When this helps: You wrote something when you were sharp, but now you’re foggy and can’t understand your own notes. Or someone sent you dense text that needs to be simpler.

One-Tap Reset (If You’re Foggy)

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

Real Example (Before → After)

What you’re trying to read:

The implementation of the asynchronous data synchronization protocol necessitates the utilization of webhook endpoints to facilitate real-time bidirectional communication between the client application and the server infrastructure.

What you get with rewrite simple:

To sync data in real time, the app and server talk to each other using webhooks.

The Prompt (Copy This)

Rewrite this in simple language. Use short sentences, common words, and clear structure:

[PASTE TEXT HERE]

Voice-First Cue (For Dictation)

Say this into your phone or computer:

“Rewrite this text keep it simple” (then paste the text)

What AI Will Give You

After you paste complex text, the AI will:

  1. Replace jargon with common words (utilization → use, facilitate → help)
  2. Break long sentences into short ones (30-word sentence → three 10-word sentences)
  3. Remove unnecessary complexity (keeps only what matters)
  4. Use concrete examples (abstract concepts → specific examples)

Typical response time: 10-20 seconds

Variations for Different Situations

For Your Own Notes

I wrote this when I was sharp. Now I'm foggy and can't understand it. Rewrite in simple, clear language:

[PASTE YOUR NOTES]

For Technical Documentation

Rewrite this technical text for someone with brain fog. Use simple words, short sentences, and concrete examples:

[PASTE TECHNICAL TEXT]

For Medical Information

Rewrite this medical text in plain English. Explain terms and use analogies where helpful:

[PASTE MEDICAL TEXT]

For Work Documents

Simplify this for a quick skim on a low-energy day. Keep key points, remove fluff:

[PASTE WORK DOCUMENT]

Pro Tips

For extreme simplification: Add: “Use only 5th grade vocabulary. No words over 3 syllables.”

To keep it professional: Add: “Keep it simple but still professional (not casual or childish)”

For specific audience: Add: “Rewrite for someone who knows nothing about [TOPIC]”

To add structure: Add: “Break into bullet points with bold headers”

Quick Reference

If the text is… Use this variation
Your own notes “I wrote this sharp. Now foggy. Simplify.”
Technical docs “Simplify for brain fog. Short sentences, concrete examples.”
Medical info “Plain English. Explain terms. Use analogies.”
Work document “Simplify for quick skim. Keep key points only.”
Really complex “Use 5th grade vocabulary. No words over 3 syllables.”

Why This Works

The “rewrite simple” trigger:

  • AI recognizes instruction to simplify, not just fix
  • Reduces sentence complexity (syntax easier to parse)
  • Replaces multi-syllable words with short ones
  • Preserves meaning while reducing cognitive load

The psychology:

  • Brain fog makes complex syntax feel like word soup
  • Simple sentences require less working memory
  • Familiar words process faster than jargon
  • Clear structure (bullets, short paragraphs) easier to scan

Works across all AI platforms:

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

Complete Clarity Toolkit

Stop rereading the same sentence 5 times. Get 5 Essential Prompts for MS Brain Fog - includes rewrite simple, ELI5, TL;DR, and prompts for breaking down complexity.

Troubleshooting

“It’s still too complex”

  • Add: “Simpler. 5th grade level. Use only common words.”
  • Or: “Explain like I’m 5 years old”

“It lost important details”

  • Add: “Keep all the key facts, just simplify the language”
  • Or: “Simplify but don’t remove any steps or numbers”

“It sounds too childish now”

  • Add: “Simple but professional. Not talking down.”
  • Or: “Clear and direct, but still appropriate for work”

“I need to understand specific terms”

  • Add: “Define any technical terms in plain language”
  • Or: “After simplifying, list the jargon words with simple definitions”

Next Steps

Just learned rewrite simple? Try these next:

  1. The ELI5 Prompt for Medical Documents - Simplify with analogies
  2. The TL;DR Prompt for Long Emails - Extract just what matters
  3. The fix Prompt for Writing Errors - Clean up your writing

Want more simplification prompts?

  • “Explain this using an analogy”
  • “What’s the one-sentence version?”
  • “Rewrite this for audio (someone listening, not reading)”

See the full library at /prompts/

Note: Simplification helps understanding but may lose nuance. For critical information (legal, medical, financial), verify understanding with an expert.

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