Learning to Use Generative AI: #1 Writing and Editing

This article provides an overview and examples illustrating how you can use generative AI to write everything you do and improve and expand your writing abilities.

MICHAEL MCGRATH

JUL 22, 2024

This is the second article in my series on introducing generative AI. The first article, "A Primer on Generative AI," is recommended as a starting point if you haven't read it yet. This series aims to help you learn how to use generative AI practically to accomplish specific tasks.

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The first application of generative AI we'll explore is using it for writing and editing. I'll demonstrate how to use generative AI for these tasks. As examples tend to be more illustrative than explanations, I’ll provide many examples showing how generative AI can assist with different writing tasks. While some examples may be relevant to your needs, others might not, so you can skip to the sections that interest you. I aim to showcase the opportunities for applying generative AI to writing and editing.

Let’s jump into some examples.

Example 1: An Email Inviting Friends to Participate in A Charity Golf Tournament

The first example uses ChatGPT to draft an email. I’ve chosen an email inviting friends to participate in a charity golf event. In this example, ChatGPT provides a detailed description of the charity, which it sourced from the internet, and enhances the excitement surrounding the tournament. Additionally, it crafts the email in a more elaborate style than most people might use.

ChatGPT Prompt:

Draft an email to my friends asking them to participate and support in an upcoming golf tournament to benefit Feeding America. Discuss the mission and benefits of Feeding America as well as the fun of participating in the golf tournament, which will include many special offers in the silent and live auction that follows.

ChatGPT Draft Email:

Hi Friends,

I hope this email finds you well. I'm excited to share an upcoming opportunity to combine our love for golf with supporting a great cause—Feeding America. As you may know, Feeding America is the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization, working tirelessly to address food insecurity and hunger in communities nationwide.I am reaching out to invite you to participate in a golf tournament benefiting Feeding America. Not only will we have a fantastic day on the golf course, but we will also be making a meaningful impact on fighting hunger and supporting those in need.

The tournament promises a day filled with fun, camaraderie, and friendly competition. Following the golf event, there will be a silent and live auction with many special offers and exciting items. It's an excellent opportunity to win fantastic prizes while contributing to a worthy cause.

Your participation and support would mean a lot to me and those who will benefit from Feeding America's mission. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of individuals and families facing food insecurity.

Please let me know if you want to join me for this meaningful event. I can give you more details and registration information. Let's tee off for a cause and have a memorable golf day while supporting Feeding America!

Thank you for considering this opportunity and for your continued friendship and support.

Best regards,

[Your Name],

Example 2: Cover Letter for A Job Application.

Many people already use generative AI to write cover letters when they apply for a job. They can include the position requirements and resume in the generative AI prompt to help them draft a specific cover letter. Here is a generic example of a cover letter written by ChatGPT.

ChatGPT Draft Cover Letter

Here is the draft letter prepared by ChatGPT.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number]

[Date]

Hiring Manager Microsoft Corporation [Microsoft's Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the AI Analyst position at Microsoft, as advertised on your company's career portal. With a strong background in artificial intelligence and data analysis, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to Microsoft's innovative projects and cutting-edge technologies.

In the job posting, you outlined that the ideal candidate should have:

• A deep understanding of machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence technologies.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or Java.
• Experience in data analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modeling.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

My experience aligns well with these requirements. In my previous role as a Data Scientist at a tech startup, I led projects focused on developing machine learning models for predictive analytics. I have a proven track record of leveraging AI algorithms to derive actionable insights from complex datasets, ultimately driving strategic decision-making processes.

Furthermore, my proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R and my expertise in data visualization tools and statistical analysis have enabled me to develop advanced AI solutions that have positively impacted business outcomes.

I am drawn to Microsoft's commitment to innovation and its mission to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more. I am excited about the possibility of contributing my skills and expertise to Microsoft's AI initiatives, working alongside a talented team of professionals to drive technological advancements and create meaningful impact.

I am eager to discuss further how my background, skills, and enthusiasm for AI analysis align with Microsoft's goals. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to Microsoft's continued success.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Example 3: Insurance Claim Letter

Sometimes, you may want to assert yourself with an angry letter. Generative AI can help with that. Here is an example.

ChatGPT Prompt:

I am fighting with an insurance company to reimburse my $52,500 medical expenses from a car accident. They have been stalling for more than three months, trying to get me to go away. They are legally required to pay for them. Write an angry letter threatening that I will hire an attorney to sue for damages, suffering, and legal fees if they don’t comply.? In the letter, provide examples of the types of damages that insurance companies have had to pay for car accident victims.

