What is ChatGPT? | Meaning, Use Cases & Examples
ChatGPT is an AI-powered chatbot that is capable of generating human-like content. It assists with various tasks, like brainstorming, writing, answering questions, editing, and more.
AI language models like ChatGPT are revolutionizing how people interact with technology, making it easier to access information, automate tasks, and enhance creativity. ChatGPT’s many use cases—along with how human its responses can sound—highlight its growing influence.
Response: Hi Kate! I’m an AI-powered assistant designed to help with writing, research, brainstorming, and problem-solving across a wide range of topics.
What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is a chatbot, meaning it simulates human conversation. Not all chatbots use AI, but ChatGPT employs conversational AI in order to “understand” human prompts and structure its replies.
ChatGPT is also an example of generative AI, meaning it can generate original content. Some other AI chatbots (e.g., Siri or Alexa) are conversational but not generative; they can have a conversation with you, but they do not generate unique content.
A few of ChatGPT’s main functions are:
- Content creation and copywriting
- Editing and proofreading
- Brainstorming and organizing information
- Language translation and preservation
- Educational and business support
- Personal assistant tasks
Here is the image of a cute cat astronaut! I hope it matches what you were looking for. Let me know if you’d like any adjustments!
ChatGPT is free to use, though a paid version is also available. Paid subscriptions offer enhanced performance.
Who created ChatGPT
ChatGPT was created by Open AI, a San Francisco-based AI research organization. Open AI was founded in 2015 by Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, and others. Altman is currently the CEO and Brockman the president of the company.
OpenAI began as a nonprofit but transitioned to for-profit in 2019. It has since collaborated with many other companies and institutions, like Microsoft, Apple, Reddit, News Corp, and Arizona State University.
Apart from ChatGPT, OpenAI is known for other AI tools like DALL-E (text-to-image), Sora (text-to-video), and Whisper (transcription).
GPT meaning
GPT means “generative pre-trained transformer.” The three parts of “GPT” mean:
- Generative – The model creates content.
- Pre-trained – The model gets trained on large datasets before being deployed.
- Transformer – The model uses transformer architecture and is able to process different parts of a sentence (e.g., a predicate) and different types of words (e.g., noun, verb, adjective, or adverb) to “understand” and generate text.
How ChatGPT works
To understand how ChatGPT works, it’s helpful to first understand some key technologies in the field of AI.
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| Machine learning | A subset of AI where algorithms learn patterns from data and make decisions or predictions based on that data, rather than being explicitly programmed |
| Neural networks | Computational models inspired by the human brain, which consist of layers of interconnected nodes (like neurons) that process and transmit information |
| Deep learning | A specific type of machine learning that involves neural networks with many layers, where each layer extracts patterns from data before passing this information to the next layer for more refined understanding |
| Natural language processing (NLP) | A subfield of AI that allows machines to read, interpret, and respond to text in a way similar to how humans do |
| Large language models (LLMs) | Machine learning models trained on massive text datasets that are designed to understand the relationships between words, sentences, paragraphs, etc. |
| Reinforcement learning | A type of machine learning where the model learns by interacting with its environment and receiving feedback |
Using these technologies, ChatGPT works like this:
- Before deployment, engineers trained ChatGPT using massive datasets. Machine learning enabled it to recognize patterns in language and understand how to answer questions in a way that makes sense to humans.
- When a user enters a prompt, ChatGPT uses NLP to break it into smaller pieces (or “tokens”). For example, it might break “What is a cat?” into tokens like “What,” “is,” “a,” “cat,” and “?”.
- Because it is a LLM, ChatGPT can identify the different roles each word plays in the prompt (e.g., “cat” is a noun, “is” is a verb, and so on).
- The prompt is then passed through layers of neural networks, with each layer extracting meaning and context from the text. Early layers may focus on more structured topics like grammar, while deeper layers focus on more abstract concepts like what a cat is.
- ChatGPT then generates a response (via machine learning) by predicting what the next words should be.
- ChatGPT’s responses improve over time based on reinforcement learning. If user feedback suggests that an answer is inaccurate or incomplete, it learns from that to improve future responses.
“A cat is a small, domesticated mammal that is often kept as a pet. Cats are known for their playful nature, sharp claws, and ability to hunt small animals like mice. They have distinct features like whiskers, a tail, and sharp retractable claws. Cats are also known for being independent and can make great companions.”
A ChatGPT jailbreak refers to attempts to bypass or manipulate the system’s content filters and restrictions, allowing users to make the AI generate responses that it would normally avoid due to safety policies.
