What does 'giving context' in a prompt entail?

Giving context in a prompt primarily involves clearly stating the task or goal to provide the necessary information that guides the expected response. This helps in setting the stage for accurate and relevant answers, enabling the recipient—such as an AI model—to understand what is required and how to respond appropriately. Clear communication of the task ensures that all relevant details are considered, leading to more effective and contextually appropriate output.

In this regard, irrelevant information does not contribute positively to the task and can create confusion, while being overly specific may limit the flexibility of responses, potentially leading to a narrower interpretation than intended. Keeping it concise is also important, but it should not come at the expense of omitting critical details needed to comprehend the task fully. Thus, clarity and specificity in articulating the goal of the prompt are essential for effective interaction.