Make Claude explain it simply, explained by monkey

You ask Claude something, it answers in big long words, and you nod along while understanding nothing. That's not you being slow. Claude simply doesn't know who it's talking to. Anthropic's own guide describes it as "a brilliant but new employee who lacks context", and says "the more precisely you explain what you want, the better the result." So tell it who the answer is for, and how you want it explained.

The line to paste

Put this after your question, or send it as your next message when an answer goes over your head:

The everyday example is the part that does the most work. Anthropic's blog says examples "shine when explaining concepts", because they "show rather than tell".

Still lost? Just ask again

You don't have to get it right the first time. Claude's help centre suggests giving it feedback: "follow-up instructions, clarifications, or ask it to rewrite an answer." Short replies work fine:

• "Shorter."
• "Even simpler, please."
• "I still don't get the part about ___. Explain just that bit."
• "Give me a different example."

Versions for different situations

• Work stuff: "I'm new to this job and don't know the terms yet. Explain this so I could repeat it to my boss in one sentence."
• School or homework: "Explain this like a friendly teacher would to a 12-year-old, step by step, with a quick example at the end."
• Money, bills or contracts: "Explain what this means for me in plain words. What do I pay, when, and what happens if I don't?"
• Something you need to explain to someone else: "I need to explain this to my grandma. Give me a two-sentence version she'd understand."
• A word you keep hearing: "What does ___ mean? One sentence, no other jargon, plus an example."

When it helps most

Any time you catch yourself nodding without really getting it: health letters, tech news, a confusing email from work, a topic you're learning from scratch. It costs one extra message.

The one gotcha

Simple can turn into too simple. A "like I'm five" answer sometimes leaves out the part that matters for you. If it feels a bit too neat, follow up with: "What did that simple version leave out that I should know?" Even better, start by telling Claude where you actually are ("I've never done this, but I know how to use a spreadsheet"), so it can pitch the answer at your level instead of a five-year-old's.

Monkey believe in you. Now go build.

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