42 Most Commonly Used Keywords in ChatGPT Prompts for Content Creation

This blog post contains 42 most commonly used keywords in ChatGPT prompts, with usage notes and example prompts. These keywords are organized into 8 main categories, plus a miscellaneous group, based on their functions.

Avid readers may notice this is an excellent list of commonly-used keywords for content creation, but it goes beyond that. This list is versatile enough to support both creative and non-creative tasks, and useful for everyday and professional applications.

(I) Explaining and Describing

1. Explain, Clarify

Usage: These keywords are used to request detailed information or make a concept easier to understand.

Example Prompts:
“Explain the process of machine learning in simple terms”
“Clarify the difference between supervised and unsupervised learning.”

2. Describe

Usage: This keyword is used to request a detailed depiction of an object, situation, concept, or experience to provide a clear and vivid understanding.

Example Prompt: “Describe the playful behavior of a kitten when it encounters a new toy.”

3. Define

Usage: This keyword is used to request the meaning or explanation of a specific term or concept.

Example Prompt: “Define the term ‘natural language processing’ and its role in AI systems.”

4. Elaborate

Usage: This keyword is used to request additional details or a more in-depth explanation of a given idea or topic.

Example Prompt: “Elaborate on the benefits of maintaining a consistent posting schedule for content creators.”

5. Illustrate

Usage: This keyword is used to request ChatGPT to clarify a concept or make an idea easier to understand by using examples or analogies

Example Prompt: “Illustrate the concept of ‘overfitting’ in machine learning using a simple analogy.”

6. Break Down, Dissect

Usage: These keywords are used to request a step-by-step explanation or a thorough examination of a complex topic.

Example Prompts:
“Break down the steps involved in training an AI model.”
“Dissect the structure of a persuasive essay to identify its key elements.

(II) Summarizing and Simplifying

7. Simplify

Usage: This keyword is used to request a simpler or more straightforward explanation of an idea, to make it easier to understand.

Example Prompt: “Simplify the concept of blockchain technology for someone new to the topic.”

8. Summarize

Usage: This keyword is used to request a concise overview or to shorten a larger body of information, focusing on the most important points.

Example Prompt: “Summarize the main takeaways from this article on time management.”

9. Highlight

Usage: This keyword is used to request an emphasis on the most important points, features, or details of a given topic or text.

Example Prompt: “Highlight the key traits that make Maine Coon cats unique.”

(III) Listing and Structuring

10. List

Usage: This keyword is used to request an organized enumeration of items, ideas, or points, often in bullet or numbered format.

Example Prompt: “List the top 5 benefits of adopting a rescue cat.”

11. Organize, Sort, Group, Categorize, Arrange

Usage: These keywords are used to request ChatGPT to arrange information into a clear structure, categories, or logical order.

Example Prompts:
“Organize these productivity tips into categories based on their focus.”
“Sort these countries by their population size.”
“Group these expenses into fixed and variable costs.”
“Categorize these apps into productivity, social media, and entertainment.”

12. Arrange

Usage: This keyword is used to request the placement of items in a specific sequence or order.

Example Prompt: “Arrange these steps for baking a cake in the correct order.”

13. Outline

Usage: This keyword is used to request a structured framework or plan that organizes key points or steps in a logical sequence.

Example Prompt: “Outline the main sections of a blog post about AI in education.”

14. Prioritize

Usage: This keyword is used to request ChatGPT to arrange a list of items based on their importance or urgency.

Example Prompt: “Prioritize these marketing strategies for a small business with limited resources.”

(IV) Comparing and Analyzing

15. Compare, Contrast

Usage: These keywords are used to request an analysis of similarities (compare) and differences (contrast) between two or more items, ideas, or concepts.

Example Prompts:
“Compare the features of ChatGPT and other AI writing tools.”
“Contrast the benefits of working remotely versus in an office.”

16. Analyze

Usage: This keyword is used to request a detailed examination or breakdown of a topic, concept, or data set.

Example Prompt: “Analyze the factors contributing to the success of viral social media campaigns.”

17. Examine

Usage: This keyword is used to request a close inspection or detailed observation of a topic, to deeply evaluate it or to uncover insights.

Example Prompt: “Examine the potential challenges of adopting AI in small businesses.”

18. Evaluate

Usage: This keyword is used to request ChatGPT to assess a topic, often considering both strengths and weaknesses.

Example Prompt: “Evaluate the benefits and potential risks of adding vegetables to a cat’s diet.”

19. Differentiate

Usage: This keyword is used to request a clear distinction between two or more items by identifying their differences.

Example Prompt: “Differentiate between supervised and unsupervised learning in AI.”

20. Assess

Usage: This keyword is used to request ChatGPT to evaluate a topic, often by weighing its strengths and weaknesses.

Example Prompt: “Assess the pros and cons of feeding cats a raw diet.”

(V) Creating and Generating Content

21. Create

Usage: This keyword is used to request ChatGPT to generate original content, such as stories, poems, scripts, or designs.

Example Prompt: “Create a short bedtime story about a kitten who discovers a hidden garden.”

22. Compose, Write, Craft, Generate

Usage: These keywords are used to request ChatGPT to produce written content, ranging from polished and creative outputs to general-purpose text.

Example Prompts:
“Compose a heartfelt thank-you email for my mentor at work.”
“Write a guide on how to introduce a new cat to your household.”
“Craft a catchy tagline for a pet grooming business.”
“Generate 20 ideas for a sci-fi short story.”

