10 everyday AI prompts you can copy and check
Copy ten original prompts for emails, checklists, spreadsheet help and more. Each includes a specific check before you use the answer.

A vague AI request leaves room for invented details. These ten original prompt templates apply Google's advice to specify the task, context and output format.
These are original, untested prompt templates based on documentation. The screenshot shows Google's prompting framework. Examples are fictional; replace them with material you have permission to share.
- Open the AI chat service you already use and start a new chat.
- Copy one prompt below. Replace its sample text with your own non-sensitive information.
- Send it, then perform the check under that prompt before using the answer.
Keep passwords, customer details and confidential documents out of the chat. Google's embedded Workspace AI features require an eligible plan; these text templates do not require that particular integration.
1. Shorten an email
Rewrite this fictional email in under 35 words. Keep both dates and the request. Add nothing: 'Can you send the draft by 14 October? We need to review it before the meeting on 16 October. Please confirm.'
Check: Compare the dates and request with the original before sending.
2. Summarise a supplied notice
Summarise this fictional notice in two bullets. Cite its supporting words. Add nothing: 'The room is closed Monday for painting. Tuesday bookings can go ahead. Bring cups because the kitchen is unavailable.'
Check: Check that each bullet has support in the notice. Delete anything added.
3. Make a checklist
Make a checklist using only these fictional notes: 'Before the workshop: print 12 handouts, test the projector, arrange chairs. Afterward: collect feedback slips and return the key.'
Check: Compare each checklist item with your notes and check the before/after grouping.
4. Extract meeting actions
Extract action, owner and deadline into a table. Use 'not stated' for missing details: 'Mina sends the agenda by Friday. Joel books the room. Someone checks the projector before Tuesday.'
Check: Check every owner and deadline. Keep missing details marked as missing.
5. Explain a computer term
Explain 'file extension' to a beginner in under 70 words. Use report.pdf. Explain why renaming it to report.jpg does not convert the file.
Check: Compare the explanation with the linked file-terms guide.
Quick takeaway
Copy one prompt and supply only information you may share. Compare the reply with your input before using it, especially dates, names and numbers. Asking the chatbot to check itself does not establish accuracy.
6. Understand an error message
Explain this fictional error to a beginner: 'Upload failed: maximum file size is 5 MB.' Give two checks without changing settings, running commands or downloading software.
Check: Check the limit in the receiving service's help before changing the file.
7. Ask for a spreadsheet formula
In Google Sheets, B2:B4 contains 12, 8 and 10. Give one formula to add them, the expected answer and a one-sentence explanation of the range.
Check: Expect =SUM(B2:B4) and 30. Check the range before using your own data.
8. Turn rows into CSV
Return only CSV with columns Item,Quantity. Quote fields when necessary. Fictional rows: red pen: 2; notebook, A5: 3; folder: 1. Add no code block.
Check: Check that notebook, A5 stays inside one quoted field.
9. Compare two versions
List only factual changes. Old: 'Workshop: 10 am Friday, Room A. Bring a notebook.' New: 'Workshop: 11 am Friday, Room B. Bring a notebook.'
Check: Expect changes to the time and room, with Friday and the notebook unchanged.
10. Create a reusable template
Replace variable details with square-bracket placeholders. Add no rules: 'Pottery workshop: 18 October, 2 pm, Studio 4. Bring an apron. Confirm by 15 October.'
Check: Replace every placeholder before sharing. Check that no rule was added.
If the answer adds something you did not supply
Ask: “Show which words in my input support each detail. Mark unsupported details as missing.” Then check it yourself. Asking the same chatbot to review its answer does not establish accuracy.
For file and formula checks, use our file-terms guide and Sheets examples.
Sources: Google's prompting guidance (opens in a new tab) and Gemini privacy guidance (opens in a new tab). Framework screenshot ©Google, cropped to its four labels. Prompt templates by HoldMyTwist.
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From holdmytwist.com/guides/everyday-ai-prompts-beginners/