Jailbreaks are one focus of the developing field of AI ethics, which examines how to use AI responsibly.
What is GPT 4?
GPT-4 is the fourth iteration of OpenAI’s GPT models. It was released on March 14, 2023, offering improved accuracy and reasoning. It’s currently available to paid subscribers and in a limited capacity to free users.
GPT 4.5
GPT-4.5 is an updated version of GPT-4 that was released on February 27, 2025. It improves on GPT-4 based on ongoing research and user feedback. GPT-4.5 is currently only available to paid subscribers.
What is ChatGPT used for?
ChatGPT is used for many tasks across topic areas. Below are some ways it’s used and examples of each.
Content creation
ChatGPT can create all types of content, like emails, web copies, social media captions, and even blog posts. It can even help you write a resume or cover letter. Always review ChatGPT content to make sure it is accurate and aligns with your voice.
I work in marketing at Lux, a beauty brand with a focus on vegan and all-natural cosmetics. We are launching a new product: SparkStix, a line of glittery lip glosses that uses all-natural materials to get its sparkle. Please draft some web copies we can use to introduce this product, keeping the tone friendly, colloquial, modern, and fun.
Response:
Here are a few different web copy options you could use to introduce SparkStix:
- Say hello to sparkle that’s as good for your lips as it is for your vibe. SparkStix is here to give you that high-shine gloss with a touch of dazzling, eco-friendly glitter – all made from natural, cruelty-free ingredients.
- Who says glitter has to be toxic? SparkStix is all about bringing you that perfect pout with a little extra sparkle – and we’re doing it with all-natural, cruelty-free ingredients.
- Who knew glowing up could feel this good?
Brainstorming
ChatGPT can also help you brainstorm in diverse ways, like coming up with ideas for a content calendar, generating writing prompts or words for rhyme schemes, or suggesting keywords for search engine optimization (SEO) strategies.
I want to write a poem about rabbits. Can you give me some rhyming words I could potentially use in a rhyme scheme?
Response:
Here are some rhyming words related to rabbits that you could incorporate into your poem:
- Hop / Stop
- Bunny / Honey
- Ears / Cheers
- Burrow / Sorrow
- Leap / Deep
- Carrot / Parrot
- Hare / Share
Editing and proofreading
ChatGPT can also edit and proofread your writing. It sometimes gets confused though, so it’s best to cross-check with other tools (like QuillBot’s Grammar Checker).
Is this sentence okay? A pack of wolves cross the forest at night.
Response:
The sentence is almost correct, but it has a subject-verb agreement issue. “A pack” is singular, so the verb should be “crosses” instead of “cross.” Here’s the revised sentence:
A pack of wolves crosses the forest at night.
Language translation and preservation
ChatGPT can be used to assist humans in translation, transliteration, and localization. It’s also used for language preservation. For example, in 2023, OpenAI worked with volunteers to refine ChatGPT’s Icelandic conversation skills, supporting Iceland’s efforts to preserve its language.
Can you write “New York” in Japanese?
Response:
Sure! “New York” in Japanese is written as “ニューヨーク.”
For example, Spanish is much more widely used around the world than Catalan. This means there is much more data available in Spanish than Catalan, which may in turn affect ChatGPT’s abilities in these languages.
Coding
ChatGPT is about as good at writing code as it is human language. It can write and review code, or look for errors that human developers have trouble spotting.
I want to make sure all the text on my website is dark-purple Helvetica. Write CSS for this.
Response:
Here is the CSS code to set the font on your website to dark purple Helvetica:
Educational support
ChatGPT can help students answer questions or further explore topics they don’t understand. The advantage of using ChatGPT this way is that you can personalize the experience to your learning style and specific interests.
We studied anastrophe today in English class, but I don’t know if I understand it. Explain it in the simplest way possible and give me an example.
Response:
Anastrophe is a type of sentence structure where the normal order of words is flipped or rearranged for emphasis or style. Instead of the usual subject-verb-object order, it changes the usual flow of the sentence.
For example: Normal order: “I cannot go to the store.” Anastrophe: “To the store, I cannot go.”
The words are in a different order, but the meaning is the same. The rearranged version sounds a bit more dramatic or poetic. Anastrophe is often used in poetry or literature to draw attention to certain parts of a sentence. Does that help clarify it?
Health and wellness
ChatGPT can also help out with personal stuff, like health and wellness. It can create diet plans, workout routines, create mindfulness exercises, or give basic advice for dealing with minor health issues.
