The Prompt (Copy This)
Rewrite this in simple language. Use short sentences, common words, and clear structure:
[PASTE TEXT HERE]
| Readiness | Details |
|---|---|
| Energy check | Low (2-3 minutes). Works on foggy days (2/10 energy). Voice-dictation friendly. |
| You’ll need | ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, or Gemini (free tiers work). |
| MS varies | Keep what helps; skip what doesn’t. Adapt to your energy and supports. |
This is a clarity tool; it helps make complex text understandable without changing the core message.
Warning: Simplifying text can remove important nuance. For legal, medical, or financial information, always verify the simplified version with a qualified expert before acting.
What AI Will Give You
After you paste complex text, the AI will:
- Replace jargon with common words (utilization → use, facilitate → help)
- Break long sentences into short ones (30-word sentence → three 10-word sentences)
- Remove unnecessary complexity (keeps only what matters)
- Use concrete examples (abstract concepts → specific examples)
Example Output Snapshot
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.”
Voice-First Cue (For Dictation)
Say this into your phone or computer:
“Rewrite this text keep it simple” (then paste or read the text)
Complete Clarity Toolkit
Need the full set? Read 5 Essential Prompts for MS Brain Fog — includesrewrite simple, ELI5, TL;DR, and prompts for breaking down complexity.Variations & Pro Tips
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 audiences: 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 & Troubleshooting
Why This Works
The “rewrite simple” trigger:
- Signals the AI to simplify, not just fix typos
- Reduces sentence complexity so syntax is easier to parse
- Swaps multi-syllable words for common language
- Preserves meaning while cutting cognitive load
The psychology:
- Brain fog makes dense syntax feel like word soup
- Short, familiar words process faster than jargon
- Clear structure (bullets, short paragraphs) is easier to scan
Works across all AI platforms:
- ChatGPT (free or paid)
- Claude (free or paid)
- Microsoft Copilot
- Google Gemini
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 definitions of key terms.”
- Add: “Define any technical terms in plain language.”
- Or: “After simplifying, list each jargon word with a simple definition.”
Next Steps
- The
ELI5Prompt for Medical Documents — Simplify complex medical text with analogies. - The
TL;DRPrompt for Long Emails — Extract only what matters. - The
fixPrompt for Writing Errors — Clean up grammar after you simplify.
Disclaimer
Simplifying text can remove nuance. For legal, medical, or financial information, verify with a qualified expert before acting.
Part of the MS & AI resource library. Built by someone who gets it, for people who need systems that work on hard days.