Welcome to “AI Made Easy,” a series directly inspired by the intriguing question that has repeatedly come my way since the release of “Anatomy of a Sentence: Bridging AI and English Grammar“: “How do I use AI?” This question unveils a widespread curiosity and, at times, an uncertainty about integrating artificial intelligence into various facets of our personal and professional lives. Through this series, my goal is to shine a light on AI for beginners and enthusiasts alike, revealing the tangible benefits of AI, showcasing its daily applications, and guiding you on starting your AI adventure. Let’s navigate through the AI landscape together, making the seemingly daunting aspects of AI more approachable and unlocking its potential to boost our understanding, productivity, and creativity.

Often, the first question I pose to AI novices is, “What do you plan to use AI for?” Surprisingly, this question stumps many, not from a lack of interest, but because they are unaware of AI’s capabilities. The media showcases the wonders of AI-generated photos, videos, and sounds, which, while impressive, can also be overwhelming. Yet, AI’s real gem lies in text-based applications, where it has rapidly expanded its influence, largely thanks to the advancements in Large Language Models (LLMs).

My personal use of AI gravitates towards these text-based applications, which form the foundation for many audio/visual AI tools we see today. So, why is text-based AI so revolutionary, and how do I leverage it? Here are practical examples of how AI can streamline your tasks and enhance creativity:

• Review and Summarize Documents: AI platforms can digest and summarize content from a range of documents. Tools like Microsoft’s Copilot even integrate this functionality within the document itself, offering seamless interaction.
• Generate Text: Stuck on starting an email or newsletter? AI can help kickstart your writing process, providing a solid foundation to build upon from minimal input.
• Organize Text: Presenting AI with scattered ideas and watching it organize them into cohesive text is nothing short of magical. It’s like having a personal assistant to sort through your brainstorming sessions.
• Edit and Proofread: Beyond basic grammar and spelling corrections, AI excels in enhancing text flow, clarity, and accuracy, acting as an advanced digital editor for your writing.
• Planning: From organizing an ice cream party to building a personal server, AI can outline the steps needed to bring your projects to fruition. Simply stating your goal can prompt AI to generate a comprehensive plan.

This is merely the tip of the AI iceberg. These examples illustrate the capabilities of general-purpose LLMs, but the market brims with specialized AI-powered tools designed to tackle a wide array of tasks.

For a deeper dive into the symbiosis between AI and English grammar, explore my book, “Anatomy of a Sentence: Bridging AI and English Grammar,” where I delve into more sophisticated uses of AI in enhancing language and communication.

Stay tuned for more insights in our “AI Made Easy” series, where we’ll continue to demystify AI’s practical applications and showcase how you can integrate this transformative technology into your life.