Why ChatGPT 'Doesn't Work' for Some People: Common Prompt Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Ever felt like “ChatGPT is a bit off…”?
You spend time writing a prompt, but the response misses the point.
“Why doesn’t it get what I mean?”
Often, the issue isn’t ChatGPT’s performance—it’s the way the prompt is written.
This article breaks down the common mistakes of prompts that don’t work and shows how to fix them with simple techniques anyone can apply.
🚫 3 Common Mistakes in Bad Prompts
1. 🌀 Too vague
× “Make it sound good”
× “Write something cool”
AI struggles with “somehow.”
Without clear instructions like what to fix, how many words, and who it’s for, ChatGPT will fumble.
2. 🗂 Missing context
× “Improve this.” ← Improve what? For what purpose?
Unlike humans, AI doesn’t assume context.
Always add background and purpose upfront to get accurate results.
3. 🗣 No assigned role
× “What do you think of this sentence?”
○ “You are a professional editor. Please review this article and suggest improvements.”
By telling ChatGPT which role to take, the answers align much closer to your expectations.
✅ 3 Techniques for Successful Prompts
1. Communicate the situation and purpose
Example:
“You are a science teacher for elementary students. Rewrite the following so a 10-year-old can understand.”
2. Specify the output format
Example:
“Summarize into three bullet points / Markdown format / No more than 500 characters.”
3. Provide examples to follow
Example:
“Write in this style: ‘…, but actually…’.”
ChatGPT as a Co-Star, Prompts as Directing
If you treat ChatGPT like a search engine, you’ll likely be disappointed.
But if you treat it as a partner that thinks with you, it becomes far more powerful.
Writing prompts is like directing a co-star—the clearer your script, the better the performance.
📝 Conclusion: Prompting Is a New Communication Skill
Prompts aren’t commands. They’re entrances to dialogue with AI.
The key to using ChatGPT well lies in how you communicate with it—this is becoming a new literacy of the AI era.
If ChatGPT feels “off,” start by reviewing your prompts.
A small adjustment may turn frustration into productivity.