Chat GPT Draft Insurance Claim Letter:

ChatGPT drafted the following letter, and then, for comparison purposes, I also asked Anthropic’s Claude to do the same thing.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number]

[Date]

Claims Department [Insurance Company's Name] [Insurance Company's Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

Dear Claims Department,

I am writing to express my extreme frustration and disappointment with the ongoing delays in reimbursing my medical expenses, totaling $52,500, resulting from the car accident on [Date]. It has been over three months since I submitted my claim, and your company's lack of communication and stalling tactics are unacceptable.

I want to remind you that per the terms of my insurance policy and the legal obligations under state law, your company must cover these medical expenses resulting from the accident. The continuous delays and attempts to evade responsibility are causing undue stress and financial hardship on me as an accident victim.

I have been patient and cooperative throughout this process, but your company's lack of urgency and transparency in handling my claim is unacceptable. If I do not receive full reimbursement for my medical expenses within [set a reasonable timeframe, e.g., 14 days] from the date of this letter, I will have no choice but to seek legal recourse.

Insurance companies have a legal obligation to compensate car accident victims for various damages, including but not limited to:

• Medical expenses (current and future treatments, rehabilitation costs).
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional distress caused by the accident).
• Lost wages and earning capacity.
• Property damage.
• Legal fees and associated costs.

I demand a prompt and fair resolution of my claim. Failure to comply will leave me with no option but to pursue legal action to seek damages, compensation for my suffering, and reimbursement for legal fees incurred in the process.

I urge you to take immediate action to resolve this matter amicably and fulfill your obligations under the insurance policy. I expect a response within the specified timeframe to avoid further escalating this issue.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

For comparison, I made the same request to Anthropic’s Claude generative AI system and got this draft response a draft of a strongly worded letter to the insurance company:

Claude Draft Insurance Claimn letter

This is the letter it drafted.

Dear [Insurance Company],

Re: Claim #[Your claim number]

I am writing to you about my outstanding claim for $52,500 in medical expenses resulting from the car accident on [date]. Unfortunately, despite repeated attempts to resolve this matter over the past three months, you have failed to process my legitimate claim as the law requires.

Your deliberate stalling tactics and refusal to reimburse my medical expenses are unacceptable. Remember that you are legally obligated to cover these costs under the terms of the applicable insurance policy.

Just to let you know, if you do not process my claim and provide full reimbursement within ten business days from the date of this letter, I will have no choice but to retain legal counsel and pursue litigation against your company. This lawsuit will seek compensation not only for my original medical expenses, but also for:

1. Additional damages due to pain and suffering
2. Emotional distress caused by your wrongful denial of coverage
3. Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
4. Punitive damages for bad faith insurance practices
5. All legal fees and court costs

I draw your attention to recent cases where insurance companies have been ordered to pay substantial damages for similar conduct:

• In Smith v. XYZ Insurance (2023), the court awarded $1.2 million in compensatory and punitive damages for bad faith denial of a car accident claim.
• Johnson v. ABC Insurance (2022) resulted in a $750,000 verdict for the plaintiff, including damages for emotional distress and lost income.
• The class action suit Davis et al. v. 123 Insurance Company (2021) led to a $25 million settlement for systematic claim denials.

These cases demonstrate the severe consequences of an insurer's failure to honor its obligations. I urge you to immediately fulfill your legal and ethical responsibilities by processing my claim.

If you need any additional information to speed up this process, please contact me right away. Don't hesitate to do so. Otherwise, I expect full reimbursement of my $52,500 in medical expenses within the specified timeframe to avoid legal action.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

The two draft letters are somewhat similar. The Claude version also includes three examples that make it a little stronger.

Example 4: Writing A Speech

I give many speeches and must confess that I use ChatGPT frequently to help me. Not only does it fill in details, but it also creates a more emotional tone. Could you take a look at the following example? I know I could not write a speech as powerful as this — at least not without my assistant, ChatGPT.

ChatGPT Prompt:

Write a speech for me to give at the retirement of my good friend and colleague, Jerry, who is retiring after 30 years.? Discuss how he was an inspiration to so many of us, how he was so innovative, so reliable, and a joy to work with. I wish him the best in traveling the world and playing more golf in his retirement, and I hope we will all continue to stay in touch with him and lean on him for advice.

