When this helps: You’ve encountered a new idea, term, or concept and the definition alone isn’t helping. You need to see it in action to truly get it.

One-Tap Reset (If You’re Foggy)

I'm foggy. Please slow down, 3 bullets, plain words.

Real Example (Before → After)

Your question:

What is ’text expansion'?

What you get with EXAMPLE:

Concept: Text Expansion

Simple Definition: A tool that automatically turns a short typed code into a longer piece of text.

Analogy: It’s like a keyboard shortcut for your own words. You know how Ctrl+C copies? With text expansion, you could make ;em type out your full email address.

Real-World Example:

  • You type: ;addr
  • It expands to: 123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345

How it helps with MS: Saves typing, which reduces hand fatigue and saves energy. You type less but say more.

The Prompt (Copy This)

I need to understand the concept of [CONCEPT OR TERM].

Explain it to me with:
1. A simple, one-sentence definition.
2. An analogy that connects it to something I already know.
3. A concrete, real-world example of it in action.
4. A one-sentence explanation of how it might be useful for someone managing a chronic illness like MS.

Voice-First Cue (For Dictation)

Say this into your phone or computer:

“Explain text expansion with an example” (then state your concept)

What AI Will Give You

After you ask for an example, the AI will provide a four-part explanation:

  1. A simple definition to start.
  2. An analogy to make it relatable.
  3. A concrete example so you can see it work.
  4. A connection to your life to show you why it matters.

Typical response time: 20-40 seconds

Variations for Different Situations

For a Software Feature

Explain the concept of "layers" in Photoshop.

Give me an analogy using physical objects, a real example of how a designer would use it, and why it's a powerful feature.

For a Health or Medical Concept

Explain the concept of "neuroplasticity" for someone with MS.

Use an analogy related to exercise or learning a skill. Provide a real-world example of an activity that promotes it.

For a Productivity Method

Explain the "Pomodoro Technique."

Use an analogy related to cooking or sports. Give me a real-world example of how to apply it to a task like "writing a report."

Pro Tips

Make the analogy personal: Add: “Use an analogy related to [YOUR HOBBY OR INTEREST], like gardening or video games.”

Get multiple examples: Add: “Give me three different real-world examples.”

Focus on the benefit: Add: “Focus the explanation on how this concept can help me save time and energy.”

Quick Reference

If you’re learning a… Use this variation
Software feature “Explain [FEATURE]. Use an analogy with physical objects.”
Medical concept “Explain [CONCEPT] for someone with MS. Use an analogy of exercise.”
Productivity method “Explain [METHOD]. Use an analogy related to cooking or sports.”
Abstract idea “Explain [IDEA]. Give me three different real-world examples.”

Why This Works

The “EXAMPLE” trigger:

  • Moves the AI beyond simple definitions into application.
  • The four-part structure (Definition, Analogy, Example, Usefulness) is a powerful way to learn, as it connects abstract ideas to concrete realities.
  • Analogies are particularly effective for bridging the gap between the known and the unknown.

The psychology:

  • Brain fog can make it hard to grasp abstract concepts. Examples make them tangible.
  • Seeing a concept in a real-world context answers the “so what?” question, which increases motivation to learn and use it.

Works across all AI platforms:

  • ChatGPT (free or paid)
  • Claude (free or paid)
  • Microsoft Copilot
  • Google Gemini

Understand Anything, Faster

Stop getting stuck on jargon. Get 5 Essential Prompts for MS Brain Fog - includes EXAMPLE, plus prompts for simplifying documents (ELI5), making decisions (BLUF), and breaking down tasks (STEPS).

Troubleshooting

“The example is too generic.”

  • Add more context to your prompt. “My goal is to use this for managing my medication schedule. Give me an example related to that.”

“The analogy doesn’t make sense to me.”

  • Ask for another one! “Give me a different analogy, this time related to [A TOPIC YOU KNOW WELL].”

“I still don’t see how it applies to me.”

  • Be direct: “How can I use [CONCEPT] to specifically help with [A PROBLEM YOU HAVE]?”

Next Steps

Just learned EXAMPLE? Try these next:

  1. The ELI5 Prompt for Medical Documents - For when you have a specific document to simplify.
  2. The what-is Prompt for Quick Definitions - For when you just need a fast definition, not a full example.
  3. The steps Prompt for Overwhelming Tasks - Turn your new understanding into an action plan.

Note: These explanations are for understanding concepts and are not a substitute for professional or expert advice. Always consult a qualified professional for medical, financial, or legal matters.

Part of the MS & AI resource library. Built by someone who gets it, for people who need systems that work on hard days.