Five prompt patterns that make AI output reliable

1. Give context before the task

Tell the model who the output is for, why it matters and what good looks like. Context is the single biggest lever on quality.

2. Show an example

One good example of the output you want is worth a paragraph of instructions.

3. Specify the format

Ask for a table, bullet list or JSON with named fields. Structure makes output easy to check and easy to use in automations.

4. State the constraints

Length limits, tone, what to avoid and what to do when unsure — say it explicitly.

5. Ask it to check its work

End with a review step: list assumptions, flag anything uncertain. Then verify the important claims yourself.