Better Options Please ChatGPT Prompt
TL;DR:
- The "Better Options, Please" prompt helps improve weak sections of your writing by generating three alternative versions
- Works by targeting specific problems like unclear language, wrong tone, or poor structure
- Saves editing time and gives you creative alternatives you might not have considered
- Available in all ChatGPT versions and works for any type of content
The "Better Options, Please" prompt is one of ChatGPT's most practical editing tools. Instead of just pointing out what's wrong with your writing, it gives you three concrete alternatives to choose from.
How the Prompt Works
When you spot a problem section in your writing, this prompt does two things. First, it identifies what's not working (maybe the tone is off, the sentence is too complex, or the structure doesn't flow). Then it generates three different ways to fix it.
Each suggestion typically takes a different approach. One might be straightforward and safe. Another could be more creative or bold. The third often balances clarity with personality.
Setting Up the Prompt
Here's how to get the best results:
Be specific about the problem. Don't just say "make this better." Tell ChatGPT what's wrong. "This paragraph is too wordy" or "the tone here sounds too formal for my audience."
Give context about your audience. A prompt for a technical manual needs different treatment than one for a blog post. The more context you provide, the better the alternatives will be.
Point to the exact section. Copy and paste the problematic text, then ask for the three alternatives.
Example in Action
Say you wrote: "The utilisation of this methodology will facilitate enhanced operational efficiency across multiple departmental frameworks."
You might prompt: "This sentence is too corporate and confusing. Give me three better options that explain this in plain English."
ChatGPT might respond with:
- This method helps departments work more efficiently.
- Use this approach to streamline how your teams operate.
- This technique improves efficiency across different departments.
Getting Better Results
The quality of alternatives depends on how well you describe the problem. Instead of "this doesn't sound right," try "this sounds too academic for a general audience" or "this paragraph is too long and loses the main point."
You can also combine elements from different suggestions. Sometimes the best version takes the structure from option one, the tone from option two, and a specific phrase from option three.
When This Prompt Works Best
This prompt shines when you know something's off but can't pinpoint the fix. It's particularly useful for:
- Simplifying overly complex sentences
- Adjusting tone for different audiences
- Improving flow between ideas
- Making abstract concepts more concrete
- Shortening wordy explanations
FAQs
Does this work for any type of writing?
Yes. Whether you're writing emails, reports, blog posts, or academic papers, the prompt adapts to whatever style and tone you specify.
What if I don't like any of the three options?
Use them as starting points. You can ask for variations on the option that's closest, or combine elements from multiple suggestions to create something new.
How do I know which alternative to choose?
Consider your audience and purpose. The safest option works for formal contexts. The creative option might suit marketing copy. The balanced option often works well for general business writing.
Can I use this for entire paragraphs?
Yes, though shorter sections typically get better results. For longer passages, try breaking them into smaller chunks.
Jargon Buster
Prompt: The instruction or question you give ChatGPT to get a specific type of response
Context: Background information about your audience, purpose, or style that helps ChatGPT generate more relevant suggestions
Wrap-up
The "Better Options, Please" prompt turns ChatGPT into an editing partner rather than just a writing tool. It's particularly valuable when you're stuck on a sentence or paragraph that isn't working but you can't figure out why.
The key is being specific about what needs fixing. The more precise your description of the problem, the more useful the alternatives will be. Don't be afraid to mix and match elements from different suggestions either.
Ready to improve your prompting skills? Join Pixelhaze Academy for more ChatGPT techniques and practical AI training.