Everyday AI
Five Everyday Things You Can Ask ChatGPT Today
The hardest part of using AI isn't the technology. It's knowing what to ask.
So here are five that work straight away. Copy one, paste it into ChatGPT, and swap in your own details where it says [like this].
1. Write a friendly email
The best first use for most people. Tell it who it's for and what the tone should be.
Example prompt
Write a short, warm email to a neighbour thanking them for looking after my plants while I was away. Keep it friendly and chatty, not formal. Use British English, under 120 words, and leave a [bracket] where I should add their name.
If it comes out too florid, just say: "Make it more down-to-earth, please."
2. Plan a simple meal
Describe what's actually in the fridge. The more specific you are, the less it'll suggest things you'd need to go and buy.
Example prompt
I have chicken thighs, potatoes, a red pepper, half an onion and a tin of chopped tomatoes. Suggest a simple, healthy evening meal for two using mostly those ingredients. It should take under 40 minutes and use everyday cooking methods. Give me clear step-by-step instructions.
3. Find something inexpensive to do
This one works best over a conversation rather than a single question — notice that it asks you something back.
Example prompt
Suggest five inexpensive activities I could do this weekend. I like being outdoors and finding good coffee. Ask me where I live before suggesting specific places.
Tell it your town, and you'll get ideas tailored to you. Double-check opening times and prices separately, though — this is the sort of detail it can get wrong.
4. Start a new hobby
Useful if you've got a vague interest but no idea where to begin.
Example prompt
I'd like to start a new hobby that doesn't cost much and doesn't need special equipment. Suggest four options and, for each one, tell me what to do in the first week.
5. Explain something complicated
Genuinely one of the most useful things it does. You can paste in a letter, a manual or an article and ask for a plain-English version.
Example prompt
Please explain what an "energy standing charge" is in simple, everyday English, as if I've never seen an energy bill before. Give me a short example with round numbers.
For anything medical, legal or financial, use AI to understand the language — then check the actual decision with your doctor, solicitor or adviser.
Try them in any order
You don't have to do all five. Pick the one that sounds most useful to you, and if the answer isn't quite right, ask for a change. That conversational back-and-forth is where the value is.
In short
Five solid prompts will get you started. Then the real skill is simply asking for adjustments until it fits.
Ready for the next one?
Have a browse through the Learning Library — there's no exam at the end, promise.
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