You’ve probably heard about ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini but haven’t quite gotten around to trying them. It seems like something complicated, meant for programmers and tech enthusiasts. In reality, AI chatbots have already become universal assistants that can explain complex topics, plan trips, edit texts, and even create a weekly meal plan. Here are 7 ways to get started right now.

New to AI? 7 things you need to try with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini right now. Photo.

New to AI? 7 things you need to try with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini right now

How to Explain a Complex Topic in Simple Words Using AI

There are hundreds of terms around us that are easy to get confused by: cryptocurrency, machine learning, investing, rocket science. Usually, trying to figure things out turns into an endless journey through articles, research papers, and lengthy videos. ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini can break down any complex topic into understandable pieces, as if a patient friend were explaining it to you. Here are some prompts to start with:

  • “Explain cryptocurrency as if I were 10 years old”
  • “Why are gas prices going up?”
  • “Tell me the basics of investing for beginners”
  • “What is rocket science and how does it work?”

Simply put, instead of spending hours gathering information bit by bit, you get a clear explanation in seconds. The key is not to be shy about asking follow-up questions: “Explain it more simply”, “Give examples”, or “Can you keep it brief?”. The chatbot will adapt to your level.

Sometimes one prompt is enough to understand something that eluded you for weeks.

How to Use an AI Chatbot Instead of a Tutor

How to use an AI chatbot instead of a tutor. Flashcards, tests, lesson plans — this used to require a live teacher. Now one prompt is enough. Photo.

Flashcards, tests, lesson plans — this used to require a live teacher. Now one prompt is enough

AI can serve as a digital tutor for virtually any subject. Students can use chatbots to better understand what they’re learning in class. But it also works for those who simply want to learn something new — out of pure curiosity. Try these prompts:

  • “Create a 10-question quiz about Ancient Egypt”
  • “Make flashcards for memorizing history”
  • “Recommend 10 resources for learning information technology”
  • “Teach me the basics of Python programming”

The thing is, this kind of tutor is available 24/7 and is infinitely patient. It won’t roll its eyes if you ask it to explain the same thing for the third time. It can also adapt the format: want flashcards — you’ll get flashcards, want a test — you’ll get a test.

How to Quickly Summarize a Long Document Using AI

How to quickly summarize a long document using AI. A 40-page PDF? Now it's not a problem but a 30-second task. Photo.

A 40-page PDF? Now it’s not a problem but a 30-second task

You may have noticed that in ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, there’s a “+” button next to the input field. It allows you to upload photos and files, which the AI then analyzes. This means you can feed a long report, research paper, or multi-page contract to the chatbot and get a summary in seconds. Prompts for working with documents:

  • “Summarize this in five bullet points”
  • “Explain all of this in plain language”
  • “Highlight five key takeaways”

It turns out this trick saves not minutes, but hours. Especially if you need to quickly grasp the essence of a 20–30 page document. Upload the file, ask a question — and the AI will extract what matters most.

How to Find Ideas Using AI

Creative block is something everyone knows. What to cook for dinner? What topic to choose for a blog? How to entertain guests at a birthday party? AI chatbots are great at playing the role of an idea generator, which you can then adapt to your needs. Here are some prompts for inspiration:

  • “Help me create a workout plan for beginners”
  • “What are some unusual party themes?”
  • “Find the best free events in [city] this weekend”
  • “Come up with 10 dinner recipes for the week”

But that’s not all. The same chatbots help generate business ideas, YouTube video concepts, and article topics. Of course, you shouldn’t blindly copy the results. But as a starting point for brainstorming — it works great.

When your mind is blank and dinner is needed in an hour — AI comes to the rescue better than any cookbook.

How to Fix Text Using AI

How to fix text using AI. Neural networks have learned to write text no worse than humans. Image: linkedin.com. Photo.

Neural networks have learned to write text no worse than humans. Image: linkedin.com

If you constantly write — emails, resumes, cover letters, articles — you know how important a “second pair of eyes” on your text is. The problem is that a human editor isn’t always available. And this is where AI becomes your round-the-clock proofreader. Prompts for editing:

  • “Rewrite this email in a more professional tone”
  • “Fix grammatical errors and improve the clarity of the text”
  • “Make this paragraph more concise”
  • “Help improve my resume”

Just paste the text after the prompt — and the chatbot will suggest corrections. However, the final decision is always yours: AI helps but doesn’t replace the author’s common sense.

One prompt — and your email sounds as if it were written by a professional copywriter.

How to Create a Travel Itinerary Using AI

How to create a travel itinerary using AI. You can also plan trips and journeys with AI. Image: noblestudios.com. Photo.

You can also plan trips and journeys with AI. Image: noblestudios.com

Vacation planning is quite an ordeal. Where do you even start? ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini work as personal travel planners and can create a detailed itinerary in just a couple of minutes. Try these prompts:

  • “Create a 7-day itinerary for a trip to Tokyo”
  • “What should I pack for a week in Iceland in August?”
  • “What are the cheapest flights to Jamaica?”
  • “Where is the best place to go on vacation in summer?”

Of course, it’s worth double-checking the accuracy of prices and schedules. But as a starting point for planning — AI saves a lot of time and stress.