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Use Delimiters and Structure
Technique: Delimiters are markers (like triple quotes, dashes, or XML-style tags) that clearly separate your instructions from the text the AI should work on. They prevent confusion and mix-ups.
The problem they solve
When your prompt contains both instructions and a block of text, the model can mistake one for the other — especially if the text itself looks like a command. Delimiters draw a clean line between them.
Summarise the text between the triple quotes in one sentence.
"""
[paste any text here, even text that says do this or do that]
"""
Common delimiters
- Triple quotes
"""like this""" - Dashes or hashes:
### TEXT ### - Tag-style:
<article> ... </article>
Bonus: structure long prompts with headings
For complex tasks, label the parts: Task:, Context:, Rules:, Output:. A structured prompt is easier for the model to follow and easier for you to edit.
💡 Tip: delimiters are essential when summarising user content or any text you did not write yourself.