29/06/2025
With artificial intelligence becoming a daily tool for millions, knowing how to talk to chatbots is more important than ever. One simple mistake that many users make is starting their prompts with the word “can,” as in “Can you list…” or “Could you explain…” While polite, this soft approach can lead to vague or less effective responses. That’s because AI systems interpret prompts literally, and answering “Yes, I can” doesn’t always move the conversation forward.
Experts suggest using direct action verbs like “create,” “summarize,” or “list” instead. These give the AI a clearer command and produce more targeted, helpful results. As shared on social media, many users treat AI like a search engine, missing out on the real power of dialogue, refinement, and clarity. Prompting isn’t exact science — it’s more like a creative skill that improves with practice and precision.
The takeaway? Skip the formalities and get to the point. Clear, structured instructions lead to better answers, faster. And while politeness is never a bad thing, when it comes to AI, clarity wins.
Credit: Tom’s Guide report on AI prompt design, community commentary via Reddit AI forums, 2025
