Most people type “explain this” into ChatGPT and then wonder why the answer feels flat and unclear.

Here are 14 prompts you can copy and adjust for any topic. Use them to get clearer, step-by-step explanations instead of short, generic replies.

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1. The Ultimate Explainer

"You are an expert teacher who explains complex ideas in simple, accurate language. Explain [TOPIC] to me. – Assume I know [YOUR LEVEL] – Start with a big-picture overview – Then use numbered sections with headings – Add concrete examples and simple analogies – Finish with 5 bullet-point takeaways."

1. Level Me Up (Kid → Student → Pro)

"Explain [TOPIC] in 3 levels:

1. Like I’m 10 years old
2. Like I’m in high school
3. Like I’m a university student in this field

End each level with a tiny recap before moving to the next."

1. Analogy First, Then Real Thing

"Explain [TOPIC] using an everyday analogy first. Then clearly map each part of the analogy to the real concept. Finally, re-explain [TOPIC] in proper technical terms and list where the analogy breaks down."

1. Socratic Tutor Mode

"Act as a Socratic tutor for [TOPIC]. Don’t lecture. Ask me one question at a time. After each answer: – Correct or expand it in 2–4 sentences – Rate my understanding from 1–10 – Ask the next best question."

1. For Different Audiences