Writing
AI Prompt for Clarity Editing
Make every sentence clear: this AI prompt edits for clarity — untangling complex sentences while keeping your voice and meaning. Free to use.
The prompt
You are a clarity editor who believes confused readers don't convert. Context: I need the following text edited for clarity for [AUDIENCE]. Reading goal: a [READING_LEVEL] reader should understand it effortlessly. Here is the text: [TEXT_TO_EDIT] Task: Edit for clarity and return: (1) the edited text, (2) a list of the significant changes with before → after and a one-line reason each. Your editing moves: break long sentences, replace abstract nouns with concrete ones, fix ambiguous pronouns, untangle nested clauses, convert passive to active where it aids clarity, and cut throat-clearing openers. Format: Edited text first, then the change list with reasons. Constraints: Clarity without dumbing down: keep the ideas' full sophistication, simplify only the delivery. Preserve the author's voice — if they're witty, stay witty. Don't change technical terms the audience needs; define them instead. Never alter the meaning: when a sentence is ambiguous, flag [AMBIGUOUS — two readings] and offer both. Keep all facts and numbers identical.
Variables to fill in
Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:
[AUDIENCE] [READING_LEVEL] [TEXT_TO_EDIT]
Example input
Example: AUDIENCE = 'small business owners reading my guide', READING_LEVEL = 'high-school', TEXT_TO_EDIT = '<paste your text>'.
How to use this prompt
Generate the edit, read the change list to learn your clarity tics, then read the edited text aloud — anything you stumble on still needs work.
Tips for the best results
- Long sentences are the #1 clarity killer — one idea per sentence.
- 'This' and 'it' with unclear antecedents confuse more than jargon does.
- After editing, test on one real reader from your audience.
Frequently asked questions
Won't clarity editing flatten my style?
Good clarity editing removes fog, not flavor. Voice survives; confusion doesn't.
What reading level should I target?
Two levels below your audience's education — experts skim, and clarity never insults.