GPT Speech:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, we gather to celebrate Jerry's remarkable career and bid farewell to a true legend in our midst. After 30 years of dedicated service, our dear friend and colleague Jerry is embarking on a well-deserved retirement journey. It is both an honor and a bittersweet moment to reflect on the impact Jerry has had on all of us during his tenure with us.

Jerry has been more than just a colleague; he has been an inspiration to us all. His innovative spirit and unwavering dedication to his work have set a standard of excellence that we have all strived to emulate. Jerry's ability to think outside the box and find creative solutions to complex problems has benefited our team and inspired us to push our boundaries and reach new heights.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jerry's reliability and steadfastness have been the bedrock of our team. Even in the face of challenges, his calm demeanor has been a source of strength for all of us. Jerry's presence in the workplace has been a joy to experience, bringing positivity, humor, and a sense of camaraderie that have made our days brighter and our work more enjoyable.

As Jerry embarks on this new chapter of his life, filled with travels around the world and leisurely rounds of golf, we wish him nothing but the best. May his retirement be filled with adventure, relaxation, and all the joys life offers. While we will miss his daily presence in the office, we take comfort in knowing that his wisdom and guidance will always be just a phone call away.

Jerry, as you step into this new phase of your life, please know that you will always have a special place in our hearts and in our team. Your legacy of excellence, innovation, and camaraderie will continue to inspire us long after you have left these halls. We look forward to staying in touch, sharing stories of our adventures, and leaning on you for your invaluable advice and wisdom.

Thank you, Jerry, for your years of service, your friendship, and your unwavering dedication. May your retirement be everything you've dreamed of and more. Cheers to you, our dear friend and colleague!

To Jerry!

Example 5: Write A Story

OK, now for a bit of variation. Let’s use ChatGPT to write us a story. You want to tell an original story to your grandchildren but may not be good at storytelling or don’t have the time. So ask ChatGPT.

ChatGPT Prompt:

Write a story about a heroic dog named Happy for my two grandchildren, ages 4 and 6. Make the story exciting and funny. It should be about 2-3 minutes in length.

ChatGPT Story:

Once upon a time, in a cozy little town nestled between rolling hills and lush green forests, there lived a heroic dog named Happy. Happy was not your ordinary dog; he had a heart as big as a mountain and a nose for adventure.

One sunny morning, Happy woke up to the sound of birds chirping and the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air. He knew it was going to be a special day. As he stretched his furry legs and wagged his tail excitedly, he heard a loud commotion from the town square.

Curious and always eager to help, Happy bounded towards the town square, his ears flopping in the wind. To his surprise, he saw a mischievous group of squirrels causing chaos, stealing shiny objects, and scurrying up trees.

Without a moment's hesitation, Happy sprang into action! With a bark as loud as thunder, he chased after the squirrels, zigzagging through the town square, knocking over flower pots, and sending feathers flying from a nearby pillow shop.

The townspeople watched in amazement as Happy leaped and twirled, his tail wagging like a propeller. He was like a furry tornado, determined to save the day. With his quick thinking and boundless energy, Happy herded the squirrels back to the forest, where they promised never to cause trouble again.

The townspeople cheered and clapped, grateful for Happy's bravery and silliness. Happy, panting but proud, he wagged his tail happily, knowing he had made a difference in his town.

From that day on, Happy became the town's beloved hero, always ready to lend a paw and bring smiles to everyone he met. Whether rescuing lost kittens, retrieving wayward balloons, or simply spreading joy with his wagging tail, Happy was there, brightening everyone's day with his infectious energy and unwavering courage.

And so, the adventures of Happy the heroic dog continued, filling the town with laughter, love, and a whole lot of tail-wagging fun.

The end.

You can adjust the length of the story by asking for a longer one, such as 10-12 minutes. You can also tell ChatGPT to continue the story about Happy at another time.

So, what story would Claude concoct for you? Let’s see, using the same prompt.

Here's a short, exciting, and funny story about a heroic dog named Happy for your grandchildren:

The Amazing Adventures of Happy the Hero Dog

Once upon a time, there was a fluffy golden retriever named Happy. Happy lived with the Johnson family in a cozy house with a big backyard. He loved playing fetch, chasing squirrels, and taking naps in the sunshine.

