Work with AI without losing the thread
Split into sub-questions
Section titled “Split into sub-questions”Complex questions are easier to handle when you break them into smaller steps. Each step becomes one focused message, which keeps the conversation clear and prevents missed details.
How to do it
- Start with the final goal you want
- List the 2–5 smaller questions that lead to that goal
- Ask them one by one, using each answer as input for the next
- Summarize the result when you are done
Use an AI Expert for a sub-question
In chat, press @ or click the @ button to open the AI Experts menu. Pick one Expert and it gets inserted into your draft as a badge so the assistant follows that Expert’s focus. Only one Expert can be active at a time, so remove the badge if you want to switch.
Browse AI Experts
”1 question = 1 goal”
Section titled “”1 question = 1 goal””If you bundle multiple requests into one message, the answer gets fuzzy. Keep one goal per message so the assistant stays precise and the response is easy to reuse.
A beginner-friendly prompt structure
- Goal: what you want to achieve in one sentence
- Context: the minimum background the assistant needs
- Constraints: limits, scope, tone, or exclusions
- Output format: bullets, table, checklist, or step-by-step
If key details are missing, add placeholders like [fill in] and include a short “Clarifying questions” list so the assistant knows what to ask before answering.
When to use search vs full documents vs notes
Section titled “When to use search vs full documents vs notes”Use the right source at the right moment so your AI chat stays focused.
- Search when you need to locate a specific clause, keyword, or evidence fast. Start with Search in Contradic.
- Full documents when you need the entire file for context or precise reading. See Organize your documents.
- Notes when you want to add your own insights, summaries, or saved answers. Review Notes to understand how they work.
How to verify with citations / chunks
Section titled “How to verify with citations / chunks”When the assistant uses content from your workspace, it shows a small numbered badge next to the sentence. Hover to preview the source, or click the badge to open the details panel and read the full excerpt.
Use citations to verify
- Check that the badge matches the point you want to rely on
- Open the details panel if you need more context
- If a badge is missing, add a document or note to the chat context and ask again
Learn the full citation flow in Citations & sources.