23. Draft

Usage: This keyword is used to request a preliminary version of content, such as an outline or rough draft, with the intention of further refining it.

Example Prompt: “Draft a speech for a company event celebrating its 10th anniversary.”

24. Brainstorm

Usage: This keyword is used to request a list of creative ideas, often as a starting point for exploration or discussion.

Example Prompt: “Brainstorm ideas for a YouTube channel focused on cat care and training.”

25. Formulate

Usage: This keyword is used to request ChatGPT to come up with a structured plan, strategy, or argument based on specific goals or requirements.

Example Prompt: “Formulate a content calendar for a blog focused on digital marketing tips.”

(VI)  Improving or Adapting Content

26. Rewrite, Repurpose, Adapt

Usage: These keywords are used to request a reworking or modification of existing content to fit a new purpose, audience, or format.

Example Prompts:
“Rewrite this blog post on AI productivity tools to make it more engaging for beginners.”
“Repurpose this research paper into a social media post for LinkedIn.”
“Adapt the content of this email newsletter for an SMS marketing campaign.”

27. Improve, Improvise, Refine, Polish

Usage: These keywords are used to request ChatGPT to enhance or fine-tune existing content, usually to make them clearer, more effective, or more polished.

Example Prompts:
“Improve this product description to make it more persuasive for first-time cat owners.”
“Improvise this list of solutions for managing remote teams more efficiently in a digital workspace.”
“Refine this draft to make the argument stronger and more convincing.”
“Polish this resume to highlight key achievements and skills more effectively.”

28. Revise

Usage: This keyword is used to request changes or edits to content, often for the purpose of improving clarity, structure, or accuracy.

Example Prompt: “Revise this blog post on AI tools for clarity and flow.”

29. Modify

Usage: This keyword is used to request ChatGPT to adjust existing content, designs, or processes to better suit specific needs or preferences.

Example Prompt: “Modify this cat care guide to include tips for introducing a new kitten to an older cat.”

30. Optimize, Enhance

Usage: These keywords are used to request improvements that make content more efficient, effective, or suitable for specific goals.

Example Prompts:
“Optimize this website’s landing page to increase conversion rates for visitors.”
“Enhance this product review by adding more detailed comparisons with competitors.”

30. Paraphrase

Usage: This keyword is used to request a rephrasing of text, making it simpler, clearer, or more suitable for a specific audience or purpose.

Example Prompt: “Paraphrase this technical explanation so it’s easier for a general audience to understand.”

31. Streamline

Usage: This keyword is used to request simplifying or making content more concise without losing key information.

Example Prompt: “Streamline this instruction manual to make it quicker to read while keeping the important steps.”

(VII) Requesting Feedback or Suggestions

32. Critique

Usage: This keyword is used to request constructive feedback or evaluation of content or ideas from ChatGPT, often focusing on areas of improvement.

Example Prompt: “Critique this article on AI ethics and suggest ways to strengthen the arguments.”

33. Suggest, Propose

Usage: These keywords are used to request recommendations or ideas for a certain topic.

Example Prompts:
“Suggest three ways to improve engagement on a YouTube channel about cat care.”
“Propose a strategy for integrating AI tools into a small business workflow.”

34. Recommend

Usage: This keyword is used to request specific advice or guidance on particular needs or goals.

Example Prompt: “Recommend the best types of cat food for a kitten with a sensitive stomach.”

35. Advise

Usage: This keyword is used to request (expert) guidance or suggestions, often to help with making a decision.

Example Prompt: “Advise on the best ways to train a rescue cat to adjust to a new home.”

36. Proofread

Usage: This keyword is used to request ChatGPT to review content to identify and correct any spelling, grammar, punctuation, or other language errors.

Example Prompt: “Proofread this blog post on cat grooming tips to ensure there are no grammatical mistakes.”

(VIII) Assigning Personas to ChatGPT

37. Imagine, Pretend

Usage: These keywords are used to ask ChatGPT to assume the perspective or role of a specific persona or character, and respond accordingly.

Example Prompt:
“Imagine you are a successful travel blogger. How would you write a review for a five-star hotel?
“Pretend you are a professional chef. What are the best techniques for preparing a gourmet meal at home?”

38. Act As

Usage: This keyword is used to request that ChatGPT take on a particular role or persona in order to provide responses from that perspective.

Example Prompt: “Act as a seasoned YouTuber with over a million subscribers. How would you pitch a brand collaboration?”

(IX) Miscellaneous

39. Visualize, Predict, Envision

Usage: These keywords are used to request ChatGPT to create mental images, projections, or conceptualizations for a specified topic.

Example Prompts:
“Visualize the future of self-driving vehicles and how they might change city infrastructure.”
“Predict the impact of AI tools on the future of content creation.”
“Envision a world where AI helps automate everyday tasks in households.”

40. Customize, Personalize

Usage: These keywords are used to request adjustments to content to suit individual preferences or specific needs.

Example Prompts:
“Customize this email template to address the unique preferences of each student in this list.”
“Personalize the content of this blog post to appeal to pet owners in urban areas.”

41. Translate, Interpret

Usage: These keywords are used to request the conversion of content from one language to another, or to explain the meaning of content in a different context.

Example Prompts:
“Translate this article on digital marketing from English to Spanish.”
“Interpret the results of this survey to identify key trends and insights.”

42. Search, Retrieve

Usage: These keywords are used to request ChatGPT to find or fetch information, data, or resources (from the web).

Example Prompts:
“Search for the latest research on cat behavior and summarize the findings.”
“Retrieve data on the most popular AI tools for content creation in 2024.”