isn’t magic, but it’s close. It’s one of the easiest ways to upgrade your prompts and get smarter, more human-like responses from AI.
Whether you’re writing emails, building lesson plans or brainstorming your next novel, three extra words could make all the difference.
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Amanda Caswell
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Amanda Caswell is an award-winning journalist, bestselling YA author, and one of today’s leading voices in AI and technology. A celebrated contributor to various news outlets, her sharp insights and relatable storytelling have earned her a loyal readership. Amanda’s work has been recognized with prestigious honors, including outstanding contribution to media.
Known for her ability to bring clarity to even the most complex topics, Amanda seamlessly blends innovation and creativity, inspiring readers to embrace the power of AI and emerging technologies. As a certified prompt engineer, she continues to push the boundaries of how humans and AI can work together.
Beyond her journalism career, Amanda is a bestselling author of science fiction books for young readers, where she channels her passion for storytelling into inspiring the next generation. A long-distance runner and mom of three, Amanda’s writing reflects her authenticity, natural curiosity, and heartfelt connection to everyday life — making her not just a journalist, but a trusted guide in the ever-evolving world of technology.
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This tiny prompt change makes ChatGPT way more useful — here’s how
I write about AI for a living — here's my top 5 ChatGPT prompt tips
The #1 mistake people make when using ChatGPT — and how to fix it
I test ChatGPT for a living — 5 game-changing prompts to try next
I wasn’t sold on ChatGPT — until I tried these 5 prompts
Level up your ChatGPT use with these 6 practical and creative prompts
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