1. Structure saves thinking time

AI can turn a messy shopping list, fictional meeting notes or brainstorming session into a table. Decide the columns before asking. A useful table is easy to scan and has one idea per row.

2. Define the units and categories

For a list of expenses, say whether amounts are pounds, euros or dollars; whether dates are UK format; and whether items can belong to more than one group. If a value is missing, use “unknown” instead of zero. Otherwise the table looks accurate while concealing gaps.

3. Keep numbers out of the imagination department

AI text can make arithmetic errors. Recalculate important totals with a calculator or spreadsheet and test a sample of rows. If the assistant supports actual spreadsheet analysis, verify its assumptions and formulas rather than trusting a polished chart.

4. Don’t manufacture precision

A comparison may be useful with broad labels such as low, medium and high effort. Don’t invent a percentage saving or cost estimate from thin air. Ask for assumptions to be shown and distinguish example figures from verified ones.

5. A simple table review

Check that every input item appears once, the columns mean what you think they mean, dates use the correct format, missing fields are obvious and totals agree with the original.

See it in action

This example shows how to apply the lesson. You can reuse the structure with safe, fictional or public details.

Check the worked result

The five example expenses total £32.90: £4.50 + £7.20 + £12.00 + £3.20 + £6.00. Check that the table contains all five items once. Categories such as “travel” and “food” are suggested labels, not facts supplied by the original list.

Now change the input: add “parking — price unknown”. The known subtotal remains £32.90, but the complete total is unknown. Writing £0 for parking would quietly turn missing information into a false claim.

Your practical exercise

Create eight fictional purchases or a set of made-up event tasks. Ask AI to put them into a table, then manually check that no item or amount has been changed. Verify the total using a calculator.

Check your understanding

Answer in your own words before opening each explanation.