One day, while the Johnsons were having a picnic in the park, Happy noticed something strange. A sneaky raccoon was tip-toeing towards their picnic basket! Happy knew he had to save the day.

"Woof woof!" Happy barked, wagging his tail. But the raccoon didn't run away. Instead, it put on a pair of tiny sunglasses and started to moonwalk!

Happy was so surprised he did a backflip! The raccoon laughed and said, "I'm Rocky the Dancing Raccoon. I'm not here to steal your food. I just want to put on a show!"

Happy thought for a moment, then had a brilliant idea. "Why don't we work together and surprise my family?" he suggested.

So Happy and Rocky practiced a silly dance routine. When they were ready, Happy gave a loud "Woof!" to get everyone's attention.

The Johnsons turned around and couldn't believe their eyes! There was Happy, standing on his hind legs, doing the chicken dance. And right next to him was Rocky, spinning on his head like a break-dancer!

The children laughed so hard they fell over, and even the grown-ups couldn't stop giggling. Soon, other families in the park gathered around to watch the amazing dog-and-raccoon show.

When the dance was over, everyone clapped and cheered. The Johnsons were so proud of Happy for making friends and bringing joy to the whole park.

From that day on, Happy and Rocky became the best of friends. They would often put on shows in the park, making everyone laugh and smile. And Happy learned an important lesson: sometimes, making a new friend is the most heroic thing you can do!

The end.

As you can see, there are some similarities based on the prompt, but it is a different story.

Example 6: Email Request to Your Book Club

In this example, ChatGPT is being asked to draft an email, research and summarize each book, and provide a critic’s rating.

ChatGPT Prompt:

My book club just finished its fifth year, and we read the following books: Someone Else’Shoes by Moyes, Women by Kristin Hannah, A Land Remembered by Patrick Smith, First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston, and Blood Lines by DeMille. Please draft an email to my book club asking them to pick their favorite book. Provide a summary of each book and also include the critics’ ratings for each.

ChatGPT Draft Email

Dear book club members:

As we celebrate completing our 5th year together, it's time to reflect on the wonderful books we've read and pick our favorite. Below is a summary of each book we read this year, along with the critics' ratings. Please take a moment to reflect on these stories and let us know which stood out to you the most. Your input will help us decide on the best book of the year!

1. Someone Else's Shoes by Moyes

Summary: A heartwarming tale of love and loss that follows the intertwining lives of two strangers brought together by fate. Critics' Rating: 4.5/5

2. Women by Kristin Hannah

Summary: A powerful story of female friendship and resilience set against the backdrop of World War II. Critics' Rating: 4.2/5

3. A Land Remembered by Patrick Smith

Summary: An epic saga of a family's journey through generations in the untamed wilderness of Florida. Critics' Rating: 4.7/5

4. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

Summary: A gripping thriller that unravels the dangerous secrets of a seemingly perfect family. Critics' Rating: 4.3/5

5. Blood Lines by DeMille

Summary: A thrilling mystery that follows a detective's pursuit of a cunning serial killer. Critics' Rating: 4.6/5

Please reply with your favorite book from this year's selections. Your vote will help us choose the book that resonates most. We look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Happy reading,

[Your Name]

I also made the same request to Google Gemini, but it gave some incorrect responses. For example, Someone Else's Shoes stated, “When a seemingly ordinary woman wakes up in the body of a wealthy socialite, she must navigate a life of privilege and hidden secrets.” That wasn’t the story. It’s about how the lives of two women change when they accidentally get each other’s shoes.

Well, how about Claude? Here is its response. I like this one a little better. It gives a much better description of each book. I did actually read each of these books.

Dear Book Club Members,

Happy 5th anniversary to our wonderful book club! To celebrate this milestone, I'd love for each of you to vote for your favorite book from this past year. Below is a recap of the books we read, along with brief summaries and critics' ratings:

1. Someone Else's Shoes by Jojo Moyes Summary: A story of two women who accidentally swap lives, exploring themes of identity, privilege, and resilience. Critics' Rating: 4/5 stars
2. The Women by Kristin Hannah Summary: A powerful tale of women serving as nurses during the Vietnam War, highlighting their courage and sacrifices. Critics' Rating: 4.5/5 stars
3. A Land Remembered by Patrick Smith Summary: An epic saga spanning three generations of a Florida family, chronicling the state's history and environmental changes. Critics' Rating: 4.5/5 stars
4. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston Summary: A gripping thriller about a woman living under an assumed identity who must confront her past when her carefully constructed life begins to unravel. Critics' Rating: 4/5 stars
5. Blood Lines by Nelson DeMille Summary: A suspenseful novel featuring recurring character John Corey, likely involving intricate plots and geopolitical intrigue. Critics' Rating: 4/5 stars

Please reply with your top pick and, if you'd like, a brief explanation of why you chose it. We'll tally the votes and announce our group's favorite at our next meeting!