I have a runny nose and sore throat. What should I do?
Response:
I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling unwell. Here are a few steps you can take to help ease your symptoms:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like water, herbal teas, and broths to stay hydrated and soothe your throat.
- Rest: Give your body time to recover by getting enough sleep and avoiding overexertion.
- Gargle with Salt Water: Gargling warm salt water can help reduce throat irritation and swelling.
- Use a Humidifier: A humidifier can add moisture to the air, helping to soothe a dry or sore throat and alleviate congestion.
- Over-the-Counter Remedies: You might consider taking over-the-counter medications like decongestants or throat lozenges to manage symptoms.
- Warm Liquids: Drinking warm tea with honey or lemon can provide comfort for a sore throat.
- Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke or strong chemicals, as they can worsen throat irritation.
If your symptoms persist for several days, worsen, or are accompanied by a fever, it might be a good idea to contact a healthcare professional for further guidance.
How to use ChatGPT
If you don’t already know how to use ChatGPT, it’s easy to get started.
1. Create or log into your ChatGPT account
You can’t log into ChatGPT without an account, but all you need to create one is an email address. Creating an account is free.
To sign up:
- Open the ChatGPT website or app
- Click “Sign up”
- Sign up with a Google, Apple, or Microsoft account or enter your email address
- Create a secure password
- Verify your email
2. Get used to the ChatGPT interface
Once you sign into ChatGPT, you’ll see the main page of the application.
On this page, you can find:
- At the top right, your profile with preferences, customization options, log out, etc.
- On the left, a sidebar where ChatGPT will show your previous conversations (hover on them to rename or delete them)
- Just next to that, the model selector, where you can change models or upgrade
- In the middle, the text box where you can enter a prompt
You have various options when submitting your prompt:
- Simply write one and press send.
- Use the “+” icon to connect to either your Google or Microsoft drive or upload something from your computer and then ask a question about it.
- Click “Search” to have ChatGPT search the web about a topic.
- Click “Reason” to ask it to think before responding.
- From the “…” icon, ask ChatGPT to help you create an image or open the Canvas interface to collaborate on writing or code.
- Use the black circle at the right to use voice mode and converse orally.
Once you enter your prompt, ChatGPT will reply, opening the conversation right on the same screen.
From here, you can ask additional questions in the same text box. At the end of ChatGPT’s response, you can also find icons for a few additional functions: copy its response, give good or bad feedback, hear it aloud, edit in Canvas, or change the model.
3. Understand how to write good ChatGPT prompts
Knowing how to write prompts for ChatGPT is probably the most important part of using the tool. The more specific your prompt is, the better ChatGPT’s response can be.
In general, when writing prompts for ChatGPT, keep these tips in mind:
- Assign ChatGPT a role.
- Be specific and provide context.
- Avoid asking biased questions.
- Experiment with your prompts to improve the results you get.
- Be my resume writer. I’ve compiled notes about my work experience, education, skills, and volunteer positions. Make me a resume following a chronological resume format and highlighting metrics in my achievements whenever possible.
- Play the role of a resume writer. Using the resume and job description I paste here, showcase 10 relevant skills I should highlight.
Sample prompt for adapting a resume:
- Act as a resume writer. How would you rewrite my current resume for the [title] role at [company]? I’ll paste my current resume and the job description here. Use keywords from the description throughout my resume.
Sample prompts for editing a resume:
- Act as an editor. I’ve written my resume and tailored it to the [title] role at [company]. Are there any action verbs I should be using instead of what I currently have?
- Be my editor. My resume length is too long. Where can I edit it to make it more concise? Do not remove any bullet points where I mention quantifiable achievements.
Below are some helpful phrases you can use in your ChatGPT prompts.
| Function | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Assign ChatGPT a role. | Act as a ____. |
| Be my ____. | |
| Play the role of ____. | |
| Provide context. | I need ____. |
| Help me with ____. | |
| My goal is ____. | |
| Be specific. | Create ____. |
| Generate ____. | |
| Ask me any questions you have before we start. | |
| I will ____ and I want you to ____. | |
| Answer in fewer/more than ____ words. | |
| Do not rewrite ____, just answer my questions. | |
| Answer using this format: ____. | |
| Avoid saying “____.” | |
| Use a tone that is ____. | |
| Avoid bias. | Summarize the pros and cons of ____. |
| Provide a balanced analysis of ____. | |
| Explain all sides of ____. |
- Act as a marketer on my team. Create a list of questions we can include in a customer survey to better understand their preferences when it comes to our product/service, [ name and description].
