💡 Practical Uses

Here are real, everyday ways AI can make your life easier. Each one includes an example of what you might say to an AI assistant. You talk to AI just like you would talk to a helpful friend. No special commands needed.

✉️ Writing Emails and Letters

Tell AI what you want to say and it will write a polished email or letter for you. Great for formal letters to your bank, council, or doctor. You can ask it to make the tone more friendly, more formal, or shorter.

💬 "Help me write a letter to my GP asking to change my appointment to next Thursday. Keep it polite and brief."

🍳 Meal Planning and Recipes

Tell it what is in your fridge and it will suggest recipes. It can also plan a full week of meals, create a shopping list, and adjust recipes for dietary needs like diabetes or high blood pressure.

💬 "I have chicken, potatoes, and carrots. What can I make for dinner? I need to keep it low salt."

💊 Understanding Medical Information

Got a letter from the hospital full of jargon? AI can explain it in plain English. It is also good at explaining what medications do and what side effects to watch for. Always check with your doctor for actual medical decisions.

💬 "What does it mean when my blood test says my HbA1c is 48? Explain it simply."

📞 Preparing for Phone Calls

Nervous about calling the bank or a company? AI can help you prepare what to say, what questions to ask, and what information to have ready. It can even help you practise the conversation.

💬 "I need to call my energy company about a wrong bill. What should I say and what information do I need?"

🎁 Gift Ideas

Stuck on what to buy someone? Describe the person and AI will suggest thoughtful gift ideas within your budget. It can also suggest where to buy them.

💬 "My granddaughter is turning 8 and loves horses. Gift ideas under £20?"

📰 Explaining the News

Confused by something in the news? Ask AI to explain it in simple terms. It can give you background on a story, explain what a new law means, or help you understand a complex situation.

💬 "What is this new AI law everyone is talking about? Explain it simply."

🗺️ Travel Planning

AI can help plan trips, suggest destinations, find the best routes, and create packing lists. You can tell it about any mobility needs and it will adjust its suggestions.

💬 "I want to visit the Lake District for 3 days. Plan an itinerary for someone who cannot walk too far."

📝 Making Lists and Staying Organised

Use AI as a memory aid. It can help you organise appointments, create to-do lists, and keep track of things you need to do.

💬 "Help me make a list of everything I need to do before my holiday next month."

📖 Learning New Things

Want to understand how something works? AI is a patient teacher. It will explain things as many times as you need, in different ways, without ever getting frustrated.

💬 "Explain how the stock market works. Use simple language and pretend I know nothing about it."

🌍 Translating Languages

Going on holiday abroad? AI can translate menus, signs, or conversations. It can also help you learn basic phrases in another language before your trip.

💬 "How do I say these phrases in Italian: Where is the bathroom? How much does this cost? Thank you very much."

💰 Comparing Prices and Products

Trying to choose between products? Describe what you need and AI can explain the differences, suggest what to look for, and help you make a decision.

💬 "I need a new tablet for reading books and video calling my family. What should I look for? My budget is around £200."

🏠 Home and Garden Help

AI can help with DIY questions, gardening advice, and household problems. Describe what is happening and it will suggest solutions step by step.

💬 "My kitchen tap is dripping. How do I fix it? Explain it step by step for someone who is not handy."

✍️ Writing Personal Things

AI can help you write birthday cards, thank you notes, eulogies, speeches, or even your memoirs. Tell it what you want to say and it will help you find the right words.

💬 "Help me write a short speech for my golden wedding anniversary. Keep it warm and a bit funny."

🐕 Pet Care Advice

Questions about your pet? AI can help with feeding advice, understanding behaviour, and knowing when to see a vet. It is not a replacement for your vet, but it is good for general questions.

💬 "My dog has started scratching a lot more than usual. What could be causing it and should I see the vet?"

📋 Understanding Forms and Paperwork

Confused by a form from the council, HMRC, or your pension provider? Type out the question on the form and AI will explain what it is asking and how to answer it.

💬 "This tax form asks for my 'personal allowance'. What does that mean and how do I find it?"

🎵 Entertainment and Hobbies

AI can suggest books, films, music, or TV shows based on what you already enjoy. It can also help with hobbies like crosswords, quiz questions, or creative writing.

💬 "I loved Downton Abbey. What other TV shows would I enjoy?"

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Keeping Up with Grandchildren

Your grandchildren are talking about things you do not recognise? Ask AI to explain Roblox, TikTok, or whatever the latest thing is. It will help you understand their world.

💬 "My grandson keeps talking about Minecraft. What is it and is it safe for a 9-year-old?"

💡 Tips for Getting Better Answers

1️⃣Be specific. Instead of "help me cook," say "suggest a simple chicken dinner for two people using ingredients I can find in Tesco."
2️⃣Give context. Mention your situation. "I am 72 and have arthritis" helps AI give more relevant advice.
3️⃣Ask follow-up questions. If the answer is not quite right, say "make it simpler" or "give me another option."
4️⃣Say what you want the tone to be. "Make it formal" or "keep it chatty" helps AI match your style.

Remember

There is no wrong way to talk to AI. If it does not understand you, just rephrase your question. It is endlessly patient and never judges.

🧩 Quick Quiz: Practical Uses

No pressure. Just a fun way to check what you have picked up.

Question 1 of 40%

Which of these can AI help you with?