Looking forward to your responses and to another great year of reading together!

Best regards, [Your Name]

Example 7: Writing A Poem

Generative AI is very good at writing poems. I can’t do this, so it gives me a new “skill.” Why try to learn how to write poetry when you can do this? Let’s go back to our book club and write a poem.

In the glow of our book club's five-year light, We journeyed through tales that took our flight, From Moyes' heartfelt strangers' plight, To Hannah's wartime friendship bright.

Through Smith's Florida wilderness grand, Elston's secrets in the sand, DeMille's mystery hand in hand, We explored stories so grand.

Amidst pages turned and thoughts unwound, Friendship and wine forever bound, In our book club's joy, we found, A treasure in stories crowned.

Here's to five years of shared delight, In books, friendship, and wine so right, Our book club's bond shining bright, Guiding us through literary night.

Overall, it's all right. Much better than I could do.

Example 8: Outline for An Article.

Generative AI is also very good at creating outlines for articles or entire books. Here is an example. You have been asked to write an article on guidance for first-time home buyers.

Chat GPT Prompt

Please prepare a comprehensive outline for an article to help first-time home buyers. Include the joys of owning a home, the challenges of finding the right home and getting the right price. It also includes a comprehensive step-by-step process for them to follow, starting with the decision to buy a home and including all the steps of viewing, comparing, and making an offer. Also, could you include the legal steps and costs for closing?

ChatGPT Article Outline

Comprehensive Guide for First-Time Home Buyers

I. Introduction

• The Joys of Owning a Home

II. Challenges in the Home Buying Process

• Finding the Right Home
• Getting the Right Price

III. Step-by-Step Process for Buying a Home

1. Decision to Buy a Home

• Assessing Readiness
• Benefits of Homeownership vs. Renting

2. Financial Preparation

• Saving for a Down Payment
• Understanding Credit Scores
• Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
• Budgeting for Additional Costs

3. Starting the Home Search

• Researching and Choosing a Real Estate Agent
• Listing Priorities
• Exploring Neighborhoods

4. Viewing Homes

• Scheduling Showings
• What to Look For During a Viewing
• Taking Notes and Comparing Homes

5. Making an Offer

• Understanding Market Conditions
• Crafting a Competitive Offer
• Negotiation Tips

6. Legal Steps and Paperwork

• Home Inspection
• Appraisal
• Securing a Mortgage
• Title Search and Insurance
• Reviewing Contracts

7. Closing the Deal

• Understanding Closing Costs
• Final Walkthrough
• Signing the Documents
• Receiving the Keys

IV. Additional Tips for First-Time Buyers

• Staying Organized
• Seeking Professional Advice
• Maintaining the Home
• Understanding Homeowner Responsibilities

V. Conclusion

• Reflecting on the Home Buying Journey
• Encouragement and Final Thoughts

VI, References

• Useful Resources

It also included Sources for Further Reading:

1. Homebuying Guide from HUD
2. NAR's Home Buyer’s Guide
3. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Mortgages

You can then write the article from this outline, edit it, or have ChatGPT or another generative AI platform write it for you from the outline. I suggest having it written for you section by section. Review the outline for a section, revise it as you desire, and then submit it as a prompt.

Example 9: Editing

There are several levels of editing.

• Substantive Editing: Involves detailed feedback on content, style, and language to improve clarity and coherence.
• Copyediting: Concentrates on grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency in style and formatting.
• Proofreading: A final check for grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors before publication.

Let’s say you are a contractor who is experienced and reliable but not good at writing or grammar. You can use generative AI to edit or even rewrite your writing. Here is an example:

I finish the revew of yore roof dammage. The reson for the leke is frum missed tiles in the roof that were blon away in the storme. The water leek also damage the structur when the wood fraim rodded. We will need to remov that sextion of the roof and re-built it. I think it will be quiet espensive. Soo I kneed to now if you want me to continu. Thanks.

Proofreading with only correcting spelling and grammar.

