The Rewrite and Extract Patterns

The Rewrite Pattern

Rewrite means changing something without changing the core information. You might:

• Make it simpler
• Make it more formal
• Make it shorter
• Change the tone
• Explain it differently

The Rewrite Template

"Rewrite [content] [how]. Audience: [who]."

Common Rewrite Tasks

Make it simpler: "Rewrite this technical explanation in plain English. A 10-year-old should understand it."

Make it more formal: "Rewrite this email to be more professional. Keep the same message but make the tone corporate."

Make it shorter: "Rewrite this article summary in one paragraph. It is currently 3 paragraphs."

Change the tone: "Rewrite this complaint email to be assertive but friendly. We want to solve the problem without sounding angry."

Explain it differently: "Rewrite this feature description as a story about how a customer would use it. Make it personal, not technical."

The Extract Pattern

Extract means pulling specific information out of a larger piece of content. Examples:

• Pull out all the action items from meeting notes
• Pull out dates, numbers, or names from a document
• Pull out the main problems from customer feedback
• Pull out key phrases from an article

The Extract Template

"Extract [what] from [content]. Format as [format]."

Common Extract Tasks

Extract action items: "Extract all action items from these meeting notes. Include who is responsible and when it is due. Format as a numbered list."

Extract key facts: "Extract all the dates, numbers, and money amounts mentioned in this contract. Format as a table with 3 columns: what, number, and context."

Extract names: "Extract the names of all people mentioned in this article. List them in the order they first appear."

Extract problems: "Extract the top 5 customer complaints from this feedback list. For each one, write a one-line summary."

Combining Rewrite and Extract

You can use both in one prompt:

"Extract all action items from this meeting transcript. Then rewrite each one as a simple task in one sentence. Format as a numbered to-do list."

This is powerful because it saves you two steps.

Real Examples

Example 1: Rewrite Only

Task: Simplify a technical document for non-technical staff.

"Rewrite this technical feature guide in simple, everyday language. Assume the reader has no tech background. Use short sentences. Include one example for each feature."

Example 2: Extract Only

Task: Pull action items from an email chain.

"Extract all action items from this email thread. Format as a table with three columns: action, responsible person, and deadline. If no deadline is mentioned, write 'TBD'."

Example 3: Extract + Rewrite

Task: Turn meeting notes into a team email.

"Extract the decisions and action items from this meeting transcript. Rewrite them as a short, friendly email I can send to the team. Keep it to 2 paragraphs."

Tips for Success

1. Be specific about what to extract (action items, decisions, problems, names)
2. Say what format you want (list, table, paragraph, bullets)
3. If you are combining extract and rewrite, do the extract first, then describe how to rewrite it
4. Tell AI what to do with things it cannot find ("If something has no deadline, write TBD")