- Pretend you work in marketing. Give me a list of common motivations and triggers that would lead [target audience] to purchase [product/service].
Sample prompts for content creation:
- Be a content marketer. Generate a list of blog post ideas on [topic] targeted towards [target audience].
- Act as an SEO expert. [Company] is a [brief description of company, product/service]. Draft a list of organic search keywords we could use to bring traffic to our website.
- I’ve written a blog post targeting the SEO keyword [keyword phrase]. I’ll paste my blog post here. Do not rewrite it, but just tell me if it is well-optimized for this keyword.
Sample prompts for ad campaigns:
- Act as a SEM copywriter. Write 20 headlines for my Google Ads campaign about [topic] and incorporate these keywords: [list of keywords]. Make sure all headlines are within 30 characters.
- Pretend you working in advertising. Write a script for a 20-second video ad for [company or product/service] targeting [target audience] on [platform].
4. ChatGPT tips
Like many things, ChatGPT requires practice. The more you experiment with it, the better you’ll get at using the tool. That said, here are a few tips to help you get off on the right foot with ChatGPT:
- Customize ChatGPT. In your profile, click “Customize ChatGPT.” Here, you can enter your name, job, the traits you want ChatGPT to have, and anything else you want it to know. The tool will then use this information to tailor its responses.
- Explore GPTs. On top of just chatting with ChatGPT, you can take advantage of pre-made GPTs (essentially, pre-configured chats) that users have created. Click “Explore GPTs” in the left-hand sidebar and check out the topics or search by keyword.
- Mimic tone and style. You can ask ChatGPT to emulate a specific writer whose style or tone you want to mimic (see the example below).
- Tell it to ask you questions. When entering a prompt, you can tell ChatGPT to ask you any questions it has before it answers. This can flesh out context and lead to better responses.
- Get your answers in table format. ChatGPT can handle tables, but you usually have to ask it to present information that way.
- Ask it to bold changes. If using ChatGPT for editing, you can ask it to bold any edits so you can easily see where it made changes.
- Request refinements. You can ask ChatGPT to further refine a response (e.g., “make this more concise,” or “focus more on X and less on Y”).
Write me a paragraph about puppies in the style of Dr. Seuss.
Response:
Oh, puppies are bouncy, they wiggle, they wag!
They zoom through the room with a zig and a zag!
With ears that go floppity, tails that go swish,
They sniff and they snoodle and slurp up their dish!
They pounce on your laces, they chew on your hat,
They nap in a heap—what’s cuter than that?
With kisses so sticky and paws full of glee,
Oh, puppies are perfect as perfect can be!
Frequently asked questions about what is ChatGPT
- What are some ChatGPT prompts for writing?
-
Some ChatGPT prompts for writing are:
- Help me brainstorm ideas for a [genre] story about [insert concept or theme].
- I’ll paste my story here. Suggest 10 title ideas.
- Write the opening paragraph of a story set in [place/time].
- Can you help me revise this sentence for clarity and impact?
- Suggest ways to make this introduction more engaging.
- Write this paragraph in a more formal/informal tone.
You can use QuillBot’s free Paraphraser to experiment with the phrasing of these prompts and see which gives you the best results.
- What are some ChatGPT prompts for email marketing?
-
Some ChatGPT prompts for email marketing are:
- Give me 10 attention-grabbing subject lines for an email about [product, service, or event].
- Create a 3-part welcome email sequence to engage new subscribers for [company]. The second email should highlight [product feature or value].
- Write an email for a flash sale on [product] that ends in 24 hours. Include a clear sense of urgency.
- Draft an email introducing a referral program where customers can earn rewards by referring friends.
ChatGPT can still make mistakes, so before sending any emails, cross-check their grammar and spelling with QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker.
- Can I use ChatGPT for language learning?
-
Yes, you can use ChatGPT for language learning. A few ideas are:
- Ask it to teach you new words or explain grammar.
- Practice your conversation with it.
- Ask it to act as a writing tutor to correct your writings.
- Get cultural insights behind the language.
Another tool that can help you with language learning is QuillBot’s free Translator, which can translate between 50 languages.
- When was ChatGPT released?
-
ChatGPT was first released on November 30, 2022.
Since then, various updated versions have been released, like ChatGPT-4 on March 14, 2023 and ChatGPT-4.5 on February 27, 2025.
OpenAI, the company that created ChatGPT, is working on new versions for future release.