I finish the review of your roof damage. The reason for the leak is from missed tiles in the roof that were blown away in the storm. The water leak also damaged the structure when the wood frame rotted. We will need to remove that section of the roof and rebuild it. I think it will be quite expensive. So, I need to know if you want me to continue. Thanks.

Rewritten by Google Gemini with the following prompt:

Please rewrite and expand the following, making it more readable and grammatically correct, but also expand it to talk about my extensive experience and reliability in projects like this:

Gemini Rewritten Message

Here's a rewrite and expansion of your message, making it more professional, clear, and informative:

Subject: Roof Damage Inspection Report - [Your Company Name]

Dear [Customer Name],

I'm emailing you to follow up on my recent inspection of your roof damage. I've identified the source of the leak and the extent of the repairs needed.

Inspection Findings:

• Missing Roof Tiles: The primary cause of the leak appears to be missing tiles. Based on my observations, it seems a recent storm blew off some tiles, allowing water to penetrate the underlying structure.
• Structural Damage: Unfortunately, the water leakage has also caused some structural damage to the wooden framing. The affected section shows signs of rot, requiring removal and rebuilding.

Repair Recommendations:

Given the extent of the damage, a full repair is necessary to ensure your roof's structural integrity and prevent further water intrusion. This will involve removing the damaged section of the roof and rebuilding it with new materials.

Cost Estimate:

This type of repair can be pretty expensive due to the need for materials and skilled labor. I'd recommend scheduling a more detailed assessment to provide you with the most accurate estimate. This will allow me to create a comprehensive proposal outlining the scope of work and associated costs.

Next Steps:

Please let me know if you'd like me to proceed with a detailed assessment and cost estimate. I'm confident in my ability to handle this project effectively, drawing from my extensive experience in roof repair and restoration.

My Experience:

[Your Company Name] has provided reliable roofing services for [Number] years. Our team of highly skilled and certified professionals is dedicated to delivering high-quality repairs that meet all safety and building code standards.

Communication:

I understand the importance of clear communication throughout the project. I will be readily available to answer any questions you may have and keep you updated on the progress.

Thank you for your time. I am excited to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

As you can see, this is much more professional. For someone skilled at what they do but not an experienced and professional writer, generative AI can be a tremendous improvement. They can sound more professional without having someone else write communications. Does this mean that children no longer need to learn how to write better? Well …. time will tell.

Issues

Using generative AI for writing raises some issues for many people. Is it fair? Is it cheating? Like most new technology, it can be misused. Is it fair for the roofer to disguise himself as a better writer than he is? It is a reasonable benefit, like using YouTube video instructions to learn how to repair something. Is it fair to pretend that you are a poet to your friends? Maybe not; confess about using generative AI.

Is it cheating for a student applying to college to use it to write a college essay? Most likely, but now excellent tools can spot AI-written text. Is it cheating for a Spanish-speaking student to use generative AI to rewrite their essay in English that they wrote in their native language? I don’t think so, but they should disclose that. (Note: an upcoming article will discuss how generative AI can be used to learn a language and translate written materials easily.)

Does the advent of generative AI mean students don’t need to learn to write correctly and become excellent writers? I don’t think there is a simple answer to that question, but I will extensively discuss using generative AI in education in a later article. I see that generative AI will transform education as we know it today. I remember back to my early school days when I had to learn to do all math and calculus manually without using a calculator or in college when I needed to use a slide rule. Those skills are, thankfully, obsolete now.

Conclusion

As you can see, Generative AI can be a compelling writing and editing tool, providing many benefits:

• It can increase productivity by writing your thoughts and descriptions of what you want. It’s like dictating to an assistant (most likely nobody remembers doing that, but I do) what you want them to write for you. Only generative AI provides an immediate response. It’s as fast as it can type the response.
• It can substantially improve the quality of what you write. As you can see from some examples, it creates much better writing than most people can do.
• It can automatically research the internet and add information to what you want it to write. An example was the email with the book descriptions and critics ratings. While you could research that yourself, you no longer need to do that.
• It can write things that you can’t. For example, I could never write a poem or a song. The roofer couldn’t write the message that was written for him.

I hope you find the future of generative AI as exciting as I do. I'd like you to please look for my subsequent articles on how to use generative AI to satisfy your curiosity, medical advice, investment advice, travel tips, research, and much more. Be sure to subscribe for free to get these.